Pilates is a system of exercise/rehabilitation that was developed by Joseph. H. Pilates in the early part of the last century.
The first Pilates Studio opened in New York around 1926 and the system of precise exercises performed against spring resistance on specially designed machines or on mats was quickly embraced by the dance community as the perfect compliment to dance training and in the rehabilitation and prevention of dance injuries. Devotees of the Pilates method included members of what was to become New York City Ballet and Modern Dance pioneers such as Martha Graham. Pilates rehabilitation (Clinical Pilates) and Pilates fitness programmes are now being administered in clinics, studios and dance companies all over the world.
Clinical Pilates is Pilates that is specifically used for rehabilitation from conditions such as low back pain, sports injury or following surgery and is usually carried out by or under the supervision of rehabilitation professionals such as physiotherapists who have postgraduate qualifications in Clinical Pilates.
These programmes are designed to return the client to optimum function in their own environment this could be the home, office or up to elite sporting level. At The Practice our physiotherapists are all leading specialists in Clinical Pilates and work with clients with a wide spectrum of needs.
We specialise in women’s health, pre and post natal Pilates, osteoporosis programmes, dance and sports injury rehabilitation,”Pre-ab” i.e. preparation (strengthening, conditioning) prior to an operation and post op rehabilitation following surgery. Our client base includes mothers, office workers amateur/elite sportsmen and dancers, We are also the Practice of choice for pilates instructors and health care practitioners who wish to further develop their knowledge and expertise in the area of clinical pilates. Each client is assessed by a physiotherapist and prescribed an individual Clinical Pilates programme to address their particular need.
Clients are seen privately or in small group sessions of practitioner ratios of 1:2 or a maximum of 1:3.
What our clients say
“It has been so wonderful to find such a highly trained, caring team. I find their approach so eminently sensible and helpful that I have sent many friends to The Practice with problems that many others had tried to ‘fix’ and failed. Each time they came away with an improvement and much more importantly the tools to avoid repeating their injury!”
“ I have known Tony Kosoko of The Practice for many years and have nothing but extreme confidence in him and his colleagues. Tony’s knowledge of the human body is considerable and I know that he has studied treatments extensively. His advice is impeccable and all treatments I have undergone have been successful ! A friend of mine in L.A., who is a renowned physiotherapist, asked me if I could recommend someone in London for a client coming over to work here. I recommended Tony. She was so happy with the feedback she received that she has since sent other clients to him. I do Pilates at The Practice and have seen Tony for physiotherapy when necessary and also the osteopath there recently. The Practice is run vey efficiently and has a very friendly atmosphere indeed.”
“ Tony is my ‘go-to expert’ for my various hyper-mobility related injuries, aches and pains. I’ve seen him and also, more recently, Ellen and both are absolutely brilliant, I can’t thank them enough for always fixing me!! I have no hesitation in recommending The Practice to anyone that has a need for physio or medical Pilates. “
“ I am a huge fan of The Practice Centre, which I first attended several years ago for physiotherapy. I was then introduced to Pilates, which has become a mainstay for my physical health. The staff, clinical and admin, are wonderful.”
“ My teenage daughter attend The Practice (Anthony Kosoko) for physiotherapy treatment on her foot following an accident. Throughout, Tony listened very carefully to her, asked her the questions (rather than the parent, which is so important), took time to understand the injury and explained each step of her rehabilitation and follow up exercises. Tony addressed her as it was her injury and was very careful to make sure the correct approach was applied as it was a tricky injury.”
“ A very friendly atmosphere throughout. I felt very welcomed, treatment was brilliant and very patient focussed – Tony really listened to the goals I wanted to achieve and helped get me there. “
“ 1 have been a client at The Practice Centre for over 10 years and during that time the care has always been welcoming and professional.”
“ I can’t rate The Practice, its practitioners and its staff highly enough. I first attended several years ago for physiotherapy and was introduced to Pilates. I’ve been taking classes regularly ever since and have seen a significant improvement in my strength and flexibility. The staff are lovely — friendly, professional, caring. “