Pilates for Back Pain and Rehab in East Brisbane

Jill Trevethan came to Pilates after her own back injury in 2002 and has made rehabilitation her special interest. At Shift Movement Studio in East Brisbane she works with people managing back pain or coming back from injury, in private sessions ($135) and classes of no more than four ($50).

Book online Call Jill: 0448 888 492

What the research says

Source	What it found
Cochrane review, 2015 10 trials, 510 people with chronic low back pain	Pilates is probably more effective than minimal intervention for pain and disability in the short and intermediate term. No conclusive evidence that it is better than other forms of exercise. Evidence quality low to moderate. Minor or no adverse events reported.
Low Back Pain Clinical Care Standard Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care	Staying active, rather than resting in bed, is recommended for an episode of low back pain.
WHO guideline, 2023 Chronic primary low back pain in adults	Structured exercise is among the non-surgical options the guideline conditionally recommends.

In plain terms: moving is better than resting, and Pilates is one reasonable way to do it. The research does not show it beats other exercise, so the best choice is the one you will keep doing, with coaching that suits your body.

How Jill works

Jill's aim is to help clients get out of pain and stay out of it, by giving them the tools to manage their own symptoms and prevent injury. Sessions combine STOTT PILATES on the reformer, chair and Cadillac with Foundation Training and Functional Range Conditioning, which focuses on joint strength and mobility.

Small numbers. One-to-one, duo, or a class of four at most.
Built around you. Each programme is designed for the individual and adjusted as you go.
Homework. You get practice to do between sessions.

"I have been working with Jill for over two years now and her knowledge and care with dealing with injuries I sustained through work has been life changing for me. She can find weaknesses in your body you never knew you had, and looks at the body as a complete system and builds on that."
- David, Shift Movement Studio client

"Jill's approach and vision has seen a rapid improvement in my posture, freeing up my shoulders and my breathing. Which has helped with my overall movement, breathing and sleeping."
- Darrent, Shift Movement Studio client

These are individual clients' experiences. Results vary from person to person.

Sessions and prices

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

Before you start

Pilates is exercise, not medical treatment, and this page is general information only. If your pain is new or severe, follows an accident, or comes with numbness, weakness, or changes to bladder or bowel control, see your GP or physiotherapist first.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pilates good for back pain?

A Cochrane review of 10 trials and 510 people with chronic low back pain found that Pilates is probably more effective than minimal intervention for pain and disability in the short and intermediate term. It did not find that Pilates is better than other forms of exercise. The quality of the evidence was low to moderate (Cochrane, 2015).

Should I see a doctor before starting?

Pilates is exercise, not medical treatment. If your pain is new or severe, follows an accident, or comes with numbness, weakness, or changes to bladder or bowel control, see your GP or physiotherapist first.

Should I start with a private session or a class?

New clients are asked to call Jill first on 0448 888 492 to talk through the best option. Private sessions are tailored to the individual; group classes are capped at four so the work can still be adjusted to each person.

What is Jill's experience with back pain?

Jill Trevethan was introduced to Pilates after sustaining a back injury in 2002 and has a special interest in rehabilitation. She has 20 years of experience and is also a Level 2 Foundation Training instructor.

Pilates or Foundation Training for back pain?

Jill teaches both and often combines them. In her own experience, Foundation Training has been the most effective practice for chronic back pain. More about Foundation Training.

How much does it cost?

A private session is $135, a duo session is $67.50 per person, a small-group equipment class is $50 per person and a Foundation Training mat class is $45.

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.