PILATES ?

[hsaunders]

I am want to do a Pilates course but there appears to be sveeral around and i am not sure which to choose.I am hoping to encorporate Pilates into our Back rehab program and offer this as a long term option for maintaing exercise once they have completed the program.I have already completed the Muscle imbalance courses so i was hoping for a Pilates course that took this into the functional group setting.I have information on Body Control Courses and The Australian Physiotherapy&Pilates group.i would be grateful your anyones experiences or recomendations.
cheers Helen

[perfphysio]

I would recommend the course run by Alan Menzies from the body control group (not related to the UK group).
I would not recommend any physio lead courses in Australia as they do not deal with the entire pilates repertoire. That is unless that is what you are looking for, a course that includes some pilates exercises in a remedial environment. This however would not be significant enough training to consider yourself as a Pilates teacher.

Here in the UK the best courses are run by the Pilates Foundation UK (www.pilatesfoundation.com). The full training takes 18mths - 2 years and can only be taught by someone with a minimum of 5 years post grad experience in teaching the method. This should be something worth considering when assessing your options in Aus.

best of luck

[dancemed]

I may be able to help Helen. While the full Pilates repertoire may be useful for someone pursuing Pilates for exercise unfortuantely for a back rehab programme there are too many exercises that would be contraindicated and unable to be supported by the evidence base. The programmes mentioned ARE NOT suitable for back rehab and Pilates teachers are not qualified to manage injuries. We have courses for physiotherapists accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Association that may be of interest to you.