Clinical Pilates
Matwork Level 1
The Foundation

Description

The Clinical Pilates Matwork level 1 course represents the foundation of the European Institute of Clinical Pilates educational pathway.

This programme is designed exclusively for Physiotherapists who wish to integrate Clinical Pilates as a structured form of therapeutic exercise within rehabilitation settings, particularly in the early and intermediate stages of recovery.

The course presents current evidence-based concepts of cervical, scapulothoracic and lumbopelvic stability, motor control and neuromuscular coordination. Emphasis is placed on clinical assessment, reasoning and the safe prescription of exercises according to pain, irritability and functional goals.

Clinical Pilates is clearly distinguished from traditional Pilates approaches by embedding all exercise selection within physiotherapy models of evaluation, progression and individualisation.

Participants will learn how to adapt, simplify and progress exercises, allowing a seamless transition from early rehabilitation to more advanced functional phases.

Participants will develop competencies in:

• Assessing local stabilizing systems (cervical and lumbopelvic regions)

• Selecting and adapting Pilates-based exercises according to pain, irritability and functional goals

• Progressing exercises from protection and control towards functional integration

This course clearly differentiates Clinical Pilates from traditional Pilates approaches by embedding all exercise selection within clinical reasoning and evidence-based physiotherapy practice.

 

Key learning outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Integrate Clinical Pilates into musculoskeletal rehabilitation programmes

• Assess local stabilising muscle systems (cervical and lumbopelvic regions)

• Select and adapt exercises based on clinical reasoning and patient presentation

• Apply evidence-based principles of motor control and spinal stability

 

 Core content

• History of the Traditional Pilates Method and evolution into Clinical Pilates

• Clinical Pilates as a physiotherapy intervention strategy

• Concepts of cervical, scapulothoracic and lumbopelvic stability

• Assessment of deep stabilising muscle systems

• Motor control and motor (re)learning strategies

• Facilitation techniques, imagery and tactile feedback

• Breathing control and relaxation strategies

• Clinical reasoning and exercise prescription

• Case studies and evidence supporting Clinical Pilates

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Duration

15 hours (2 days)