Clinical Pilates
in Richmond
Physio-led reformer and mat pilates built around your body, your goals and what's actually going on underneath. Not a fitness class — a structured movement program.
Clinical pilates vs regular pilates
Regular pilates is a fitness class — same program for everyone in the room. Clinical pilates is a physiotherapy intervention: assessed, prescribed, and adjusted for your specific body, injury history and goals. You get the rebate because it's genuine physio.
Physio-Designed Program
Every session is programmed by a qualified physiotherapist, based on a movement assessment and your treatment plan.
Small Group Format
Max 4 people per reformer session. Your physio actually sees what you're doing and adjusts on the fly.
HICAPS Rebates
Because it's physio-delivered, most health funds rebate clinical pilates the same as a standard physio session.
Progressive Loading
You'll progress over 6–12 sessions with measurable change in control, strength and movement quality.
Who clinical pilates is for
It's not for everyone — and that's the point. Clinical pilates works best for people with a specific goal or condition that benefits from controlled, progressive, low-impact loading.
Post-Injury Rehab
Rebuilding strength and control after a back, neck, knee or shoulder injury — bridging the gap between physio and full training.
Pre & Postnatal
Safe, structured loading through pregnancy and returning to exercise afterwards. Designed around pelvic floor and abdominal changes.
Older Adults
Maintaining strength, balance and joint health. Low-impact, highly controlled, progressive over time.
Athletes
Movement control, single-leg stability, core/hip integration — the stuff lifting and running can't quite reach.
What you'll use
Our clinical pilates studio runs full reformer, trap table and mat-based work. The right tool for the right goal — chosen by your physio based on what your body needs.
Reformer
Spring-loaded resistance for progressive strength, control and full-body integration. Our most-used piece of equipment.
Trap Table
The most versatile piece in clinical pilates. Great for rehab, decompression work, and late-stage return-to-sport loading.
Mat
Bodyweight, bands, and small equipment. Perfect for breathing work, pelvic floor, and the home program you'll do between sessions.
Simple session pricing
One flat rate per session. HICAPS rebates available on the spot for most health funds.
Clinical Pilates Session
- Small group (max 4)
- Reformer, trap table or mat
- Physio-supervised
- HICAPS rebate available
Clinical pilates FAQ
How is clinical pilates different from a regular pilates class?
Clinical pilates is delivered by a qualified physiotherapist as a treatment — every program is built around a movement assessment and health goals. Regular pilates is a fitness class, same workout for everyone. Because clinical pilates is physio-delivered, health funds rebate it.
Do I need an initial assessment before joining?
Yes. Every new client does a 45-minute initial with one of our physios before their first class. It's non-negotiable — we need to know what we're working with before we load you up on a reformer.
Can I claim clinical pilates on private health?
Most major health funds cover clinical pilates under their physiotherapy extras. We run HICAPS on the spot — you'll pay the gap only. Check with your fund if you're unsure of your rebate.
Is it suitable during pregnancy?
Yes — clinical pilates is one of the best forms of exercise for most pregnancies. Our physio will modify programming trimester by trimester, keeping you safely loaded without aggravating pelvic floor or abdominal changes.
I've never done pilates before. Is it for me?
Absolutely. Clinical pilates isn't about flexibility or "looking pilates-y" — it's about control and loading. We have plenty of clients who'd never touched a reformer before their first session and are now doing it twice a week.
How often should I do it?
For most goals, 1–2 sessions a week for 8–12 weeks is the sweet spot. If you're in active rehab, 2× a week. If you're in maintenance or using it alongside gym training, 1× a week works.
Can I combine clinical pilates with PT or group classes?
Yes — lots of our clients do. We'll coordinate between services so nothing conflicts and everything compounds. Member discounts apply across recovery services.
Movement, measured
and meant for you.
Book a 45-minute initial assessment. We'll screen your movement, set your goals, and get you onto the reformer the same day.
Or email hello@shapeshift.fitness — we reply within 2 hours.