REHABILITATION SERIES

The Polestar Rehabilitation Series is designed for registered rehabilitation professionals (MD, SRP, OT, DO, DC, RGN and certified athletic trainers). It provides participants with in-depth instruction in Pilates rehabilitation principles, techniques and practice. These principles and techniques are applicable to all neuro musculoskeletal dysfunctions, including specialities such as sports and dance medicine, and treatment for chronic pain.

The Polestar approach is comprehensive in clinical reasoning skills, and encourages adaptations and creativity to better serve patients and clients. Participants will be instructed in both original and evolved Pilates exercise and how to differentiate between the two in theory and practice.

The Polestar Rehabilitation Programme trains participants to use equipment developed from the designs of Joseph H. Pilates: Reformer, Trapeze Table, Combo Chair and Ladder Barrel. Polestar also uses mat exercises and the following small props: wall / door springs, the Flex Ring™ Toner, Rotating Discs, Balance Board, foam rollers and the gym ball.

The programme is comprised of a series of seven two-day courses. The courses must be taken in the following order: PR, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6. Successful completion of the series will enable registered rehabilitation professionals to gain certification by sitting for the Rehabilitation Exam.

Course description:

PF  Polestar Pilates Principals of Fitness/Movement   (2 days - 16 hours)
This non-apparatus course introduces current research in movement science, motor learning, bioenergetics, and communication science to instructional practice through six basic movement principles which are used throughout the Polestar Pilates curriculum. Tactile, verbal and imagery cues are integrated with the Pilates exercises. This course introduces Polestar Pilates Screening™, which includes postural evaluation and functional testing, to prepare you to properly design a plan to implement Pilates exercises for clients. This unique component significantly enhances decision-making skills as a Pilates practitioner. For those participants undertaking more than one series, it is only required to complete PF once.   

R1 to R6   (12 days - 6 x 2 day course modules)
After the Pilates Principles of Movement course (PF), the Pilates Rehabilitation program continues with six course modules scheduled approximately one month apart. The time between courses allows you to practice and become comfortable with the material before continuing to the next course. Each course is two days, usually Saturday and Sunday.  On the Saturday morning of each module from R2 onwards, we start at 08:30 for a 90 minute self-mastery check-off session with your instructor where you show them the practice log book (given in the first course) and get passed off on your mastery of the exercises by demonstrating and teaching them.  This session is included in the registration fees, and is in addition to the 96 hours of class time. 

You will learn the practical skills needed to become proficient with the assessment techniques, movement sequences and the application of principles learned in PR. The movement selections focus on early intervention and beginning through intermediate exercises on Pilates equipment, including Trapeze Table, Reformer, Chair, Ladder Barrel, mat and small props.   Additionally, you will learn:

• Cueing and movement facilitation
• Adjustment of equipment for patient safety and instructor efficiency
• Movement sequences for treatment of specific lesions
• Progression of movement following an injury
• Indications and contraindications for exercise selection
• Integration of manual mobilization skills and Pilates movement (appropriate to your scope of practice)
• To create treatment plans through use of case studies

For certification, you will be required to complete  the required reading and writing assignments, 40 hours of observation, 100 hours of self mastery practice and 100 hours of apprentice teaching, at your own cost where applicable.