• Improved posture and core stability
• Increased muscular strength and flexibility
• Prevention of injuries
• Part of your rehabilitation plan
• Restoration of normal movement patterns
• Enhanced breathing control
• Increased co-ordination and muscular control
• Firmer and flatter stomach muscles
• Improved overall body tone and fitness
• Improved balance and reduced risk of falls

Prior to your Clinical Pilates class, we perform a thorough assessment of your body. We check the quality of contraction in your deep core muscles, which are crucial to reducing lower back pain, and how other parts of your body react to certain movements and positions.

We purposely limit our classes to a maximum of 5 people so that you get dedicated support and expertise. We often perform combinations of mat exercises and gym ball work to allow us to spot mechanical faults within the class.

Although Clinical Pilates is often used in conjunction with Physiotherapy as a means to aid and recover a variety of injuries (particularly those of the neck and back), it is also very popular after recovery. Like anything, in order for something to function to its best, it has to be maintained properly.

Pilates can be extremely beneficial for patients with certain injuries, however, to maximise your results, your classes need to be specific to you, not just a generic tool for everyone. No two bodies are the same and all have their own strengths and weaknesses. Clinical Pilates (run by Physiotherapists, as opposed to generic Pilates) identifies these key points by applying carefully selected exercises to patients with specific injuries. This gives you the best results whilst minimising the likelihood of injury aggravation or a flare-up.

If you are interested in our Clinical Pilates sessions, it is essential to have an initial assessment with one of our Physiotherapist to assess the suitability of a core stability program for you.

Furthermore, if you have any queries and would like to talk to an expert, use our FREE ‘Ask A Physio’ service online at:

When I was 14 I suffered with severe lower back pain, caused by various sporting injuries, as I competed in athletics at a high standard. My physiotherapist at the time advised me to start Pilates, which reduced my pain significantly. Since then I have sworn by Pilates to help manage spinal pain – it’s all ‘DOWN TO THE CORE!’

So…Why Clinical Pilates?
Clinical Pilates is tailored more specifically to the patients’ symptoms, needs and goals. Prior to patients attending a Pilates class, I perform a thorough assessment to check the quality of contraction of the deep core muscles, which are crucial to reduce low back pain.

Classes are limited to a maximum of 5 people, where we do a combination of mat work exercises and gym ball work. This allows me to spot for mechanical faults within the class.

Once you have the right technique and improved your control, you can then ‘Spread your wings’ and ‘Fly to another nest’ to continue Pilates in a community class.

For more information or to book on a Pilates class at Physiofusion give us a call on 01282 453 110.

Kate Franzke (second from right) qualified in physiotherapy at York St John University in 2007 with a First Class Honours Degree. Kate has worked for Burnley Football Club and local rugby teams, and plays badminton for Nelson and Colne College. She is well known for ‘making a racket’ from time to time!

Image: Kate (second from right) with her badminton team…oh and just a couple of trophies.