{"id":7553,"date":"2026-11-04T16:39:24","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T16:39:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/integrativa.pt\/?p=7553"},"modified":"2026-11-04T16:39:37","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T16:39:37","slug":"pilates-reformer-clinic-what-it-is-who-it-is-for-and-when-it-is-indicated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/integrativa.pt\/en\/pilates-reformer-clinico-o-que-e-e-para-quem-e-indicado\/","title":{"rendered":"Clinical Pilates Reformer: what it is and who it is suitable for"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Reformer is one of the most well-known Pilates equipment. At first glance, it looks like a complex machine, but its logic is simple: a car that slides over a structure and a spring system that can help or challenge the movement.<\/p>\n

When used by physiotherapists trained in Clinical Pilates, the Reformer becomes a rehabilitation and prevention tool, adapted to the individual's condition.<\/p>\n

What is the Reformer<\/h4>\n

The Reformer consists of a mobile platform, the car, which slides on rails. The car is connected to springs with different resistances, which can be adjusted for each exercise.<\/p>\n

It also includes a footrest bar, hand or foot straps, and shoulder supports. This combination allows you to perform exercises lying down, sitting, on your knees, or standing.<\/p>\n

What distinguishes the Clinical Pilates Reformer<\/h4>\n

In the Clinical Reformer Pilates, the sessions are guided by physiotherapists with specific training. In Integrative Pilates, the method of the APPI, the Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute, adapts the Pilates exercises to the context of rehabilitation.<\/p>\n

The big difference lies in the starting point. Before starting, the physiotherapist assesses each person's posture, mobility, strength, and medical history. Based on this assessment, he or she chooses the exercises, position, number of springs, and range of motion that are most appropriate for the stage the person is in.<\/p>\n

Advantages of the Reformer in rehabilitation<\/h4>\n

Springs can help or challenge<\/h5>\n

Reformer springs can provide both resistance and assistance to the movement. In a phase of pain or recovery, they can facilitate a movement that would be difficult to perform without support. Later on, they can be adjusted to gradually increase the demand.<\/p>\n

Less strain on the joints<\/h5>\n

Many exercises are performed lying down, with the body supported. This allows you to work on strength and movement control with less strain on the spine, hips and knees, which can be useful in the early stages of rehabilitation.<\/p>\n

More feedback on the movement<\/h5>\n

The moving car and the resistance of the springs give a clear sense of how the body is moving. It becomes easier to notice asymmetries or compensations, and the physiotherapist can correct them during the exercise.<\/p>\n

A gradual progression<\/h5>\n

Small changes in the springs, in the position or in the range of motion allow the requirement to be increased step by step. This progression accompanies recovery, from the pain phase to returning to daily activities or sports.<\/p>\n

A global work<\/h5>\n

Using the same equipment, you can work on the core, upper and lower limbs, spinal mobility, and balance. The body is worked on as a whole, not just the area where pain arises.<\/p>\n

For whom it may be indicated<\/h4>\n

The Clinical Pilates Reformer can be indicated in different situations, always after an evaluation:<\/p>\n