Daniel White-Alikakos is the Director and Lead Physiotherapist at Leap Healthcare in Mount Waverley, where he helps clients recover from injury, improve movement, and return to the activities they love. Holding a Doctor of Physiotherapy and a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Daniel specialises in sports injury rehabilitation, running assessments, and strength-based recovery programs. With over a decade of clinical experience and a background as an elite-level sprinter, he delivers evidence-based care tailored to athletes and active individuals of all levels.

Pilates After Physiotherapy: Building Strength and Stability for Long-Term Movement

Completing physiotherapy is an important milestone. It often marks the point where pain has eased, movement has returned, and strength is improving. Yet, finishing treatment does not mean recovery is complete. Maintaining progress and preventing future problems requires ongoing movement. That is where Pilates becomes a powerful next step.

At Leap Healthcare in Mount Waverley, we guide patients through this next phase with small class Reformer Pilates sessions designed for long-term strength, confidence, and control.

Why movement after physiotherapy matters

Physiotherapy restores mobility, reduces pain, and improves function, but bodies need consistent movement to stay strong. When exercise habits stop after rehab, stiffness or weakness can return over time. Regular, guided activity helps you hold on to progress and reduces the risk of old injuries flaring up.

Reformer Pilates supports this transition by building balanced strength, stability, and mobility through controlled movement.

What makes Pilates different

Pilates is more than stretching. It combines strength, control, and breathing to retrain how the body moves. Unlike general gym exercise, Pilates targets deep stabilising muscles that protect joints and improve posture. Each movement is designed to enhance coordination and body awareness, which makes it especially helpful after injury or physiotherapy.

For example, Reformer Pilates uses adjustable spring resistance, allowing you to build strength safely and progress at your own pace.

How Reformer Pilates supports your recovery

Reformer Pilates helps address the underlying factors that caused pain or restriction in the first place. With physiotherapist-led supervision, sessions can be tailored to suit your body’s needs.

Common benefits include:

Strengthening core and postural muscles that stabilise the spine
Improving flexibility and range of motion in joints
Restoring muscle balance and symmetry
Building control and confidence in movement

Our small group classes ensure each participant receives close attention to form and progress, which helps maintain results long after physiotherapy ends.

Who benefits most

Reformer Pilates is suitable for people of all ages and abilities, including:

Those recovering from lower back or neck pain
Office workers dealing with stiffness from prolonged sitting
Athletes rebuilding strength after injury
Anyone wanting to prevent future pain and move more freely

At Leap Healthcare, our classes are ideal for people who prefer a calm, supportive environment where every session builds toward better everyday movement.

How Leap Healthcare integrates Pilates and physiotherapy

Our physiotherapists work directly with patients to decide when to transition from treatment to Reformer Pilates. This ensures that every program is based on your recovery stage and personal goals.

Typical progression:

Physiotherapy sessions address pain and movement restrictions.
Strength and stability are developed through tailored home exercises.
Reformer Pilates classes continue this progress with ongoing guidance and safe progression.

This approach creates a seamless journey from treatment to long-term wellness.

Choosing the right Pilates program

When looking for a Pilates program after physiotherapy, consider:

Instructor qualifications – ideally physiotherapist-led or clinically trained teachers
Class size – smaller groups provide better feedback and safety
Program design – focused on gradual progression rather than intensity
Equipment – clean, well-maintained Reformers designed for controlled resistance

Leap Healthcare’s Reformer classes meet these standards, ensuring every participant receives professional care in a comfortable local setting.

Getting started at Leap Healthcare

Starting Pilates after physiotherapy is about more than maintaining strength. It is about feeling confident to move freely without pain or hesitation. Whether you are recovering from injury or simply want to support better posture and balance, our team in Mount Waverley can help you begin safely.

If you have completed your physiotherapy, talk to your practitioner about joining our Reformer Pilates program. Together, we will build the strength and control you need for lasting results.

Important information

This article provides general information only and does not replace professional advice. Please consult a qualified physiotherapist before starting any new exercise program.