Rehabilitation Certification Program
Polestar Pilates for Rehabilitation
Polestar Pilates Comprehensive programs provide in-depth instruction in Pilates principles, techniques and practice, using the Reformer, Trapeze Table, Chair, Ladder Barrel, Mat and small props.
The curriculum focuses on:
1. In-depth working knowledge of Pilates movement principles.
2. Experiential acquisition of Pilates in self.
3. Critical reasoning skills for application of Pilates with clients and patients.
R-1 through R-6: Pilates for Rehabilitation Levels 1-6
After the Pilates Principles for Rehabilitation course (PR), Principle of Movement, the Pilates for Rehabilitation program continues with six course modules scheduled approximately one month apart (the six module series is currently only available in the USA, Australia, and New Zealand; in all other countries the full Rehab series consists of PR plus three course modules).
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. The Friday evening before each course (beginning with R-2) there is a 3-hour self-mastery check-off session with your instructor where you show the course instructor 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 3-hour session is included in the registration fees, and is in addition to the 96 hours of class time. For graduation, you will be required to complete at your own expense, the required reading and writing assignments, 40 hours of observation, 100 hours of self mastery practice and 100 hours of apprentice teaching.
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:
1. Cueing and movement facilitation
2. Adjustment of equipment for patient safety and instructor efficiency
3. Movement sequences for treatment of specific lesions
4. Progression of movement following an injury
5. Indications and contraindications for exercise selection
6. Integration of manual mobilization skills and Pilates movement (appropriate to your scope of practice)
7. To create treatment plans through use of case studies
R1 Pilates for Rehabilitation, Level I
This course teaches the practical skills needed to become proficient with the assessment techniques, movement sequences, and selection and principles of movement learned in Polestar Principles of Movement.
The movement selections focus on early intervention and beginning exercises on all equipment. Experiential lecture and lab will address Basic Postural Assessment. A special lab will address adjustment of equipment for patient safety and instructor efficiency. Exercise lab themes include basic hip disassociation,basic core stabilization, thoracic spine mobility and lower extremity alignment.
Case studies will be reviewed and you will design an exercise or treatment plan based on the information in the case study. You will learn 8 pre-Pilates mat exercises and 9 exercises and their variations for Pilates equipment.
Upon completion, you will be able to teach these exercises to patients and clients.
R2 Pilates for Rehabilitation, Level II
This course teaches the practical skills needed to become proficient with the assessment techniques, movement sequences, and selection and principles of movement learned in Principles and R1.The movement selections focus on beginning and early intermediate exercises on all equipment.
Experiential lecture and lab will address Polestar Pilates Program Design and Sequencing. Exercise labs address basic shoulder organization, spine mobility in flexion and sidebending, core strength, spine extension strength and lower extremity stretching. Case studies will be reviewed and you will design an exercise plan based on the information in the case study.
You will learn 24 Pilates exercises and their variations for the mat and Pilates equipment. Upon completion, you will be able to teach these exercises to patients and clients.
R3 Polestar Pilates for Rehabilitation, Level III
This course teaches the practical skills needed to become proficient with the assessment techniques, movement sequences and selection and principles of movement learned in Principles, R1 and R2.
The movement selections focus on intermediate exercises on all equipment.Experiential lecture and lab will address use of imagery in teaching Pilates.
Exercise labs address functional upper extremity strengthening and weight bearing,basic standing alignment and balance, intermediate core stabilization, coordination in spine mobility, and intermediate movement integration.
Case studies will be reviewed and you will design an exercise plan based on the information in the case study. You will learn 24 Pilates exercises and their variations for the mat and Pilates equipment.
Upon completion, you will be able to teach these exercises to patients and clients.
R4 Polestar Pilates for Rehabilitation, Level IV
This course teaches the practical skills needed to become proficient with the assessment techniques, movement sequences, and selection and principles of movement learned in Principles, and R1 through R3.
The movement selections focus on intermediate and early advanced exercises on all equipment. Experiential lecture and lab will address use of touch and tactile cueing in teaching Pilates. Exercise labs address advanced upper extremity weight bearing, advanced core work in flexion, intermediate standing work, lower extremity strengthening and alignment, and intermediate spine extension work.
Case studies will be reviewed and you will design an exercise plan based on the information in the case study. You will learn 25 Pilates exercises and their variations for the mat and Pilates equipment.
Upon completion, you will be able to teach these exercises to patients and clients.
R5 Polestar Pilates for Rehabilitation, Level V
This course teaches the practical skills needed to become proficient with the assessment techniques, movement sequences and selection and principles of movement learned in Principles and R1 through R4. The movement selections focus on advanced exercises on all equipment.
Experiential lecture and lab will address communication skills in teaching Pilates.Exercise labs address advanced core work in flexion, advanced upper and lower extremity weight bearing, advanced lateral flexion work, advanced standing and balance work, and advanced movement integration.
Case studies will be reviewed and you will design an exercise plan based on the information in the case study. You will learn 24 Pilates exercises and their variations for the mat and Pilates equipment.
Upon completion, you will be able to teach these exercises to patients and clients.
R6 Polestar Pilates for Rehabilitation, Level VI
This course teaches the practical skills needed to become proficient with the assessment techniques, movement sequences and selection and principles of movement learned in Principles and R1 through R5.
The movement selections focus on advanced exercises on all equipment. Experiential lecture and lab will address Energy Medicine and it’s relevance to movement and healing. Exercise labs address advanced movement integration work in all planes of movement and all positions.
Case studies will be reviewed and you will design an exercise plan based on the information in the case study. You will learn 21 Pilates exercises and their variations for the mat and Pilates equipment.
Upon completion, you will be able to teach these exercises to patients and clients
Polestar Pilates for Rehabilitation Final Exam
The exam consists of three parts:
1. A written exam consisting of 50 multiple choice questions
2. A case study with written problem solving
3. A practical one-on-one demonstration of theoretical knowledge, exercise mastery, movement teaching skills and problem solving skills with an oral defense