Clinical Pilates or studio Pilates?
"Clinical Pilates" has no fixed definition. In Australia it usually means Pilates run by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist, often after an assessment, and it can often be claimed on extras as physiotherapy. Studio Pilates is taught by a Pilates instructor. Shift Movement Studio is a studio: Jill Trevethan is a Pilates instructor, not a physiotherapist.
Side by side
| Clinical Pilates (physio-led) | Studio Pilates | |
|---|---|---|
| Who teaches | A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist, sometimes with Pilates instructors in the clinic | A Pilates instructor |
| Registration | Physiotherapists are registered health practitioners (Ahpra) | Not registered by Ahpra. Instructors can join Pilates Association Australia or register with AUSactive (AUSactive) |
| First visit | Usually a clinical assessment, often charged separately ($99 to $240 at the Brisbane physio and exercise-physiology studios we checked) | Varies: some studios start with a conversation or an assessment session |
| Health fund | Usually claimable as physiotherapy under extras | General fitness Pilates is not covered. Since 1 July 2025 funds may pay for Pilates used to manage a condition; HBF has since 4 October 2026 (PAA) |
| Class size | Often 1 to 6 people | From 1 to 14 or more, depending on the studio |
| Best for | A new injury, pain that needs diagnosis, rehab after surgery | Building strength and control, ongoing practice, life after rehab |
Where the term comes from
Australian physiotherapists have adapted Pilates for rehab for decades. One educator, Craig Phillips, says he has trained more than 10,000 physiotherapists in clinical Pilates (Physio+10 podcast). The word is not protected, so any studio can use it. A 2024 commentary asks whether "clinical Pilates" has become a catchphrase, and notes that the term has many definitions in therapy (Lewitt and McPherson). Ask who will teach you and what their qualifications are.
How Pilates instructors are qualified
- Pilates Association Australia (PAA) grades members by training and hours. Level 1 needs an approved Diploma. Level 2 needs certification plus 3,000 hours, or an Advanced Diploma. Levels 3 and 4 need 5,000 and 7,000 hours (PAA).
- AUSactive registers Fitness Pilates Instructors, who teach set group classes, and Pilates Method Teachers, who work one-to-one or in small groups on the full equipment, including the Cadillac, chair and barrels. For clients at higher risk, the instructor refers them in writing to their treating practitioner and works from that practitioner's documented guidance (AUSactive).
- Training schools such as STOTT PILATES (Merrithew), BASI and Polestar certify instructors on each piece of equipment.
Questions to ask before you book
- Who will teach me, and what are their qualifications?
- Are they a registered physiotherapist, or a Pilates instructor? Are they a member of Pilates Association Australia, and at which level?
- How many people are in the class?
- Is there an assessment first, and what does it cost?
- Can I claim the session on my health fund, and under which item?
- Which equipment will I use: reformer only, or the chair, Cadillac and barrels as well?
When to see a physio first
See a physiotherapist or GP before starting Pilates if your pain is new or severe, follows an accident or surgery, or comes with numbness, weakness, or changes to bladder or bowel control. Many people do both: a physio for diagnosis and early rehab, then a Pilates studio to keep building strength.
Where Shift Movement Studio fits
Shift Movement Studio is a rehab-focused Pilates studio in East Brisbane, not a clinic. Jill Trevethan is STOTT PILATES trained on the mat, reformer, Cadillac, chair and barrels, and is a Level 2 Foundation Training instructor, with 20 years of teaching. She came to Pilates after her own back injury in 2002. Equipment classes take no more than four people, and every session is 60 minutes. If you are seeing a physio, bring their advice to your first session.
| Session | People | Length | Price (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private session | 1 | 60 min | $135 | In studio or on Zoom |
| Duo session | 2 | 60 min | $67.50 per person | In studio or on Zoom |
| Small-group equipment class | Up to 4 | 60 min | $50 per person | Reformer, chair and Cadillac |
| Foundation Training mat class | Up to 8 | 60 min | $45 drop-in | Bodyweight, small props |
Book onlineCall Jill: 0448 888 492
Frequently asked questions
What is clinical Pilates?
There is no fixed definition. In Australia, "clinical Pilates" usually means Pilates run by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist, often after an assessment. A 2024 commentary asks whether "clinical Pilates" has become a catchphrase, and notes that the term has many definitions (Lewitt and McPherson).
Is Shift Movement Studio clinical Pilates?
No. Shift Movement Studio is a Pilates studio. Jill Trevethan is a Pilates instructor, not a physiotherapist. Her teaching is rehab-focused. If you are seeing a physio, bring their advice to your first session.
Can I claim clinical Pilates on my health fund?
Pilates run and billed by a physiotherapist can usually be claimed as physiotherapy under extras. Studio Pilates for general fitness is not covered. Since 1 July 2025 funds may also pay for Pilates used to manage a health condition, and HBF has done so since 4 October 2026 through providers it recognises (PAA). Check with your fund.
Should I see a physio before starting Pilates?
See a physio or GP first if your pain is new or severe, follows an accident or surgery, or comes with numbness, weakness, or changes to bladder or bowel control. Once you are cleared to exercise, a Pilates studio is a good place to keep building strength.
How are Pilates instructors qualified in Australia?
Pilates instructors are not registered by Ahpra. They can join Pilates Association Australia, which grades members by training and teaching hours: Level 2 needs certification plus 3,000 hours or an Advanced Diploma (PAA). AUSactive registers instructors as Fitness Pilates Instructors or as Pilates Method Teachers, who can work one-to-one on full equipment (AUSactive).
Where is the studio?
Shift Movement Studio is a home-based studio at 12 Biggs St, East Brisbane QLD 4169. Map and contact details.
How do I book?
Book online on the Book a Class page, or call Jill on 0448 888 492. New clients are asked to call Jill first on 0448 888 492 to talk through the best option.
Last updated 21 October 2026. Shift Movement Studio, 12 Biggs St, East Brisbane.
Related
- Private Pilates sessions
- Pilates for back pain and rehab
- Reformer Pilates in East Brisbane
- All studio questions
Sources
- Lewitt M, McPherson A. Pilates in 2024: useful clinical tool or commercial catchphrase? Journal of Alternative, Complementary and Integrative Medicine 10: 497, 2024. doi:10.24966/ACIM-7562/100497 strathprints.strath.ac.uk
- AUSactive. Scope of practice for Registered Pilates Professionals. ausactive.org.au
- Pilates Association Australia. What do the levels of PAA Pilates Practitioner membership signify? www.pilates.org.au
- Pilates Association Australia. HBF reintroduces rebates for Pilates. 9 October 2026. www.pilates.org.au
- Australian Government Department of Health. PHI 51/25: Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 5) 2025. www.health.gov.au
- Ahpra. Physiotherapy Board of Australia: registration. www.physiotherapyboard.gov.au
- Physio+10 podcast. Craig Phillips: clinician, educator, entrepreneur. physioplus10.buzzsprout.com