Physiotherapist-Led Pilates in Southampton
Why Choose Physiotherapist-Led Pilates?
Pilates is more than just a workout – it’s a science-backed approach to building strength, improving mobility and reducing pain. At Southampton Physio, our Physiotherapist-Led Pilates classes combine expert rehabilitation with tailored movement coaching, ensuring every exercise is safe, effective and right for your body.
Unlike generic Pilates classes, our sessions are:
- Led by a Chartered Physiotherapist – ensuring every movement is clinically appropriate.
- Designed for Pain Relief and Injury Recovery – perfect for back pain, arthritis and post-surgery rehab.
- Tailored to You – small-group and 1:1 sessions to suit all levels and conditions.
- Ideal for Strength and Mobility – helping you move with confidence at any age.
Who Can Benefit from Physiotherapist-Led Pilates?
Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing a chronic condition or simply looking to move better, our Pilates sessions are designed for you.
Pilates is perfect for:
- Back Pain and Postural Issues – Strengthens deep core muscles to ease discomfort.
- Arthritis and Joint Stiffness – Improves flexibility and reduces pressure on joints.
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health – Safe, low-impact strengthening for improved resilience.
- Post-Surgery Rehabilitation – Supports recovery after knee, hip or spinal surgery.
- Pregnancy and Postnatal Recovery – Helps restore core strength safely.
- Athletes and Active Individuals – Enhances performance and injury prevention.
Not sure if Pilates is right for you? Book a complimentary consultation with our team and we’ll help you decide.
Our Approach: How Physiotherapist-Led Pilates Works
At Southampton Physio, we integrate rehabilitation, strength training and movement education to ensure Pilates is both effective and enjoyable.
Step 1: Personalised Assessment
Every new client starts with a 1:1 assessment with our physiotherapist to understand your body, mobility and goals. This ensures that we tailor the programme to your needs, whether you’re recovering from injury or looking to improve performance.
Step 2: Foundation and Technique
We focus on controlled, precise movements to strengthen deep core muscles, improve posture and enhance flexibility – without strain or discomfort.
Step 3: Progressive Strength and Stability
Once your foundation is strong, we progress to more dynamic movements that challenge coordination, endurance and functional strength – helping you move better in everyday life.
Step 4: Long-Term Strength and Confidence
Pilates isn’t just about recovery – it’s a long-term strategy for staying strong, mobile and pain-free. Whether you continue with 1:1 coaching, small-group classes or independent practice, we provide ongoing support to keep you moving confidently.
What Makes Our Pilates Different?
- Physio-Led Expertise – Unlike standard Pilates classes, our sessions are guided by a trained physiotherapist, ensuring exercises are tailored to your specific needs.
- Pain-Free Progression – Whether you're recovering from injury or managing chronic pain, we design sessions to support your recovery and prevent setbacks.
- Small Groups and Individual Attention – We keep classes small, so you receive personal feedback and modifications to match your ability.
- A Complete Rehabilitation Solution – Our Pilates programme integrates with physiotherapy, osteopathy and strength training, offering a holistic approach to health and recovery.
Class Options and Booking
1:1 Pilates Sessions (Best for injury recovery and tailored rehab plans)
- Ideal if you have pain, injury or a medical condition that requires specialist guidance.
- A full assessment and personalised exercise programme.
- Flexible scheduling at our Southampton clinic.
Small-Group Physiotherapist-Led Pilates Classes (Best for general strength, mobility and posture)
- Small group (max 6 people) for individual attention.
- Focused on core strength, flexibility and balance.
- Suitable for all fitness levels - modifications available for injury or mobility issues.
Not sure which class is right for you? Book a free consultation, and we’ll help you choose the best option!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is Physiotherapist-Led Pilates different from regular Pilates?
Unlike general Pilates classes, our sessions are led by a trained physiotherapist who understands pain, injury and movement science. This ensures every exercise is tailored to your specific needs and recovery goals.
I have an injury - can I still do Pilates?
Yes! Pilates is one of the safest and most effective forms of rehab. Before starting, we conduct a full assessment to tailor movements for your condition, ensuring safe and pain-free progress.
Is Pilates good for back pain?
Absolutely. Pilates strengthens the deep core muscles that support your spine, improving posture and reducing pain. It’s one of the most effective treatments for chronic back pain, postural issues and spinal health.
How often should I do Pilates?
For best results, we recommend two sessions per week. This can be a mix of 1:1 sessions, group classes and home exercises.
Do I need previous experience?
No! Beginners are welcome, and our physiotherapist will guide you through every movement to ensure you feel comfortable and confident.
Booking
Book Your First Pilates Session Today
Move better. Feel stronger. Live pain-free.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of Physiotherapist-Led Pilates, book a session at Southampton Physiotoday.
- Book now and start your journey to a stronger, healthier body!
Patient Review
What Our Patients Are Saying
Excellent5.0172 reviews
5.0Excellent172 reviewsPosted on Google![]()
Marion Clelland14 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I cannot recommend Richard highly enough. After eight years of living with almost constant knee pain, I genuinely thought I was going to have to learn to live with it. The biggest impact wasn’t just the pain itself. My knee was constantly in the back of my mind and it affected the relationship I had with my daughter. I felt unable to do simple things like run around the garden or play ball games with her, and I wasn’t the involved, active mum I wanted to be. I had seen other physios over the years, but I never felt that they took the time to really understand what was going on. They tended to reach a conclusion quickly and focus on the knee itself. After eventually seeing a consultant and having an MRI which showed that my knee was essentially fine, I was even more convinced that I was simply going to have to live with the problem. Richard took a completely different approach. He spent time understanding not only my knee, but the impact the problem was having on my life. He didn’t dismiss the fact that I was genuinely in pain, but he explained how pain and the memory of pain can make the body become overly protective and sensitive. That holistic approach really resonated with me. The rehabilitation wasn’t simply a list of exercises. Every exercise had a purpose. Some were about strengthening weaker areas, while others deliberately introduced movements I had become wary of — twisting, changing direction and gradually getting used to discomfort without assuming that something was going wrong. Richard gently challenged my assumptions about what I could and couldn’t do, while always explaining why we were doing something and what I should be feeling. Most importantly, the whole programme was built around what I actually wanted to get back to doing. He understood that I wanted to be active, get back to yoga, be able to run for a bus, and play with my daughter without constantly worrying about my knee. About halfway through my sessions, I realised that I had started going days without thinking about my knee. That might sound like a small thing, but after eight years of it occupying a large part of my attention, it was enormous. I’m now back at yoga and can balance confidently on one leg. I can even hop around the garden on one leg at speed while catching a ball — something that would have been completely alien to me for most of the last eight years. I sometimes still get an ache, but my whole interpretation of it has changed. I no longer automatically associate it with weakness or damage; I understand that I have challenged it and sometimes it simply needs time to recover. Richard is an exceptional listener and has a real ability to sympathetically challenge your assumptions without ever making you feel foolish. He also gave me the independence to manage my recovery around working and family life. I particularly liked the way our discussions and exercises were documented and emailed to me, so I had something to refer back to at home. The appointments were efficient without ever feeling rushed — we covered a huge amount of ground and I always came away knowing what I needed to do and why. After eight years of thinking I was going to have to live with my knee problem, Richard believed that I didn’t have to — and, more importantly, he made me believe it too. If you have a long-standing problem and are considering seeing Richard, don’t even consider going somewhere else.Posted on Google![]()
Chris Revill17 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Posting this on behalf of my mother in law, Lina Watts. I used to have very limited mobility in my right arm. Someone recommended the Southampton Physio to me. When I arrived for the first time, I was greeted warmly and it made me feel very relaxed. Richard explained to me how he will analyse and help me with my problem. Now I have regained mobility in my right arm and I’m happy to recommend Southampton Physio. I thank Richard for his help. In my opinion his knowledge is second to none.Posted on Google![]()
Gabriela Barrett-Smith19 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Richard was super accommodating with an injury I was dealing with. He listened to what was going on, put together a really good plan, and I’ve made a lot of progress since. Definitely recommend.Posted on Google![]()
Nathan Johnson21 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Booked an appointment after I injured myself running. Richard has been very knowledgeable about the cause of injury and also with the recovery process. Ensuring that each stage is achievable and manageable around family life. Highly recommend Southampton Physio to anyone who would benefitPosted on Google![]()
Archana26 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent support and encouragement I’ve had a really positive experience with Southampton Physio, especially with Richard. He has been very patient, caring and encouraging, always taking the time to explain things clearly. He has helped me gradually build my strength and confidence. My legs and feet were painful and felt less stable before, but I’m now noticing much better stability and feeling stronger. It’s been a gradual process, but the progress has been very encouraging. I’m very grateful for Richard’s support and would definitely recommend him.Posted on Google![]()
Claire Robinson35 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
A great experience. Felt very supported by Richard who was very knowledgeable and listened. Richard was very reassuring and realistic. Richard worked with me as an individual and helped me to understand what my body needs. I followed his advice and we tweaked exercises as necessary and I’ve just completed a half marathon. Thank you Richard!Posted on Google![]()
June Davis54 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I would highly recommend Southampton Physio - they have a great team, friendly and caring. My knee pain was diagnosed and sorted with a good strength training plan tailored to me. I am very pleased.Posted on Google![]()
alan fraser62 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent service, professional, understanding and providing a tailor made approach. I would recommend this physo. I feel I am making good progress in my fitness and flexibilityPosted on Google![]()
José Cruz98 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent service.Posted on Google![]()
Debra Rich105 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Being a very active woman of 66 years, slowing down was not an option, until I hurt my back in October 25, but rather than make a recovery, the pain worsened, I was in pain no matter what I did, struggled to walk etc. I’d been told by an NHS physiotherapist that the damage had already been done, the exercises given made no difference. I was turned away by a chiropractor due to osteoporosis & a history of fractures. My GP sent me for an xray that showed two old fractures, degeneration and a vertebral process which must have been trapping nerves. There was no further treatment offered. I visited Ian Greaves for a consultation on 21 May 26. I have now had five sessions of physiotherapy with him and the difference is amazing. Obviously I have to put the work in to gain any improvement, but the difference is incredible. I frequently sail single handed and thought I would have to give the hobby up, but having just returned from 11 days away, having to pull lines, balance, lift an outboard on & off the boat to the dinghy & pull start it, row the dinghy & heave it up onto the transom. I am elated. I signed up to 12 week course, so that the exercise regime would become a habit. Personally I think if anyone really wants recovery then that is a desirable plan, 4 weeks just wouldn’t have been enough for me. Thank you Ian, see you next week!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more