Clinical Pilates

What is Clinical Pilates?

Pilates was originally developed by Joseph Pilates during WW1 where he worked as an orderly in a hospital, here he devised a gentle exercise regime for patients who were ill in bed not able to do any activity. It became evident those practising Joe’s exercises were getting better faster.

Pilates is a mind-body exercise programme that targets the deep stabilising muscles of the stomach & spine to improve overall core stability & then continues building on posture & strength challenging both local and global muscles throughout the body. Focus is on performing each exercise with precision and control aiming to restore normal movement & encourage daily function without pain.

What You Can Expect

Why is Clinical Pilates different to doing it at my local gym?

Our classes are run by Physiotherapists or clinically trained instructors who have a greater understanding of pathology and injury. They are able to adjust, modify or choose an alternative exercise for an individual based on their needs. Our classes are small with only 10 people in each group, ensuring the instructor can keep a close eye on everyone & ensure you are getting the most out of every exercise.

Are the exercises different?

All styles of Pilates whether classical, clinical or fitness are based on the original theories and practices of Joseph Pilates and can help to improve strength, flexibility and control. However, other styles of Pilates do not take into account an individual’s injuries, history, pathologies and specific physiological needs.

I have been told I have Osteoporosis – is it safe for me?

Yes, Pilates has been shown to be a safe form of exercise in the management of Osteoporosis. The Royal Osteoporotic Society recommends weight bearing & resistance exercises to encourage bone remodelling & improvements in bone density. Depending on your diagnosis; whether you have Osteopenia or have had an osteoporotic fracture this will determine which exercises will be most beneficial – therefore, an assessment prior to a class can be helpful to talk through any modifications that may be needed.

I am pregnant do you offer ante natal classes?

We currently run 1:1 ante natal sessions, but all our beginner classes are also suitable for pregnancy. We recommend if Pilates is a new form of exercise to you to wait until after 12 weeks before joining a class. Once you are 16 weeks, we recommend avoiding exercises lying completely flat and certain exercises will be avoided or modified as you progress further through your pregnancy.

Can I start Pilates straight after having my baby?

We recommend waiting until 6 weeks if you have had a vaginal birth and 12 weeks if you have had a C section. We encourage an assessment before joining a class to assess for any potential Diastasis (separation of tummy muscles) which is very common after pregnancy, but exercises would need modification to ensure you are not doing anything which could be preventing optimal healing.

1:1 Sessions

We offer Clinical 1:1 sessions at our Stourbridge clinic under the guidance of a Physiotherapist. Sessions can include both mat based exercises, as well as use of our large peices of equipment the Reformer and Wunda chair.

A 1:1 sessions allows screening to identify the cause of the injury, not just the injury itself. At your first session you can expect a full assessment and tailored programme as well as time to discuss the important key elements which are the foundation of Pilates: Concentration, centering, breathing, isolation, routine, precision, control and flowing movement.

Pilates Timetable

DayClassTimeBook a Session
MondayMixed Ability9:30amBook a session
MondayBeginners / Improver6:00pmBook a session
MondayIntermediate7:05pmBook a session
WednesdayMixed Ability10:00amBook a session
WednesdayMixed Ability6:00pmBook a session
WednesdayMixed Ability7:05pmBook a session
ThursdayMove - Strengthen - Control

(Circuit class)
7.15pmBook a session
SaturdayMixed Ability9:00amBook a session
SaturdayMixed Ability10.05amBook a session

Our Clinic

Unit 1, Stourbridge Health & Social Care Centre, John Corbett Drive, Stourbridge DY8 4JB
(Free car parking to the front & off-street parking nearby)

Opening Hours:
Monday: 8.30am – 8.00pm
Tuesday: 8.00am – 8.00pm
Wednesday: 8.00am – 8.00pm
Thursday: 8.30am – 8.00pm
Friday: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Saturday: 9.30am – 10.30am (Pilates class only)
Sunday: Closed

Client Stories

Excellent experience. Sophie provided a thorough physio pain management and improvement program for my lower back pain. Both Sophie and the team were professional and were exceptionally helpful regarding flexibility of appointments due to work commitments. Highly recommend.

Lewis Hayward

I chose Mac physio due to recommendation and they were spot on. Sophia was able to identify my strained knee tendon and recommend treatment and exercises to get me back up and running. She provided exercises via the Physio tec app which showed the correct technique. I would recommend them!

Steven Pearson

Over the course of a year with a complex injury I’ve always had the the best advice and amazing support from MAC physio to assist my recovery. Brilliant service from making appointments to the online easy access exercise programme. 5 Stars!!

Louise Reather

I have been seeing Martin since October 21 with a frozen shoulder in lots of pain and with limited movement. He has been amazing and with lots of care, personalised exercise routines, hands on massage and manipulation, I have got most of my movement back and have minimal pain in my shoulder. He is very experienced, patient, and professional and I can't recommend Martin services enough and you will be in very safe, skilled hands. Thanks again Martin!

Kalpna Patel

Amazing service, I had been to so many people who couldn’t sort out my issue. The knowledge and experience the physiotherapists have is outstanding and you really can’t put a price on being able to resume to your normal life without pain. Recommend for anyone who is going through joint/ muscle pain or stiffness.

Yusuf Khan

Following a wrist fracture, Martin and his team examined me thoroughly and provided an in-depth, personalised workout regimen that aided my recovery. During the sessions Martin took the time to massage and manipulate the effected joint and made sure I was making progress. I believe his expertise shortened my recovery time dramatically and mean I’m now back to 100 percent function.

Jon Serdne

I had always been to a physio who was good, and I was a fan of physio as I played sport all my life and suffered for it!! I now have arthritis in areas (I am 61) but when I went to Annie my views went up into a different league. Her diagnosis was spot on there is a lot you can do with muscles and soft tissue to reduce the effects of arthritis. She found ways of curing pain that I can continue at home. I have never been so aware and understand my body.

Carolynne Clarke

Excellent Physiotherapists!
Our teenage daughter has been using Mac Physio & Pilates due to a lower back pain which had been causing her constant pain every day, for at least 2 years. The professionalism and knowledge of the pain issue, coupled with such empathy shown towards our daughter certainly went above and beyond any previous expectations we had. 

Jude & Guy Baggott

Had a Sports Massage with Jodie last week. I won’t lie, it hurt, but that’s the whole point of them in my opinion. The relief afterwards was intensely gratifying, and the visible results of tension relief was unbelievable. I thought it was muscle, but no, it was tension. The aches and pains have almost gone. Another session and hopefully I’ll be sorted. Don’t neglect your bodies people, you only get one. 

Anna Lawrence

I have seen both Martin & Annie at Mac physio as well as attending Annie's Pilates classes. I can't recommend them enough! After seeing so many different specialists for issues from a childhood injury, they finally found solutions to ease my back/hip/knee problems. They have helped me to keep on top of my injuries with hands on physio and exercises. After on and off treatment for approx. 18 months I still regularly attend Pilates classes.

Samantha Pearson

Very professional set up, even during covid. They have been my go-to and keep fit with on-line classes. Annie manages to always have a slightly different routine in classes but very easy to follow. they are well structured and super support. I started with beginners and are mixed ability now. I have advanced cancer in the spine, neck and hip.

Lenneke Van der Houwen

After getting nowhere with an NHS physio I decided to go and see Martin after being recommended by a friend. Martin gave me different advice to the NHS physio but as I was paying, I decided to listen! I should have done so months ago and my hamstring problem may have been resolved. I also did a 6-week Pilates course with Annie which was excellent and really helped me too. 

Sally Grainger

Went to Annie with a niggle in my back she soon sorted me out and gave me some exercises to maintain it. Not looked back. Now doing her Pilates on a Wednesday which is fab and really strengthening up my core. Thanks, your just GREAT!

Beverley Edwards

Went to Annie with a niggle in my back she soon sorted me out and gave me some exercises to maintain it. Not looked back. Now doing her Pilates on a Wednesday which is fab and really strengthening up my core. Thanks, your just GREAT!

Beverley Edwards