About Clinical Pilates

Clinical Pilates is modified Pilates for rehabilitation. At Breathe, we specialise in helping people living or working in Melbourne city CBD, with spinal injuries and conditions including disc bulge, disc herniation, disc prolapse, spondylolisthesis, stenosis, scoliosis, osteoarthritis, vertebral end-plate fractures and pelvic fractures. If you suffer from back, shoulder or neck pain, Breathe Clinical Pilates can help you reduce your pain and increase your ability to function effectively and comfortably. We can help you get back to doing the things you want to do, whether that be sports, running, gardening, riding or just putting on your shoes without pain.

Through Clinical Pilates rehabilitation we will help you learn to move more fluidly and safely, with less strain, less pain and more strength. We'll teach you how to correctly strengthen your core, whilst keeping you safe. We'll help you to improve your flexibility and balance, so that your body works the way it is meant to; easily and well.

The Breathe Approach to rehabilitating spinal injuries

At our Melbourne CBD studio, we use a 3-fold strategy for spinal injury rehabilitation with Clinical Pilates. We will work with you to improve your posture, teach you self muscle-release techniques and develop a program of core strengthening, stability exercises to effectively support your back.

1. Postural improvement

Your posture has a dramatic and profound effect on how your spine is loaded. Spinal injuries almost always benefit from postural fine-tuning, and we'll teach you how to stand and sit with ideal posture, so stress on your injury is minimised. One aspect of ideal posture is correct activation of your postural muscles, and we'll help you with this also, to help you to stand, sit and move in a manner that supports your injury, and spreads load through your system in a balanced, supported and controlled way.

2. Self muscle-release techniques

Living in constant pain, or even constant fear of pain, is not fun! We'll teach you self muscle-release techniques including stretching, Trigger Point release, breathing techniques and visualisation to give you the skills to reduce tenstion and dissolve your pain yourself. Learn to "nip your pain in the bud" and avoid the upward spiral of tension and discomfort. Balance your system by releasing tight areas.

3. Improving motor activation patterns and core strengthening

One thing that is very common with spinal injuries, is poor muscle activation patterns (aka motor activation patterns). When your motor activation is not ideal, your muscles don't switch on in the right sequence, or in the right proportion; so you may have some muscles over-active, and others not active enough, and thus imbalance and increased strain to your system.

We'll design a program of exercises specifically for you to improve your motor activation patterns (You'll learn to use the most effective combination of muscles to perform a given movement, especially the movements that have been causing you pain and aggravation). We'll help you safely strengthen your core and all your stabiliser muscles, and make sure your muscular system is in balance, giving you even support through your spine throughout each movement, and as you sit and stand.

Movements that commonly cause aggravation for people with lower back injuries include:

• Getting out of bed
• Putting on shoes, socks or pantyhose
• Standing or sitting for long periods
• Driving, and getting in and out of the car
• Gardening
• Running
• Cycling
• Sneezing
• Picking even very light things up off the floor

Through improved posture and correct motor activation, we can show you have to do the specific things that are causing you pain, in such a way that there is minimal load on your spine, so you'll feel more comfortable again. We will give you practical, simple and precisely targeted exercises to improve the way your body works, and allow your injury to heal, so you can live like a normal person again! For therapists, and those with a technical bent, you can look over our Clinical Pilates rehabilitation guidelines.

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Testimonials for Breathe Clinical Pilates

"For the first time in months I have no pain at all"

"I first visited Breathe in March 2008 after 20 years of intermittent sciatic lower back pain which was getting progressively worse. It was going to be my last attempt at being pain free. I had tried cortisone injections, chiropractic treatment and remedial massage over the years and whilst they gave me relief for short periods of time, it was reactive not preventative treatment. No one could tell me what was causing the pain, or recommended getting an MRI.
 
Two years ago I invested in a Personal Trainer who was instrumental in getting me fit and even with periods of back trouble (a pain where it felt like someone was pulling a string in my lower back which shot pain down my left leg and made it numb) I was determined to continue doing the things I enjoyed in life.  I began seeing an Osteopath who was also brilliant in making sure I was still able to achieve my goals. I ran a half marathon and completed a mini triathlon until the pain increased to a level that was debilitating and was making an impact to my concentration at work, stopping me from sitting for long periods or training as hard as I wanted to, affecting my sleeping and making me feel like my body was giving up on me.
 
I was frustrated and so tired of being in pain and having it affect what I wanted to do. I also felt like I was paying off a ‘body mortgage’ with the amount of money that I was spending on short term fixes.  I decided to find out for good what was causing all the pain so I had an MRI and was told that I had disc herniation in my L4/5 and L5/S1 discs. I was finally relieved that there was actually something wrong and I wasn’t just making it up.
 
I was advised to stop running (one of my favourite things to do and the only thing to keep my weight off) and to stop any high impact activity. I was not happy to say the least and with the fantastic support of my osteopath, trainer and my partner, I investigated new options. Through this, I found Breathe.
 
By this time my pain level was on average a daily 7 out of 10. I had forgotten what it was like to not be experiencing pain and discomfort. At my first session Raph gave me the best news I had heard for a long time – that I would be pain free in 2 months and be able to start running again. A big call I thought but I was prepared to give him the benefit of my doubt! With the use of a fabulous little tennis ball and an explanation of what my spine was actually doing I was sent off to do ‘homework’ for a few days. Being able to ‘self medicate’ with the use of a tennis ball was a revelation and it has become an invaluable friend. I now have multiples of this little yellow ball in my handbag, at work, at home and at my partners!
 
After my second 1:1 session, my pain level had decreased to a 2-3 out of 10 but the best part was being able to get back to more training, sleep better and get out of bed without it taking 10 minutes! Raph has been re-training me how to sit, stand, bend down, get in and out of a car and bed and increase my inner core strength. Through all of this, he has explained in great detail how each exercise was helping me and has taught me to be incredibly picky about how I was performing each one.
 
After my third session I literally danced back home. My partner Tim could not believe how energized I was. We both are ecstatic that for the first time in months I had no pain at all. My pain level was 0.
 
So whilst I am still experiencing some very occasional twinges when I sit for long periods of time, I pull out my little yellow ball and spend 10 minutes doing my exercises and I am once again at pain 0. I am a much happier, less stressed and emotional person at work, at home and at training.
 
Thank you Raph and Breathe – you have literally made a huge difference in my life and your proof is in the smile on my face and in my neutral spine! I look forward to increasing that core strength and getting back to my early morning run with my training group!"

Rachael Jamieson, 40, Recruitment

"I am forever grateful for the confidence and motivation"

Risharda Robertson, Team Leader Audits – 26 years old

"I have made more progress in the last few weeks that in the previous 3 years"

"After 3 pretty ordinary years of lower back pain, and a string of people who haven’t made any difference I have finally made more progress in the last few weeks that in the previous 3 years.

I am starting to feel stronger in the core which is translating to every part of my body and especially my outlook on life.

Thanks"

Brad Dunk, 40, Business owner

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"Pilates is the best thing I have done in a long time, it helps me feel a lot better both physically and mentally"

"Getting towards retirement age, this is the time where Body Maintenance is becoming very important.  I used to go to a Gym but I wasnt getting much out of it any more.  Then Breathe message appeared in my Inbox at work and Yes, I had been looking for something like this, so why not and here I am, six months later and going stronger. The first three months, I didnt notice anything major apart from standing taller and straighter; being tall, even as a child I couldnt do that.......

Suddenly, after Xmas, I suddenly noticed that my energy level was higher - I was even willing to do housework (my pet hate!!!) and stay in a good mood while doing it. Then I realised that my thought process was getting clearer. In the last few years, because of getting older and having been diagnosed with epilepsy and treated for it, it felt that my brain was always in a fog - this has disappeared to more or less what it was before all this happened.  My theory is that Pilates has helped the blood circulation in my brain cells and the result is obvious to me.  
My aim was to help with muscle toning, balance and coordination and things are starting to happen there. Various parts of my body are getting shapely again....  upper arms, buttocks, my calfs have got muscle definition again.... and my stomach muscles are starting to get some strength, for the first time in a very long time.

When I am stressed the stress goes to my neck and my shoulders.  Plus, I have a bit of a bump in my back and with stress, it gets painful too. As I am standing taller and straighter, this bump is starting to disappear too... I used to have a remedial massage every 2 weeks.  The first three months of Pilates, my massage therapist was not available.  I thought I wouldnt be able to cope without my fortnightly masssages. Well, I only had one massage during that time.  Now that she is back, I still have massages but it is more for relaxation and for a good chat.
As a whole, Pilates is the best thing I have done in a long time, it helps me feel a lot better both physically and mentally.

I had a pretty stressful time at work a few weeks back with employment insecurity - Pilates relaxed me and helped me coping with the situation and looking at it more calmly.  My Mondays will never be the same again without my Small Group class - it has become an addiction. I found that Pilates is helping me accepting getting older and helping with the aging process - it is a fantastic maintenance programme. I recommend it to all Baby Boomers.

And a very important fact is that the staff are ever so nice and helpfull.  Thanks to all of you for sorting out the problems with my sessions when I didnt know if I was going away for work or not.  I am very gratefull for this.  Thanks to Raphael for helping finding a solution to my sugar levels when exercising (merci, mon ami) and to Anne for helping me when I had forgotten my sport drink and a nice cup of sweet tea was needed to make me feel better within a couple of minutes to go back to the class straight away."

Yolaine Dugue - A Baby Boomer from North Melbourne - IT - Business Analyst

"I no longer walk around with Nurofen in my handbag."

"In February 2007 I suffered a severe herniation of my L5/S1 disc. After my injury, pain became every part of my day and I thought I would just have to learn to get used to it. By the end of each day I was in so much pain I could barely sit in my chair, and getting in the car after work was the worst moment of every day. I couldn’t even change the sheets on the bed; couldn’t even sit on the sofa to watch TV. I was really starting to get depressed about it.

I saw all kinds of therapists and doctors. I ended up having an MRI and then seeing a surgeon who recommended me having lower branch block injections and a few other needles into my spine. In all I had 4 trips to day surgery to try and improve my pain, however with little success. The surgeon was great and the last injection of cortisone was helpful but wasn’t a long-term solution. I refused spinal surgery, as I am only 30.

It was then that I started Breathe Pilates! Wow! Who would believe that in my first one-on-one session with Raph I would feel such improvement?

Now, after 2 months at Breathe, I no longer walk around with Nurophen in my handbag. I have a tennis ball instead (you’ll need to ask Raph about that one!!). I can bend over and pick things up without pain, I can sit at my desk for longer, and driving isn’t so bad anymore. I can do housework, which of course makes me more popular at home; I am not so stressed and sore by the end of the day. Even on a bad day at least now I have the techniques to be able to make myself feel better.

The exciting thing is knowing that one day in the future when I have kids, my back will be strong enough to support me. Thanks to the great team of people at Breathe, who are helping me achieve this goal!"

Katrina Meek, 30, Balaclava, Hotel General Manager

"I look forward to coming here everyday!"

"Together you’ve created a phenomenal space. Synchronicity. I look forward to coming here everyday (if I can!) as do many of your other Breathers. If your ‘philosophy’ (objective) was to create a space where people fell welcome, appreciated & wanted, you’ve succeeded.

Thank you for creating a space that brings space, calmness, peace & harmony"

Sarah Allen, Recruiing Consultant

"I feel great, no sore backs and no headaches."

"After years of a bad back, regular monthly visits to the Osteopath and constant back pain to the point of headaches and feeling like my spine was grinding on itself, I decided, based on a recommendation, to try Pilates. Initially hesitant about whether Pilates was for "guys" I took some one-on-one classes with Raphael, who soon put me at ease and started me on a program of exercises. After six of these sessions I was starting to feel better and had only been to the Osteopath once in six weeks. I then progressed to small group classes before quickly moving to regular classes two - three times a week.

I have been doing Pilates for seven months now and I feel great, no sore backs and no headaches. With the added benefit of being fitter and stronger, and feeling really alive after each class, my energy levels have lifted and my concentration levels are much higher, plus I haven't seen my Osteo for six months now!

I can't recommend Breathe highly enough, the team are great, the classes are fun & the instructors know everyone and are always giving out tips to help you improve"

Adam Coddington, 38, Project Manager

"After 6 weeks ... I can honestly say that I have NO back pain"

"I'm 40 years old, I've played sport at a national level and for long periods of my life I've exercised in excess of 20 hours a week.
Over the last few years I've started experiencing lower back pain, first periodically and for the last year quite consistently.

My pain has been tolerable but intrusive. Its' been there as background hum (always) but occasionally has peaked for short periods
where I have no choice but to sit down and wait for it to clear. Ongoing treatment with an osteopath has brought short-term relief
but this never lasts more than a week beyond the consultation.

Breathe came recommended and despite my scepticism that Pilates could meet all my needs, this fabulous studio has done so and
more. Just walk into the place and you'll get a sense of warmth and calm focus. The great thing is it's not window dressing; it doesn't
evaporate once you sign up but is consistently carried through every part of the business.

From day one every member of the team has been friendly, inviting and genuinely interested in helping me. The teachers are the
best I've met. The first session to help me set up my program was a thorough review of my structure, posture, history and needs.
It wasn't just a generic response either; it was very specific advice on how I could personally approach my goals.

I decided to really commit to the program and after 6 weeks of 5 sessions a week, I can honestly say I have NO back pain. It is
completely gone. I feel as fit as ever despite cutting down quite a bit on my running. The great thing is, the core strength I've
gained and the principles I've learnt from the team at Breathe have helped my running massively. I'm running quicker and smoother
than I have in years. The weird thing is the Pilates sessions never seem that tiring while I'm doing them but the results I've been
getting belie this.

I thoroughly recommend the team at Breathe...what more could you ask for?"

Mike Wilkinson, 40, CEO

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"Amazing results"

"Please allow me to recommend Raphael and the Breathe team. Raph has demonstrated amazing results with many patients we have
referred. The patients have immediate improvements of their overall posture, a reduction in pain of the lower back and neck and
general improvements of their wellbeing."

Dr. Shady Botros, Chiropractor

"The headaches, neck & shoulder pain and abdominal pains have all but completely vanished"

"Raphael, actually, after my few visits with you, I'm now doing so well it's almost embarrassing! I fear now I may be making others sick with my positively cheery disposition (just kidding). And I feel empowered, because now I can be TRULY responsible for my own good health and wellbeing. Actually, with Trigger Point Therapy I almost feel like my own practitioner... well, I suppose, who better to heal me than me????

Since coming to see you I have 'cured' an 8cm cyst on my left ovary (and I have the before and after ultrasound photos and accompanying sonographer’s letters to prove it) and my Ulcerative Colitis appears to be in complete remission. Furthermore, the headaches, neck & shoulder pain and abdominal pains have all but completely vanished and my energy levels have SIGNIFICANTLY increased.  I no longer feel permanently lethargic, malaised and totally incapable of even the smallest tasks.

Mentally and emotionally this has all had a wonderful effect on me.  Depression is a thing of the past.  I now feel 'open' and loving, balanced and safe.  I also feel.... stable and well grounded.  So, the emotional roller coaster ride has finally finished. All this has had a wonderful effect on my relationship, and Nick and I are experiencing new levels of love that we have not achieved before. Throughout this process - individually, and together, we have grown. This has been a wonderful time of shedding, releasing, embracing, accepting.... and loving, of course!

So, thank you VERY much!!! I still have one pre-paid session unused, but I'm saving it until I feel I really need it (which may be never).... so your not having seen me is actually a good thing. Since coming to you my whole approach to pain has undergone a radical shift and each day I grow 'closer to' myself.

Pain now no longer frightens the living daylights out of me and makes me worry that I may have some sort of serious mysterious chronic terminal untreatable illness. I am more 'in-tune' with my physical body and what it is trying to tell me... I really listen and actively try to decipher the messages it's sending me. (.... And sometimes these messages have nothing to do with the physical body at all). I then objectively acknowledge the pain and thank it for drawing my awareness to an area that needed attention.  Through Trigger Point Therapy I then release the pain with love and acceptance using the principles that you have taught me.

It is with great pleasure that I write this testimonial for you.  It is one small thing that I give you in return for the very great thing that you have given me... an understanding of how my body works and a practical method for healing it.

Take care, and thank you."

Sebastiana (Nella) Santisi, Mount Waverley Victoria, 27 August 2007

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"It's a fantastic feeling to notice my strength and flexibility increasing with every class"

"After a yoga session at Breathe, I feel energised, calm and centred. It's a fantastic feeling to notice my strength and flexibility increasing with every class.

As well as being highly skilled, all of the instructors bring a warm and sincere energy to each class. It's also a unique and lovely space to practice in. In essence, the sense of wellbeing that I take away from each class makes the time that I devote to it extremely worthwile."

Daphena Renton, 32, Melbourne City

"My Pilates classes are a highlight of my day"

"After living with chronic lower back pain for almost a year, I was introduced to Breathe by a friend. I was made to feel extremely welcome and the improvements in my back began almost immediately. After around two months of classes I am feeling stronger, healthier and the pain in my back has reduced dramatically. More than just a part of my routine, my Pilates classes are a highlight of my day and week. Not only have they become an integral part of my pain/discomfort management, without the use of drugs or creams, but they force me to slow down and take 45 minutes out of day and decompress, refresh and do something for myself.  Afterwards, not only do I feel physically stimulated, but mentally refreshed as a great bonus."

Isabelle Oderberg, 28, News Editor

"I leave every class feeling stronger - physically and mentally"

"After suffering lower back pain for a few years I had developed a fear of exercising as it more than often caused more back issues.  My osteopath recommended Raphael at Breathe and since then I haven't looked back.  After six months of classes and slowly building up my strength its hard to remember how far we have come.  Now I feel fit, walk taller and I am getting that new toned body. Raphael and the team at Breathe are a wonderful in support - they really encouraged me.

Most importantly, I leave every class feeling stronger - physically and mentally.  Do your body & mind a favour and give it a try.  You won't look back!  And if you are anything like me...it may result in that extra confidence encouraging you to make changes to your life.  Positive changes."

Nadine Parkington, 36, Advertising

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"My pain is reduced ...the tension and tightness has almost reduced entirely"

"2 years ago I suffered a fractured pelvis in three places and deep tissue injury to my back, following a serious car accident. I spent
4 months on crutches and suffered memory loss. Coming back from my injury I felt nervous; I'd lost a lot of strength and was
fearful of aggravating my injuries or jarring anything. I did things quite gingerly and was guarded and protective of my body.

Within my first session at Breathe I started feeling more aware of my body, after attending Breathe for 6 weeks my pain is reduced
and my lower back is so much better; the tension and tightness has almost reduced entirely. I can accurately identify what is real
pain versus nervousness or tension.

The fear of being restricted by my injury is slowly going as well; I've signed up to do a fun run with some friends from work. I feel
like I will actually get back up to my previous capabilities, where I used to feel that my full fitness would never return.

One of the best things is that I genuinely look forward to the exercises. Even after a long day at the office, even in winter and on a
cold night. The Breathe studios are calming, welcoming and not intimidating. I get a tailored, specific routine making the exercise
rewarding and so beneficial. I can feel my confidence growing. I leave feeling better every time.

For me, the personal focus has been so much a part of embracing a whole new approach to my health, my weight and my fitness.
I'm now in a position to complete the healing and get my body back. I'd recommend Breathe to anyone.

PS: Thanks Raph and the Breathe Team, see what a difference you are making to me!"

Alison Hurburt-Burns, 25, Marketing & Business Development Manager

"I've only been completely pain free since I took up Pilates"

"A back injury I received as an adolescent has ensured that exercise has always been an important component of my life. I have tried
numerous forms of exercise including boxing, cardio, aerobics, fit ball classes and weights but I've only been completely pain free
since I took up Pilates a couple of years ago. Pilates has strengthened my core, giving my back the support it needs and has also
increased my body awareness resulting in improved posture.

Breathe is different from the other Yoga and Pilates classes I've tried (and over the years I've tried a few).

At Breathe members are treated with friendly courtesy and respect. The teachers are always willing to find one-on-one time to help
sort out any little niggles. I find that regular classes at Breathe give me the time I need to focus on my own needs, and most particularly
give me a reason to leave the office during lunchtime or after work.

I find myself coming up with excuses for going to class, and that I leave each session feeling relaxed, calm and ready to tackle any
challenge.

Breathe has helped me balance and better understand my personal priorities and both my personal relationships and work performance
has improved as a direct result. Even better, the free organic fruit has helped improve my diet!"

Melissa Jordon, 31, Analyst

"Breathe has ...given me movement where previously I had minimal"

"I had practised Pilates at another studio for over a year and was keen to put the team at Breathe through their paces. I was in, what
I thought, full physical health when I arrived, however, within minutes of my first one-on-one assessment, my Breathe teacher had
isolated (to the vertabrae) the cause of my past nerve problems in my hands which my GP had not been able to gain insight into
except "it's stemming from your neck". I have had the issue for the past 2 years. Explanation of the cause and exercises to release the muscles in my neck has given me the movement where I previously had minimal.

Since joining Breathe, I've become more aware of my technique and have become more effective and efficient in my Pilates practice.
Even if I have done the exercises over a hundred times before, I learn something new in every class I attend and can not only feel, but
also see the improvement in my postural alignment and strength. The teachers have been great in helping me re-train and regain
pelvic stability within weeks of an osteopathic assessment and have also given me helpful exercises to do at home to release tension
in my muscles in-between classes. I have learned to Breathe in all aspects of my life - Balance, Restore, Energise, Achieve, Teach, Health,
Equilibrium.

My previous Pilates teacher's departing words of wisdom were, "You know enough about Pilates now to determine if an teacher
is good or not." I know I have found a fabulous teacher (or three) at Breathe."

Tina-Louise Low, 31, Management Consultant

Safety

When you have a spinal injury, you need to strengthen your core and increase your ability to stabilise the injured joint(s). To do this you need to exercise the muscles that are responsible for stabilising your injured area. In doing this, you need to be extremely careful not to overstrain or damage your already injured and thus weakened system. There is a fine line to traverse between improvement and overdoing things. For this reason it's critical to begin with a diagnosis from a specialist such as a phsyiotherapist, osteopath, chiropractor or orthopaedic surgeon, preferably from an MRI or CT scan.

It's important to use the right exercises for your particular body, and your particular injury. We'll consult with your diagnosing specialist to develop a program of exercises that will safely strengthen your body whilst minimising compression and shearing loads on your spine. You'll have strong abs, alright, but not a sit up in sight!

Stages of Rehabilitation for back injuries

This is a general guide to what you can expect when you're rehabilitating from a back injury. Specifics may vary for each individual. Talk with your Clinical Pilates instructor for a more accurate idea of you individual progression.

Stage 1: Reducing pain and improving stability for everyday tasks.

(Average 5-7 Individual sessions)

We'll assess your posture, your symptoms and your medical history, and consult with your diagnosing physiotherapist, osteopath, chiroprator or orthopaedic surgeon to develop a program that will get you results, safely and quickly.

Working with the 3-fold approach outlined above, you'll learn how to reduce your own pain quickly and safely with targeted micro-stretches, trigger-point self-release, visualisation and breathing exercises. You'll begin to improve your posture, so that your structure is supported more effectively and easily, thus reducing the strain on your injury. You'll begin to safely strengthen your core and stabilise your spine with an individualised, tailored program of exercises targeted to your specific needs. We'll train you to be extremely precise with your technique, and to know exactly where your limits are. Your sessions will be fun, focussed and frank. Ask us why you'll even enjoy doing your homework!

By the end of Stage 1 of the Breathe Clinical Pilates program most people are able to do their everyday activities, such as cooking, walking, sitting, gardening etc pain-free.

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Stage 2: Increasing strength, stability and resilience to allow healing.

( Average 12-15 weekly Studio Pilates sessions)

During Stage 2 of the Breathe Clinical Pilates program, you'll transition from individual sessions to a small group Studio Pilates class, sharing your instructor with up to 3 other people. You'll continue to work on you individualised program of tailored exercises, as you gradually consolidate and increase your early gains, avoiding aggravation and allowing your underlying injury to continue to heal.

During Stage 2 you'll notice your resilience increase, so that you'll be able to tolerate longer periods of sitting, gardening etc, and you'll notice that you're starting to feel stronger and more stable. We'll also begin to work towards any specific goal you may have such as returning to cycling, running, skiing etc.

By the end of Stage 2 of the Breathe Clinical Pilates program you can expect to be ready to begin gradually reintegrating things like running, cycling, bushwalking, salsa dancing etc back into your life.

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Stage 3: Toning & flexibility for ongoing health and wellbeing

(Ongoing weekly Studio Pilates supplemented by group Mat & Reformer Pilates classes)

After completing Stage 2 you'll be ready to start working towards your non-injury related goals, like toning your abs, getting back into martial arts, taking up sky-diving, trekking the himalayas or whatever you're working towards. We'll help you ensure you do these things happily, healthily and pain-free by checking in with you during your weekly Studio Pilates session, and tailoring your strengthening and flexibility exercises to meet your goals. You can safely use the group Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates classes to fast-track your progress at this stage.

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Health Fund Rebates for Clinical Pilates

Health fund rebates may be applicable for individual Clinical Pilates sessions. Health funds which currently offer a rebate for Pilates include:

• MBF
• Medibank Private
• Australian Unity
• AHM (Australian Health Management)
• Australian Teachers Federation Health
• SGIO
• NRMA
• GU Health

Your health fund may require that you have a referral from a Health professional such as a GP, physiotherapist, chriopractor, osteopath or orhopaedic surgeon.

If you plan to claim a rebate for your Clinical Pilates sessions at Breathe from your private health fund, please let us know when you book your sessions so that we can give you an appropriate receipt.

How to book your Clinical Pilates individual sessions

Part of the benefit of individual Pilates sessions is the increased flexibility of times and days for your sessions. Your individual sessions can be scheduled at a time that suits you on a session-by-session basis, or alternatively you can do all your sessions at the same regular time; depending on what works best for you. To book your sessions, just call reception. You'll need to pay for each session in order to reserve your place for each session, as times tend to fill up some way in advance, and you're eligable for discounted packages when you purchase 10 or 20 sessions together. You can check out prices for individula Clinical Pilates sessions on our Times and Prices page (under 1-on-1 Pilates sessions). You can call us on 9662 1500 and book over the phone, or you can book your Clinical Pilates assessment session online, by clicking on the link below.

Rescheduling individual sessions

We do ask for 24 hours notice for cancellation if you can't make it to your session. This allows us to make the session available for someone else.

How to book your Studio Pilates (Small group) sessions

Studio Pilates sessions are available on the Committed Pilates-ite fortnightly direct debit; you can book your Studio Pilates sessions online, up to 12 months in advance (Group Reformer/Mat/Yoga classes can be booked 14 days in advance). Your weekly session can be at the same time every week, or you can take advantage of the flexibility of online booking to chop and change as much as you like. Your spot is reserved for you, so you’ll never ever miss out. When you start your Committed Pilates-ite direct debit, we'll book you in for your first 2 sessions, and then it's up to you to book online yourself.

Supplementing your Studio Pilates sessions with extra Mat & Reformer classes

You can supplement your weekly Studio Pilates session with up to 3 extra Reformer, Mat Pilates or Yoga classes at no extra cost, for ultimate toning, strength and flexibility. So whenever you're in Melbourne CBD you can feel free to drop in for a Pilates class. If you’re injured or pregnant, please see your teacher before you join in any group classes.

Benefits of Clinical and Studio Pilates