The Benefits of Clinical Pilates for Low Back Pain

annawilko
Sep 15, 2025
3 min read

Girl sat on the edge of the bed showing a physiotherapist where her back hurts

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy—and if you’ve ever experienced it, you’ll know how much it can interfere with everyday life.

Whether it’s a dull ache, a sharp twinge when you bend, or stiffness that won’t go away, back pain can limit your confidence and stop you from doing the things you enjoy. The good news? There’s strong evidence that targeted movement and strengthening can help.

At Perkins Physiotherapy & Pilates in Adamstown, one of our most effective tools for managing and preventing low back pain is Clinical Pilates.

What Is Clinical Pilates?

physiotherapist showing an older man how to do arms sitting on a reformer

Clinical Pilates is a form of exercise that combines traditional Pilates principles with physiotherapy knowledge. It’s designed to:

Improve core strength and postural control
Build spinal stability
Enhance mobility, flexibility, and balance
Reduce strain on painful or sensitive areas
Support recovery after injury or surgery

Unlike general Pilates classes, Clinical Pilates is physiotherapist-led and tailored to your individual needs. This makes it safe and effective for people experiencing back pain, even if you’re just starting out or feeling cautious about movement.

How Can Clinical Pilates Help Low Back Pain?

Here’s how Clinical Pilates can support your back health and recovery:

1. Improved Core Stability

The “core” includes not just your abdominal muscles, but also the deep muscles around your spine, pelvis, and hips. When these muscles are working well, they help support and protect your lower back. Clinical Pilates focuses on gently activating and strengthening these stabilising muscles, which can reduce pain and prevent flare-ups.

2. Better Posture and Movement Patterns

Many people with low back pain develop habits like tensing, bracing, or moving in a guarded way. Clinical Pilates helps you retrain these patterns through controlled, mindful movement, improving your posture and helping you move more freely.

3. Relief from Stiffness and Muscle Imbalance

If certain muscles are tight, weak, or overworked, it can contribute to ongoing discomfort. Pilates exercises are designed to rebalance the body, easing stiffness and helping muscles work together more efficiently.

4. Gradual, Safe Progression

At our Adamstown studio, we use specialised Pilates equipment—such as the reformer and trapeze table—to provide just the right level of support or challenge. This allows you to build strength and control without overloading painful areas.

5. Reduced Risk of Recurrence

Perhaps most importantly, Clinical Pilates doesn’t just help with pain relief—it addresses the underlying contributors to your back pain. By improving strength, control, and confidence, it helps reduce the risk of future episodes.

Why Choose Clinical Pilates at Perkins Physiotherapy & Pilates?

Physiotherapist teaching a lady how to correctly do a bridge exercise in pilates

At our welcoming Adamstown clinic, all Clinical Pilates sessions are:

Run by qualified physiotherapists
Tailored to your condition and goals
Group are kept small (maximum 1:3 ratio) for personalised attention
Claimable through private health if your extras cover includes physiotherapy

Whether you’re recovering from an acute episode or managing ongoing low back pain, our team is here to guide you through a program that’s supportive, safe, and backed by evidence.