Do I Need to be a Physical Therapist to Teach Pilates?

A lot of people who find their way to Pilates Encyclopedia are at or near the beginning of their journey as Pilates teachers.

One thing they come up against when they start teaching out in the real world is that a lot of their clients will come to them with some sort of ailment, pathology, or musculoskeletal problem.

They try out Pilates because it’s easier on their body than a lot of other activities (like running, HIIT cardio, or martial arts). And because Pilates can be modified to fit their needs.

But when you’re new to teaching Pilates and come up against ailments and conditions you don’t have experience with, you ‘re unsure about what you CAN do for your clients. Instead, you focus on what you CAN’T do with them. Your training taught you contraindications. But that’s only the first step.

This mindset leads a lot of newbie Pilates teachers to wonder (and worry) whether they’re qualified to do the job.

In fact, one question I hear quite often is whether you have to have some kind of training in Physical Therapy in order to be a good Pilates teacher.

The answer: No!

Listen, I get it. It can be really intimidating working with clients who are presenting with conditions that you aren’t trained or prepared to deal with.

Yes, there’s quite a bit of fear-mongering going on around the Pilates community (and the health community in general) that can make you feel scared that if you try to help those clients, you may make things worse instead of better. No one wants that!

And it probably doesn’t help that there ARE some really well-known Pilates teachers who are also physical therapists.

But the truth is that although some of those people became Pilates teachers (after all, Pilates can be a natural complement path to the treatment they were already providing their clients), Physical Therapy expertise is NOT a requirement for Pilates.

I repeat: You do not have to be a Physical Therapist in order to be a great Pilates teacher.

It’s not your job to fix or heal your clients. Your job is to help them learn to move their bodies in ways that support their health and wellness goals.

Below are 5 simple ways you can support clients with pathologies.

Understand Human Anatomy

Developing a solid understanding of human anatomy is essentialessention for supporting clients with pathologies. This knowledge empowers you to grasp how a client’s specific diagnosis limits their movement capacity . . . and how you can help them reach their goals. Additionally, a strong understanding of anatomy proves invaluable when communicating with others in their health alliance, such as their primary care physician (PCP) or physical therapist (PT).

Research Pathologies

Looking up reliable information about the specific pathology that your client is presenting with is crucial. Inside the PE membership, there’s a whole category featuring dozens of pathologies. This resource can provide much-needed insights and guidance to help you create a plan that’s tailored to yourt client’s needs.

Nurture Professional Relationships

Building rapport and partnering with trusted physical therapists is beneficial. Establishing and nurturing these connections allows you to seek advice when needed . . . and facilitates the exchange of referrals (which is never a bad thing). This not only enhances your ability to support your clients on a deeper level, but also helps you become a recognized, go-to movement specialist within your community.

Obtain Medical Records

Asking your client to share their surgery or physical therapy notes with you is a key step. These notes will provide critical information you need to tailor your approach to your client’s unique needs. This is also where your understanding of anatomical terms will be especially useful. If you’re worried about the legal ramifications, as long as your client hands you personally these documents, you already have permission.

Collaborate with Healthcare Providers

Effective communication with a client’s physical therapist or doctor is essential when it comes to to ensuring you create a movement plan that aligns 100% with their treatment plan. The goal is always to complement their overall treatment strategy so that it supports their recovery process.

Improving Your Client’s Movement Patterns will Enhance Their Well-being

Focusing on helping your clients learn proper stretching techniques and improve their core strength can be highly effective. Many clients will come to you with aches and pains stemming from poor alignment or deconditioning rather than a specific diagnosis. By improving alignment, posture, muscle strength, and muscle function, you can significantly alleviate chronic discomfort . . . and enhance their overall wellbeing.

Refer to a Physical Therapist

Finally, if you feel that progress with a client has hit a wall, don’t hesitate to refer them to a physical therapist or other healthcare provider. There’s no need to feel embarrassed or view this as a sign of failure. Physical therapists are not your competition; rather they’re valuable allies who can work alongside you to help clients achieve their goals. Ultimately, the focus should be on collaborating to ensure the best outcomes for your clients, which is the essence of effective client care.

Remember, every challenge you face as a Pilates teacher is an opportunity for growth and learning. Embrace the journey with confidence, knowing that your dedication and willingness to seek out knowledge and collaborate with others are key to your success. Trust in your ability to make a positive difference and continue to support your clients with both compassion and expertise.

You’ve got this!