Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. Through his own experience of ill health he recognised that exercising was a route to improving overall general health (physical and mental well-being). He combined aspects of martial arts, yoga and gymnastics to create a method to increase strength, flexibility and balance with choreographed exercises that challenged both mind and body.

Please wear loose clothing – to allow for unrestricted movement

Ideally please wear Pilates/Yoga Socks – We work in socks or bare feet (although I would recommend socks). If you have socks with slip free soles that would be best.

Yes please. We use a Pilates/Yoga Mat as we will be exercising on the floor. Although I have some spares, for hygiene purposes it would be better for you to bring your own mat if possible. I believe that TK Maxx have reasonably priced mats or Amazon (look for Yoga or Pilates Mats). From time to time I like to use small equipment to help with the exercises or challenge you to work harder. I will supply all Balls, Circles, Bands, etc.

Yes. Please bring a small towel to use as a pillow Also we would recommend you bring a bottle of water with you

I ask for a one-off payment for the full course (typically a course will last about 6 weeks) - please see current timetable of course dates for more details. Payment can be either by cash, cheque or bank transfer. If you wish to use bank transfer, I can give you my details.

There are a number of different Pilates methods, but I chose to follow the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) which compliments my existing skills and knowledge as an Osteopath. The founders are working Physiotherapists who are also qualified classical Pilates instructors. They adapted the original 34 exercises using the latest clinical, bio-mechanical and anatomical research to create a model starting from the early stages of rehabilitation to a high level challenging fitness program.

We start with lower level controlled focused movements engaging the deep supporting muscles, before progressing to more flowing exercises that challenge the larger overlying muscles responsible for generating movement. As you successfully learn and achieve the lower level exercises you will gain the confidence and conditioning to challenge yourself further. Resulting in a well-balanced muscular-skeletal system that automatically incorporates great movement patterns into everyday activities, so we are less likely to come down with ache, pain and stiffness with normal daily functions.

Osteopathy is a primary care profession, founded in the late 1800s by physician and surgeon Andrew Taylor Still in Kirksville, Missouri. The son of a surgeon, Still soon discovered that in order to achieve the highest possible form of health, all parts of the body should work together harmoniously. His goal was to restore the body to optimum health with minimal surgery and medicine, influenced in part by the realisation that medical treatments of that time were largely ineffective and in some cases, harmful. Therefore osteopaths focus on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders and the effects of these conditions on patients' general health. Using many of the diagnostic procedures applied in conventional medical assessment, osteopaths seek to restore the optimal functioning of the body, where possible without the use of drugs or surgery. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the body has the ability to heal, and osteopathic care focuses on strengthening the musculoskeletal systems to treat existing conditions and to prevent illness. Osteopaths' patient-centred approach to health and well-being means they consider symptoms in the context of the patient's full medical history, as well as their lifestyle and personal circumstances. This holistic approach ensures that all treatment is tailored to the individual patient.

Osteopaths can treat a wide range of conditions / problems from the very young to the elderly. They see patients on a daily basis with the following problems: Low Back Pain Neck Pain Sports Injuries Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Shoulder Pain Knee Pain Ankle and Foot problems Sciatica and Trapped Nerves Cervicogenic/Tension headache

As well as discussing your current problem a full medical history will be taken. The Osteopath will then examine you using conventional medical procedures (where necessary) and osteopathic evaluation techniques (observation / palpation). Osteopaths consider the mechanical integrity of the body as a whole and as such it is normal for the osteopath to assess other joints / muscles etc. in addition to the immediate problem area. Following this process the findings and diagnosis will be discussed with you and an appropriate treatment agreed.

It is likely that Jane will use one or more of the following treatment modalities: Gentle rhythmic techniques to reduce tension in muscles / tissues. Articulation of joints to encourage movement and stimulate the flow of blood and lymphatics Manipulative techniques to restore joint function. Cranial Osteopathy Westernised Acupuncture Biophotomodulation (BPM) Exercise Prescription / Clinical Pilates

It is likely that Jane will use one or more of the following treatment modalities: Gentle rhythmic techniques to reduce tension in muscles / tissues. Articulation of joints to encourage movement and stimulate the flow of blood and lymphatics Manipulative techniques to restore joint function. Westernised Acupuncture Biophotomodulation (BPM) Exercise Prescription / Clinical Pilates

To make a diagnosis and treatment, it is usual for the osteopath to ask you to remove clothing from the area being examined and treated. This may mean undressing down to underwear. The osteopath should explain how much clothing it is necessary to remove and then leave you to undress in private and provide you with a towel or blanket so that you can cover yourself. If you are uncomfortable undressing to your underwear it may be possible for the osteopath to examine and treat you while you are wearing shorts or a t-shirt. You should discuss this with your practitioner.

Yes it is possible. Roughly half of all patients treated by an osteopath will experience some localised soreness in the area treated, which will usually go away within two days and can be relieved with over-the-counter painkillers. If your discomfort persists, please contact your osteopath for advice.

Yes of course. We are fine for you to be accompanied by another adult during all or part of your treatment if it makes you feel more comfortable. Children should always be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout treatment.

Osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists are all regulated health professions, requiring practitioners to train to degree level, and then to maintain their clinical skills and professional standards. Whilst all three techniques involve manual therapy, they are all based on very different schools of thought and their approach to patients is different. The body, as we all know, has the capability to repair itself, and osteopathy is based on this principle. As primary healthcare professionals, osteopaths have a broad base of training, allowing them to diagnose, treat and advise upon a wide range of conditions. An osteopath will work to help your body return to normal function, using techniques such as movement, stretching, manipulation or deep tissue massage to help achieve the best outcome. An osteopath will work with all of the muscles, joints and structures of the body, including the spine. Osteopaths use gentle, focused manipulation techniques to mobilise the spine and other structures and will continuously examine your body monitoring changes throughout treatment. A chiropractor will tend to focus on the spinal joints alone and use a quite different method of manipulation which some people may find more forceful. Osteopaths tend to use a more hands-on and individualised approach to assessing and treating patients compared to physiotherapists. Osteopaths will seek to understand their patient in the context of their lifestyle, firstly by taking a full case history, and then using a combination of skilled observation and palpation to feel how well the body, including the muscles and joints, is functioning. These all form an intrinsic part of developing a personalised treatment plan. Some osteopaths specialise in many of the same areas as physiotherapists including breathing mechanics, rehabilitation and sports injuries.

Osteopathy was founded in the late 1800s by physician and surgeon Andrew Taylor Still in Kirksville, Missouri. The son of a surgeon, Still soon discovered that in order to achieve the highest possible form of health, all parts of the body should work together harmoniously. His goal was to restore the body to optimum health with minimal surgery and medicine, influenced in part by the realisation that medical treatments of that time were largely ineffective and in some cases, harmful. ​ Over time, during which he treated patients with a wide range of conditions, from dysentery to sciatica and arthritis, with varying results, he gained a reputation as an effective practitioner. In 1892, Still took on the first wave of 22 osteopathic students at the American School of Osteopathy (now known as the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine). The first class of both men and women (symbolic of Still’s strong sense of liberalism) were taught over a period of two years, and included in-depth education in physiology and anatomy. He drew in full practice rights for his students, and upon graduation, awarded them the title of D.O (Doctors of Osteopathy). J Martin Littlejohn a physiologist and Osteopathy graduate moved to Britain with his family in 1913, where he worked in hospitals in a variety of jobs, until he helped found the British School of Osteopathy (BSO) and the Journal of Osteopathy in 1917. This helped to lay foundations for osteopathy in Europe. ​ In 1935, the British Medical Association campaigned for a new parliamentary bill, which saw osteopathy being refused any official recognition. Osteopathy was considered to be outside of mainstream medical practice in Britain and was not a legally regulated profession until the introduction of the Osteopaths Act in 1993, which led to the establishment of the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), as well as the Register opening, in 1998. Like other medical professions, osteopathy is now subject to statutory regulations and qualified practitioners need to register with GOsC in order to practice and use the title of ‘osteopath’.