Physiotherapy-Led Reformer Pilates

Reformer Pilates in Tottenham Court Road, London

Physiotherapy-led Reformer Pilates with Gus, building core strength, control, and posture as a progression from hands-on treatment — the spring-loaded Reformer lets us grade exercise precisely, supporting or challenging you as needed, so you rebuild capacity, prevent recurrence, and keep moving well at work and in sport.

Book Consultation

Physiotherapist-led Reformer Pilates session at Kaizen Physiotherapy & Performance in London

The short answer

What this treatment is

Reformer Pilates at Kaizen is exercise-based rehabilitation led by Augustin "Gus" Hadonou, a Chartered Physiotherapist and CSP member. Unlike a general studio class, every session is shaped by your clinical assessment and tailored to how your body moves and loads. The Reformer — a sprung carriage you push and pull against adjustable resistance — lets us grade exercise precisely, supporting a movement when you need help and challenging it as you get stronger. We focus on deep core control, spinal and pelvic stability, posture, and movement quality. This kind of active rehabilitation reflects what NICE recommends for low back pain (NG59) — staying active and building strength rather than resting — and is a natural progression once acute symptoms settle: a structured way to rebuild strength, reduce the risk of recurrence, and move confidently in daily life.

Areas treated

What's included

Physiotherapy-led programming — exercises chosen from your clinical assessment, not a fixed studio routine
Builds deep core strength, spinal and pelvic stability, posture, and movement control
Adjustable spring resistance lets us support or challenge each movement, so exercise is graded safely
Bridges hands-on treatment and long-term conditioning, so rehabilitation gains are maintained rather than lost
Aligned with NICE NG59 guidance recommending exercise and staying active for low back pain
Led by Gus, a Chartered Physiotherapist and CSP member, across our central London clinics

Boundaries of practice

What's not treated

Good practice means saying no when indicated:

Acute injury or symptom flare-up — settle the acute phase with physiotherapy before starting Reformer work
Certain stages of pregnancy or pregnancy-related complications — seek GP or midwife clearance first
Uncontrolled cardiac conditions or unstable cardiovascular disease — obtain GP clearance before exercise
Recent surgery without surgeon or physiotherapist clearance to begin loaded exercise
New, undiagnosed, or rapidly worsening pain — have it assessed before exercising

Patient journey

What to expect

Consultation & preparation

Wear comfortable clothing you can move freely in — leggings or shorts and a fitted top work well — and bring grip socks if you have them. If you are progressing from physiotherapy at Kaizen, no separate paperwork is needed; new clients complete a brief intake before the first session. Tell us about any current injury, recent surgery, pregnancy, or medical condition when you book.

During treatment

Step 1 — Assessment and movement screen

If you are progressing from physiotherapy at Kaizen, Gus works from your physiotherapist's findings. New clients begin with a movement screen covering posture, core control, spinal and pelvic alignment, and how you load through the body. We identify the patterns driving your symptoms or limiting performance, then set clear, realistic goals before any Reformer work begins.

Step 2 — Foundation: core control and alignment

Early sessions teach controlled, precise movement on the Reformer — engaging the deep core, breathing well, and finding neutral spine and pelvic positions. These foundations matter far more than intensity. Getting them right is what makes later, harder loading safe and effective, particularly for backs, post-operative recovery, and long-standing pain.

Step 3 — Progressive loading and conditioning

As control improves, exercises are graded up in range, spring resistance, and complexity. The Reformer's adjustable springs let us add or reduce load precisely, building strength, stability, and movement quality toward the demands of your work and sport — the progressive-loading principle that underpins effective musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Step 4 — Independence and recurrence prevention

The aim is to give you tools you can use independently. Many clients continue Reformer Pilates as ongoing conditioning to maintain strength and reduce the risk of recurrence; others move to a home programme. We review progress regularly, adjust as you improve, and can refer back to physiotherapy if a flare-up needs hands-on assessment.

Aftercare

You will leave each session knowing what to practise between visits, often with a short home programme to reinforce control and build consistency. Progress is reviewed regularly and exercises are adjusted as you improve. If symptoms flare or something does not feel right, Gus can refer you back to physiotherapy for a hands-on assessment before continuing.

Pricing

Transparent, all-in pricing

Initial Assessment

Price on enquiry

Follow-up Treatment

Price on enquiry

Written and medically reviewed by David Thomas , Founder & Chartered Physiotherapist · HCPC-registered · MSc · Chartered Society of Physiotherapy · Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) — Reformer Pilates as physiotherapy-led exercise rehabilitation, led by a HCPC-registered, CSP-chartered physiotherapist.

FAQ

Common
questions

How is Reformer Pilates different from a studio Pilates class?

Reformer Pilates at Kaizen is physiotherapy-led and individualised. Gus works from your clinical assessment and tailors every exercise to your diagnosis, movement patterns, and goals. A general studio class follows a set routine for a mixed group. For people recovering from injury, surgery, or long-standing pain, the clinical approach is safer and more targeted.

Can Reformer Pilates help with low back pain?

Yes. NICE guideline NG59 recommends exercise and staying active for low back pain, rather than rest. Physiotherapy-led Reformer Pilates rebuilds core control and spinal stability while grading load safely. It is usually best started once acute symptoms have settled, and Gus can advise on the right timing for you.

Do I need a physiotherapy assessment before starting?

Not always. If you are progressing from physiotherapy at Kaizen, Gus works directly from your physiotherapist's findings. New clients begin with a movement screen so the programme suits your body. If you have a recent injury, surgery, or undiagnosed pain, we may recommend a physiotherapy assessment first to confirm Reformer Pilates is appropriate.

What is the Reformer and is it suitable for beginners?

The Reformer is a sprung carriage you move against adjustable resistance, lying, sitting, or standing. It is well suited to beginners because the springs can support a movement as easily as challenge it, letting Gus grade exercise to your exact level. No previous Pilates experience is needed to start safely.

Where are Reformer Pilates sessions held and how do I book?

Reformer Pilates is available across our central London clinics, including our flagship at 111 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0DT, near Tottenham Court Road. Sessions are booked online through Jane at kaizenphysio.janeapp.co.uk — self-referral, with no GP referral needed. Tell us about any current injury or condition when you book.

Get Started

Ready to begin?
Book today.

Kaizen Physiotherapy & Performance • 111 Charing Cross Road, Tottenham Court Road, London WC2H 0DT

Book

Appointments typically available within 1–2 weeks