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Physiotherapy and Pilates

Experienced physiotherapist based in Guildford.

Change happens through movement and movement heals

Joseph H Pilates

Pilates

Pilates is a full body exercise programme developed in the 1920’s onwards by Joseph Pilates.  Born in Germany in 1883,  Joseph travelled to England as a boxer and body builder but when the First World War broke out he was interned in a camp on the Isle of Mann.  Here he used his exercise knowledge to help people recover in the infirmary.  After the war he moved to New York and set up his Pilates Studio and soon developed a reputation for helping ballet dancers return to performance after injury.  Pilates remains very popular with dancers, elite sport persons, weekend runners and cyclists and helps those recovering from injury.  

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My area of physiotherapy expertise is working with people with neurological disorders and general rehabilitation.  I offer home visits within a 5- mile radius of Guildford. Please contact me directly to discuss your situation. 

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Physiotherapy

Physio led Pilates Classes

What is Physiotherapy led Pilates?

I use my physiotherapy knowledge and extensive experience to customise the exercises and have had people with joint replacements, generalised arthritis, lower back pain, osteoporosis, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome in my classes over the years.

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About Sara

I qualified as a Physiotherapist from St Marys Hospital in 1992 and worked in the NHS for 10 years, specialising in neurology and rehabilitation.  I completed a Masters degree in 2005 and then joined the teaching staff at the University of East London and became a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy.

In 2012, I moved to Guildford with my family and have held a variety of jobs including working in private practice and Expert Witness work. Since 2015, I have been the Lead Physiotherapist for the Samson Centre for Multiple Sclerosis.  I manage a fabulous team of Physiotherapists and Gym Instructors and together we support people living with MS, providing much needed physio and exercise classes.

I first heard of Pilates in 1998, when one of my patients told me about the exercises he was doing.  I booked a class that evening and instantly loved the way that the class made me feel lengthened and more relaxed.  Ever since then, I have continued attending different Pilates classes, trying different teachers and different styles of the exercise form. I formalised my training in 2018 with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute. I really enjoy how I can transfer all my specialist rehabilitation skills to a Pilates class and love using the classes to educate my participants and hopefully enthuse them with a love of movement.

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Qualifications and professional memberships

csp

Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

hcpc 1

Registered with the Health Care Professions Council

diploma 1

Graduate diploma in Physiotherapy

msc

MSc Physiotherapy

appi

Certified APPI Pilates Instructor

cert

Pilates training includes, Stretch Pilates, Pilates for Osteoporosis, Standing Pilates and Therapeutic Yoga 1&2

Success Stories

I have been attending Sara’s Pilates sessions for 2 years now. I love her physio approach to this type of exercise giving a real sense of security in her sound knowledge of how the body works. Sara always gives levels options and more than anything I really enjoy the fact that each week the set of exercises is always different.
Jackie H
I think you are a fantastic Pilates teacher, with your physiotherapy background, professionalism and friendliness shining through. Your classes are varied, with a great mix of developing strength, stamina and flexibility. Somehow the sessions are relaxing and hard work at the same time! You manage to keep a close eye on everyone, keep a flow going and give alternatives in case any one can’t manage anything. I highly recommend you and wish I could attend more of your classes
Julie
As an experienced Physiotherapist, Sara draws on her specialist knowledge of the workings of the body and of Pilates teaching and adds in a good dose of fun and positivity, so that her classes are always a great balance of targeted stretching and strengthening, delivered with a smile! No matter how difficult the day seems beforehand, I always come away from my Pilates session feeling lighter and more energised and regular practice has improved my posture, steadied my balance and given me greater flexibility. Both in person and over Zoom, Sara radiates warmth and a real enthusiasm for Pilates and I would not hesitate to recommend her classes to both beginners and those more experienced in Pilates practice.
Rachel
I have loved attending Sara’s Pilates classes both in person and on Zoom. I have attended many Pilates classes before have always found them a chore. With Sara’s classes we do a different routine every week and use different props to keep it interesting. My core strength and flexibility has noticeably improved and I am still enjoying it after 18 months!
Kirsty
Sara's pilates classes are fun as well as helping me gain strength and maintain flexibility.  She is very good at adapting exercises for individuals so you don't feel ' I can't do this'! 
Briony
I have been doing pilates for about 2 years with Sara, starting as a complete beginner. I love my sessions and have always felt completely confident in Sara's instruction. Coming from a physio prospective is such an advantage as Sara has expert knowledge that informs her teaching. This was brilliant for me when I damaged my shoulder and was able to continue classes with suitably adapted movements. Instructions are really clear and even though we've had to go online this year, Sara has continued to teach in a way that makes sessions fun and enjoyable. Every session is different which means it never gets boring, and she is always aware of each individual's needs and gives lots of options for each set of movements so you can practice at the level that suits you. I've learnt a lot and I know it has benefitted me.
Cindy W
Sara’s classes are fantastic. They are well planned and I love all the supportive information and tips that she provides – these have been great for improving my technique.  Because of her physio background, and genuine care, everyone is well looked after and there are lots of options to accommodate individual needs. I definitely feel the benefits in terms of balance and strength
Kerry
I have no hesitation in recommending Sara’s Pilates classes. As a practising physiotherapist she has an expert knowledge of the physiological workings of the human body and can adjust routines to meet any special needs or any problems one may have. I always feel invigorated after one of her sessions. I am a reasonably fit 74 year old and have found that Pilates gets to those areas that cycling, climbing and walking don’t get to.
Peter H
Sara is a friendly, approachable Pilates instructor, who brings calmness, balance and body awareness, into our homes. Having trained as a physiotherapist, she suggests alternative exercises for the “not so flexible any more” of us, whilst challenging those who are!
Christine H
I started pilates with Sara 2 years ago with the plan to do it for 3 months, but I found it so beneficial that I’m still doing it 2 years later. It has helped my back and hips and enabled me to continue running. A weekly class keeps me motivated and Sara always makes it interesting.’
Louise
Sara’s classes have been a lifeline in lockdown and just as enjoyable over zoom. A testament to Sara who mixes it up every week. She takes requests too. I’ve learnt to squat, stretch and breathe with precision. Her years of physio experience ensure that you can work safely within your limits or equally push them. I’ve been attending classes for two years to build balance, flexibility and have fun. Go on, give it a go.
Bridie
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