Find out more about how Physiotherapy or Pilates
can help improve your life and well being.

REASONS TO CHOOSE
RIDGE PIL ATES
- You have tried Pilates or other exercise classes and have been hurt.
- You have conditions like Arthritis, Osteoporosis or Scoliosis and are not sure what exercises are best for you.
- You are older and want an exercise class suitable for your needs and abilities.
- Ante & Post Natal Clients.
- You have had Physiotherapy/Osteopathy/ Chiropractic, but you have issues still exist.
WHY PILATES?
Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates in the 1950's for dancers and gymnasts. In recent times it has become popular, but never patented, hence there are numerous brands and styles.
I trained with the Australian Physiotherapy & Pilates Institute (A.P.P.I) four years after completing my Physiotherapy degree. The aim of the APPI is to develop the core muscles to support the spine & joints, also to improve flexibility, posture and balance. The significant difference between this branch of Pilates & Traditional Pilates is that the APPI have modified the traditional exercises. They have broken them down into more achievable steps making them more appropriate for the general public, especially those with pain and/or injuries. I teach a combination of this Modified Pilates, alongside Physiotherapy exercises. Your exercise program is bespoke according to your particular issues & to help prevent future problems.
WHY IS THE A.P.P.I. MATWORK QUALIFICATION NOT R.E.P. REGISTERED?
The Register of Exercise Professionals is a fitness industry register, not an allied health register. As such the higher level of APPI Pilates teaching, with its enhanced pre-requisite of a 3 year or more allied health degree, does not fit the REPS model. This register is only for those solely in the fitness industry. APPI qualifications, coupled with the 3 year or more allied health degree, are above that of any REPS level. Should you wish to find out more this, please contact one of the APPI Head Office Team on 03453702774.
What my clients say:
“
"With excruciating pain in my hip following the birth of my second child, I contacted Eleanor in the hope that I could be "fixed". With her warm, personable and extremely knowledgable approach I instantly knew Eleanor would be able to help me. She understood my symptoms straight away and diagnosed my situation professionally. After our first session I instantly felt a change: my limping had reduced and the pain had started to subside. After 3 great sessions and some useful homework, I was alleviated of all the pain and I can now work on strengthening my body with ease. I couldn't recommend Eleanor enough!"
KR
”
"Would I recommend Eleanor? Emphatically yes!
And this is why:
She keeps her classes intentionally small and can therefore tailor the exercise programmes to the
particular needs of the group, and to give individual attention to each participant.
Using her physiotherapy training and skills she is able to identify specific debilities and teach
strategies to improve strength and posture and general fitness, as well as rehabilitation after injury.
You may think that this is what any Pilates teacher does, but the difference between Eleanor and
others is that she is interested and really cares about the welfare of every one of her clients. She is a
remarkable person and a first rate Pilates teacher."
PMF
"I first started going to Eleanor's Pilates classes about 5 years ago, following back pain and can honestly say it was the best thing I have ever done. Eleanor is an amazing instructor, she always asks at the beginning of a session if you have any pain or injuries and then taylors the exercises to suit you. She has a huge in-depth knowledge of Pilates and because the classes are very small she is able to give each one of us individual attention - and makes sure we are doing the exercises 100% correctly - going back to basics if anything is not right. My husband now has lessons too and is amazed how many bad postural habits need ironing out - which Eleanor sets about tackling slowly and efficiently with appropriate exercises. Thank you Eleanor, we love your lessons and its great to have stronger bodies and better posture and balance due to your help."
JHJ
"Eleanor has been training my core muscles for many years. With her detailed anatomical knowledge she can advise me how to protect my body from injury, keep maximum flexibility in hips, shoulders and back, and strengthen wrists . All achieved in relaxed and sometimes giggling sessions!"
TC
The Pilates Classes
I take group or individual classes in Stokenchurch. Class members are matched in terms of ability and level of injury, so that they progress together as much as possible. The small classes, up to 5 people, ensure that clients are observed closely. I check they are moving correctly, and using the right muscles. This avoids strain and achieves maximum support for the joints and spine. Within a class, exercises are adapted to fit each client's ability.
The sessions are educational, promoting body awareness, whilst having a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Clients can feel empowered to be able to look after themselves better and avoid re-injury.
Classes are during the week, and cost £16 - £45 per hour at Stokenchurch
Initial Assessment
Initial Assessment
Many clients like their musculoskeletal problems to receive a full physiotherapy assessment. This reveals where stiffness or tightness exist, muscle imbalances, instability, weak areas and any nerve involvement.
From this session, the insights gained enable exercises to be readily adapted to suit the individual's pain or any difficulties that arise .
One to One Sessions
One to One Sessions
For some clients, an individual session allows them to take the exercises at their own pace. The sessions are completely orientated to their needs. They benefit from full supervision, are able to ask questions and receive maximum feedback to accelerate learning.
Many clients prefer to have individual sessions when first learning Pilates, before joining a class.
Other people have Physiotherapy treatment and learn Physiotherapy and Pilates exercises within the allotted hour.
Clients with varying work or shift patterns may find that this is realistically the only way to regularly take a Pilates class.
Whatever you need, this is your time to devote to yourself, enabling you to cope with life's stresses and strains.
Why Matwork?
Why Matwork?
There are a huge variety of Pilates exercises that are done on a mat. I provide numerous different types of small equipment e.g.bands, balls, balance pads, wobble boards, & Bosu. They can be used to challenge balance, strength, improve posture and aid flexibility.
The advantages of matwork are:
- The classes are cheaper than those with Reformer equipment.
- You can easily practice these exercises at home.
- Many exercises are orientated to help with everyday tasks that can cause pain, and how to improve the posture.
WHY NOT RUN DROP IN SESSIONS?
Drop in classes are problematic for numerous reasons:
Too many class members
- Difficulty ensuring that clients are performing exercises safely in both a general sense, and relating to their pre-existing conditions
- Individual attention to all clients can result in each exercise being continued too long.
- It can be difficult for class members to get help or ask questions.
Too few class members
- This is makes the class not financially viable for an instructor.
Mixed levels/conditions
- If there are too many levels of exercises in a class, clients can get confused about what they are supposed to be doing.
- The exercises become less relevant to an individual
- It can be difficult to respond fully to questions and issues that arise if the problems do not relate to all class members.
- Some courses are orientated to a specific problem or theme & full benefit is gained by following a programme of lessons.


The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the professional, educational and trade union body for the UK’s 57,000 chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and associates