Children are not simply mini-adults. Their bodies are in a constant state of growth and learning. From four years of age until twelve and above they will be intently listening and taking in the world around them.
There is no better time to create body awareness and good habits that they can take with them into adulthood.
Clinical Pilates can be a great way to introduce strength, flexibility and self-awareness to the growing child.
Some benefits of Clinical Pilates for children include:
- Increased balance and coordination
- Increased flexibility
- Improved body awareness
- Increased strength
- Better sporting and academic performance
- Injury prevention
- Improved balance and posture
- Increased confidence
- Improved motor planning
- Maintain fitness during sometimes painful growth spurts
At Health Point Physiotherapy we know that every child is different. Even when it comes to identical twins every child has their own unique personality and grows differently. Whether your child is looking to improve sporting performance or if sport is not their favourite past time Clinical Pilates could be a great way to help boost confidence and participation at school. Pilates can introduce them to a less competitive way to keep fit and active.
As well as being a great addition to a sporting routine when being done in isolation some other great qualities include:
- Can be done in any weather
- Safe, controlled environment
- One-on-one specialised attention
- Fun sessions tailored to the needs of each child
Some examples of children that have benefitted from pilates include those with growing pain and issues such as scoliosis, poor posture (especially children who become tall very quickly) and those who play any kind of sport such as gymnastics, soccer and athletics.
Originally designed for rehabilitation the strength, awareness and body control taught in Clinical Pilates has been used by elite athletes and performers for years. Classes are catered for individuals and can focus on their sport of choice or more general conditioning.
Prior to commencing Clinical Pilates sessions we take each child through our detailed Full Body Assessment. This helps to identify their main issues as well as general areas of strength and weakness. The Clinical Pilates program is consequently prepared based on the assessment outcomes. We also routinely use Real Time Ultrasound for children over the age of five. This allows both the physiotherapist and the child how the muscles work on the screen, making sure that they are engaging them correctly.
It also provides another fun and learning fuelled environment away from the television, computer screen or ipad. At Health Point Physiotherapy all of our classes are run by qualified physiotherapists and are safe, fun and effective. If you are interested or unsure if Clinical Pilates is for you or your child feel free to send us an email or come in for a chat.