Health Connects Physio & Pilates

To book text /call Brenda Hardy on 07752315485 or email (see address below)
Small group matwork classes which are planned out, progressive and enjoyable!

I qualified as a physiotherapist in 2007 and was introduced to pilates the following year, whilst attending a colleague, who was treating me for chronic low back pain.

Initially I just did't get it. I thought it was boring and pointless. I wasn't out of breath and didn't know what I was meant to be feeling while contracting my 'core. '

My physio soon realised that I wasn't doing my exercises and basically gave me a telling off! From this point I started to apply myself and completed around eight one to one sessions of supervised pilates and was prescribed a progressive exercise programme.

Around two months later I was pain free and able to return to camogie. For the first time, following my injury, I was able to play pain free and avoid taking painkillers to play a match. Prior to this I had even resorted to playing with a heat wrap around my lower back. My flexibility and posture improved dramatically. I was able to bend forwards with ease, a movement that I previously avoided due to pain.

As pilates had worked so well for me, I started to use it as a treatment adjunct for patients with musculoskeletal problems such as low back pain, sciatica, postural problems and much more.

Over the years I've attended pilates and yoga classes both locally and in Australia, which has improved my knowledge and ability. In November 2012 I started formal training with the APPI (Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute) and I have completed the instructors course and advanced movements courses.

I currently work in the fracture gym in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast and I continue to use pilates as part of functional rehabilitation.