Rehabilitation-Based Pilates

Reformer Pilates in Soho, London

Reformer Pilates with Ann Salmon is rehabilitation-based exercise that builds core strength, control and confident movement — bridging hands-on physiotherapy and ongoing conditioning so you can strengthen, stabilise and move with confidence.

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Rehabilitation-based Reformer Pilates session led by Ann Salmon at Physio and Performance in Soho, London

The short answer

What this treatment is

Reformer Pilates at Physio and Performance is led by Ann Salmon, who trained in Stott Pilates and Polestar rehabilitation-based Pilates and brings a yoga background to her teaching. The Reformer is a sprung carriage you move against adjustable resistance, lying, sitting or standing. Because the springs can support a movement as readily as challenge it, Ann can grade each exercise precisely — easing the load when you need help and adding it as you grow stronger. Sessions focus on deep core control, spinal and pelvic stability, posture and movement quality rather than intensity for its own sake. This is exercise and conditioning, not treatment of disease, and it works well as a progression once hands-on physiotherapy has settled the acute phase. Staying active and building strength is what current physiotherapy best practice and NICE guidance favour over rest, and Reformer Pilates is a structured way to maintain those gains and support recurrence prevention for the back and neck.

Areas treated

What's included

Builds deep core strength, spinal and pelvic stability, posture and movement control
Adjustable spring resistance lets each exercise be supported or challenged, so movement is graded to your level
Bridges hands-on physiotherapy and ongoing conditioning, helping maintain rehabilitation gains
Supports back and neck recurrence prevention as an exercise-based adjunct, in line with NICE guidance favouring activity over rest
Led by Ann Salmon, trained in Stott Pilates and Polestar rehabilitation-based Pilates with a yoga background
Available across our central London clinics, including our flagship UNTIL Soho on Charing Cross Road

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 with a fitted top work well — and bring grip socks if you have them. If you are progressing from physiotherapy with us, 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 so Ann can adapt your programme safely.

During treatment

Step 1 — Movement screen and goals

Ann begins with a movement screen covering posture, core control, spinal and pelvic alignment and how you load through the body. If you are progressing from physiotherapy with us, she works from your physiotherapist's findings. We agree clear, realistic goals before any Reformer work begins.

Step 2 — Foundations: 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 more than intensity, and getting them right is what makes later, harder loading safe and effective, particularly for backs and necks.

Step 3 — Progressive loading and conditioning

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

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. Ann reviews progress regularly 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. Ann reviews progress regularly and adjusts exercises as you improve. If symptoms flare or something does not feel right, she can refer you back to physiotherapy for a hands-on assessment before you continue, so your conditioning stays safe and on track.

Pricing

Transparent, all-in pricing

Initial Assessment

Price on enquiry

Follow-up Treatment

Price on enquiry

Written and medically reviewed by Sam Harvey , Physiotherapist & Clinical Lead · HCPC-registered · 15 Years’ Experience · Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) — Reformer Pilates offered as rehabilitation-based exercise and conditioning, led by an experienced, qualified Pilates instructor and integrated with HCPC-registered physiotherapy care.

FAQ

Common
questions

How is Reformer Pilates different from a studio Pilates class?

Reformer Pilates with Ann is rehabilitation-based and individualised. She works from a movement screen, or your physiotherapy findings, and tailors every exercise to how your body moves and your goals. A general studio class follows a set routine for a mixed group. For people recovering from injury or long-standing pain, the tailored approach is safer and more targeted.

Can Reformer Pilates help with low back or neck pain?

It can support recovery and recurrence prevention as exercise, not as treatment of disease. NICE guidance and current physiotherapy best practice favour staying active and building strength over rest for back pain. Reformer Pilates rebuilds core control and stability while grading load safely, and is usually best started once acute symptoms have settled.

Do I need a physiotherapy assessment before starting?

Not always. If you are progressing from physiotherapy with us, Ann 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, recent surgery or new, undiagnosed pain, we may recommend a physiotherapy assessment first to confirm it 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 suits beginners well because the springs can support a movement as easily as challenge it, letting Ann grade each exercise to your exact level. No previous Pilates experience is needed to start safely and confidently.

Where are sessions held and how do I book?

Reformer Pilates is available across our central London clinics, including our flagship UNTIL Soho at 111 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0DT, with Liverpool Street and Marylebone also available. Booking is by self-referral, with no GP letter needed, and we offer a free 15-minute consultation call. Tell us about any current injury or condition when you book.

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Physio and Performance • 111 Charing Cross Road, Soho, London WC2H 0DT

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Appointments typically available within 1–2 weeks