How the Clinical Pilates Certification gave Olivia Purpose and Passion as a Physio Student!

My name is Olivia Suman, and I am in my final few months of my Doctorate of Physiotherapy degree at Macquarie University. Furthering my knowledge on exercise prescription was a priority during my studies, so when Unite Health’s Clinical Pilates certification was recommended to me by my new employer at the time, I was really excited.

From the minute my journey started with Unite, the team were so supportive. From speaking to admin, navigating the online platform, working through the matwork classes online, booking and attending the clinical practical sessions (during COVID times might I add!) the team at Unite Health have been nothing short of amazing.

If you are a new graduate physiotherapist, or in my case at the time, still completing your studies, the Clinical Pilates Certification is an invaluable ‘tool within your toolbox’ when it comes to treatment and rehabilitation skills. After just touching the surface of exercise prescription during my time at university, I really wanted to dive deeper into the world of rehabilitation. I wanted to learn how Pilates could aid in my treatment approach as a physiotherapist. I was lucky enough to find Unite Health’s course just before my first year of placements, which added incredible value to my preparation prior to placement.

Matwork 

Unite Health’s mat coursework program provided me with the groundwork to which I continue to build upon today! From learning the 5 Key elements of Pilates, to staple Matwork exercises and class structuring, the Matwork course set the foundations for my ongoing learning. The course presenters took care in teaching the fundamentals of Pilates, which helped as we slowly built on the repertoire. A highlight from the mat coursework was getting to participate in multiple classes run by the presenters. This was so helpful, as I was just beginning to learn about class structure, exercise layer and cueing. An invaluable skill that I attribute to the program, is learning how to progress and regress Pilates exercises, pending on how the patient presents in front of you. This skill is truly so crucial to a patient’s progress, and clinically reasoning through choice of exercise with the presenters was insightful.

Explore our Matwork Certfication here.

Equipment 

The equipment course program was jam packed with theory to support my physiotherapy studies, allowing me to brush up on my anatomy and biomechanics. At the end of each practical weekend, I was left with a plethora of new exercises across the different equipment pieces. Unite Health’s program initially stood out to me as they covered the reformer, wunda chair, spine corrector, cadillac and barrel – which has since allowed me to work with many different clients during the different phases of their rehabilitation journey. One of my favourite things about Unite Health’s clinical coursework program is that they provide ample case studies within both their mat and equipment practical days. Working through cases studies together within a group of allied health specialists and learning from their experience is something a student physio never takes for granted – particularly from those trained in musculoskeletal rehabilitation!

Explore our Equipment Certifications here.

Networks

Alongside the clinical training, these practical days allowed me to connect with physiotherapists working within different fields of healthcare. I have since stayed in contact with many of the wonderful people I met during my training, which has brought new job opportunities, friendships, and experiences that I otherwise wouldn’t have had.

Presenters

Unite Health’s team of supportive and passionate course presenters are friendly,  approachable and willing to share their professional experience with you. The opportunity to connect, on both a professional and personal level, with like-minded individuals was a unique experience within this program, particularly if you are wanting to step into the world of Physiotherapy and Pilates!

Teaching pilates really challenges you as a student, and an upcoming practitioner, to communicate with your patients/clients/educators clearly, concisely and purposefully. As I continue to learn and grow within the physiotherapy world, something that is so deeply undervalued is the ability to listen to your patient’s needs and goals and learn how to use
those tools to best help your patient. Unite Health has allowed me to pave a new path within my career, and I am so grateful. A path of passion, purpose, and opportunity to help others move.

I hope for any of those considering this clinical pilates course, I’ve been able to capture how Unite Health’s training programs will be the perfect place to start your journey!

Follow Olivia's journey on her Instagram page here.

To find out more information about our Clinical Pilates Certfication, download our course guide here.