Clinical pilates is a rehabilitation program prescribed by a physiotherapist to address specific injuries, pain conditions, or movement dysfunctions. Unlike traditional fitness-based Pilates, clinical pilates in Calgary at Altitude Collaborative Health is designed around your individual assessment and treatment goals—making it an effective bridge between hands-on therapy and independent movement.
Because it’s prescribed and supervised by physiotherapists, clinical pilates is typically covered under your physiotherapy benefits.
| Traditional Pilates | Clinical Pilates |
|---|---|
| Fitness-focused | Rehabilitation-focused |
| General class format | Individualized prescription |
| Instructor-led | Physiotherapist-prescribed |
| General core strengthening | Targets specific dysfunctions |
| Fitness membership | Covered under physio benefits |
Clinical pilates begins with a comprehensive assessment that identifies your specific movement dysfunctions, muscle imbalances, and pain patterns. Your exercises are then customized to address these issues—not just improve general fitness.
Clinical pilates in Calgary may be recommended if you’re:
Your physiotherapist will determine if clinical pilates is appropriate for your condition and goals.
Before starting clinical pilates, you’ll complete a 45-minute initial physiotherapy assessment. During this appointment, your physiotherapist:
This assessment ensures your program is targeted to your specific needs—not a generic workout.
Based on your assessment, your physiotherapist prescribes specific exercises addressing your individual dysfunctions. Sessions may include:
You’ll receive guidance on exercises to continue at home between sessions.
Diana Klaassen and Tomo Tsuchida (BSc, MScPT) provide clinical pilates at Altitude Collaborative Health. Both practitioners combine physiotherapy expertise with specialized Pilates training to deliver rehabilitation-focused programs tailored to your needs.
As part of our multidisciplinary team, they coordinate with chiropractors, massage therapists, and other practitioners to ensure your clinical pilates program complements your overall care.
Diana Klaassen
Tomo Tsuchida BSc, MScPT
Yes. Because clinical pilates is prescribed and delivered by physiotherapists, it’s typically covered under your physiotherapy benefits. We offer direct billing to most major insurance providers
No referral is needed. However, you must complete an initial physiotherapy assessment before starting clinical pilates. This ensures your program is appropriate for your condition.
Clinical pilates is prescribed by a physiotherapist based on a comprehensive assessment of your specific condition. It’s rehabilitation-focused rather than fitness-focused, targeting your individual dysfunctions rather than following a general class format.
This depends on your condition and goals. Your physiotherapist will recommend a frequency—typically 1-2 sessions per week initially, with exercises to continue at home between sessions.
Yes. Clinical pilates is particularly effective for back pain because it addresses the core stability, spinal mobility, and movement pattern issues that often underlie chronic back problems. Your program is customized to your specific presentation.
Interested in clinical pilates in Calgary? Book your initial physiotherapy assessment to get started.
