Our approach
Clinical Pilates, explained.
Assessment-led, physiotherapist-supervised, and built around your body — not a fixed repertoire. This is what makes the clinical model different, and how it applies to the specific conditions we see most often.
What it is
A healthcare model, not a fitness class.
Clinical Pilates applies the same core principles as traditional Pilates — breath, control, precision, centering — within a healthcare context. The difference is who delivers it and how a program is built: a licensed physical therapist assesses your mobility, history, and what's actually driving your pain or limitation, before any exercise is chosen.
Nothing is standardized. Exercise selection, equipment, and progression are all built around your diagnosis and goals, and adjusted session to session as your body changes. That's what makes it effective for rehabilitation in a way a general class isn't designed to be.
Curious how this compares to a traditional studio class, and who benefits most from each? Read our full breakdown: Clinical Pilates vs Traditional Pilates.
Conditions we work with
Find your condition.
Every article below is written by our clinical team — what the condition involves, which exercises help, what to avoid, and when to see a professional before starting.
Spine & Nerve Pain
- Pilates for Low Back PainWhat the research says about clinical exercise for chronic and acute low back pain.
- Recurring Back PainFive root causes behind back pain that keeps coming back.
- Pilates for SciaticaExercises that help, movements to avoid, and when to see a professional first.
- Pilates for Neck PainRelief for chronic tension through whole-body strengthening.
Joints & Structural Conditions
- Pilates for Knee PainExercises for osteoarthritis, post-surgical recovery, and everyday strain.
- Pilates for Hip ImpingementA program built around your joint mechanics, not a generic template.
- Pilates for Shoulder PainAddressing the specific mechanics behind shoulder pain.
- Clinical Pilates for ScoliosisAsymmetric, individualized programming for spinal curvature.
Complex & Chronic Conditions
Recovery & Life Stages
Programs & Formats
- What Is Therapeutic Pilates?Who this style of Pilates is for, and how it differs from a fitness class.
- Pilates for Rehabilitation, OnlineThe pros, cons, and benefits of remote clinical sessions.
- Happy Body Pilates ProgramLivestream and on-demand sessions open to all levels.
- Medicare Coverage in San RafaelWhat Medicare actually covers for clinical Pilates and physical therapy.
- Clinical Pilates & Physical Therapy, TogetherHow the two disciplines combine in one program.
Also working with: neurological conditions and movement disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and developmental differences. Zeina works with children, teens, and young adults to build body awareness, coordination, and movement confidence through carefully adapted Clinical Pilates and neuromuscular retraining.
Ready to start
One team, two studios — ready when you are.
In Ascona, most clients start right in a group Pilates class, with a movement assessment available whenever they'd like one. In San Rafael, every private session begins with a physical therapist's evaluation. Same clinical training standard, either way.