PIER stands for Practitioner Instructed Exercise Rehabilitation and is Camberwell Sports and Spinal Medicines group exercise therapy program designed to prevent and manage injury. In a tailored rehabilitation program PIER involves resistance exercise, stretches and dynamic movements performed on specialised equipment such as Pilates reformers and other strength and conditioning equipment.
Exercise prescribed and instructed by your practitioner – be it Physiotherapist, Osteopath, Myotherapist or Podiatrist – is an evidence-based approach to managing pain and injury. Ultimately, this structured exercise aims to enable you to reach your desired health goal by improving overall body awareness, posture, flexibility, balance, and muscle control. Enabling your body to move freely and efficiently during daily activities, occupations, and sports.
Equipment assisted exercise rehabilitation enables you to target the deeper stabilising muscles which help improve joint stability. It is these muscles that are often weak and can predispose to injury. The many benefits of active rehabilitation include:
Exercise performed in a clinical environment gives you access to practitioners and equipment that can individualise the series of exercises that you perform, ensuring that the movement is being performed properly, with correct technique and muscle activation. Your instructor will only prescribe exercises which are specific to your injury, current ability, and desired health goals. The advice they give is tailored and includes strategies on how you can improve and apply your muscular control on a daily basis
PIER is conducted under the instruction of a Physiotherapist and has a specific injury rehabilitation focus. PIER uses clinical exercise in a functional goal-driven program that may use Pilates equipment but doesn’t necessarily follow the traditional Joseph Pilates principles.
It is the injury rehabilitation focus that make PIER sessions claimable through your Private Health Insurance.
Clinical Pilates in comparison is exercise rehabilitation that has a large focus on the traditional Pilates principles. It is a good option for those who are wanting to maintain their conditioning or reduce flare ups of past or existing injuries. Clinical Exercise done differently – Clinical Pilates draws on the full spectrum of Pilates exercise. Clinical Pilates classes are conducted by our experienced Pilates instructors and have a maximum 4:1 practitioner ratio.
Below is the weekly class schedule for all PIER sessions offered at CSSM. Clicking ‘BOOK ME IN!’ will give you the option to sign in and book if you are an existing client or create an account and book if you are a new to group sessions at CSSM.
Getting Started – PIER sessions are focussed towards injury rehabilitation and management. Clients starting PIER sessions must first complete a PIER Starter Pack involving an Initial Assessment and 2 subsequent private sessions prior to booking into a PIER group session. Contact our team at the clinic to arrange your initial PIER Injury assessment.
Our PIER program is suitable for all ages and levels of ability. If you wish to enrol in CSSM’s PIER programme the first step is to arrange a PIER Starter Pack. Your PIER Starter Pack includes your initial one-on-one assessment and two subsequent extended private sessions with your practitioner. PIER Starter Packs can be arranged at reception or by calling 9889 1078.
While GPs, surgeons and other specialists seeking the best care often refer their patients into an Exercise Rehabilitation program, a referral is not necessary. PIER programs are an extension of a usual Physiotherapy program and works well when used in conjunction with medical treatment. To book into the PIER program simply make an appointment with Camberwell Sports & Spinal Medicine directly by calling 9889 1078.
During your initial assessment your practitioner will: – Take a thorough history to gain an understanding of your condition and circumstances that could have lead to your condition – Examine your body and movement to identify the type, source, and cause of symptoms – Form a clinical impression of your condition and discuss this with you – Devise an exercise plan with your input. Client involvement in treatment and rehabilitation choices is encouraged and involves education about home management strategies.
Within your initial assessment you will also learn basic rehabilitation concepts and exercises which are then reinforced in your follow up private sessions. Once your PIER Starter Pack is complete, you can then continue with private sessions or progress into a suitable group class.
Private Sessions: These are particularly valuable when you are just beginning PIER, as you have the full attention of your practitioner throughout the whole 30 minute session.
Group Sessions: In a group session, your practitioner will guide participants through their individual programs. Group sessions are efficient and economical, allowing you to have a personalised program with active instruction, whilst maintaining affordability.
It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move and stretch fully. Please avoid overly baggy clothing as your instructors need to see how your body is positioned and moving. Something along the lines of a singlet and shorts is ideal. CSSM requires participants to wear grip socks when using Pilates equipment. These can be purchased from reception if required. Appropriate footwear may be required for other equipment.
For your comfort always bring a water bottle and towel when attending your sessions.
Most Funds will cover Exercise Therapy when prescribed and supervised by a health practitioner for the management of injury.
The rebate from your health fund varies depending on your insurer and level of cover, so it is best to check the details of your policy with your Health Fund.
Multi-class packs are paid in full at the time of purchase. Itemised receipts will be issued at the completion of your class pack to ensure simple claiming with your insurer.
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