Our next Pilates course schedule starts on the 30th of June and 26 places from 36 have already been booked. As of today we have 6 places left on our Beginner classes and 4 places on our Improver-Advanced class.

To view our course schedule please visit our website here - http://mmphysiopilates.com/dublin/join-a-class.html

Summer Promotional Price

We are offering our 7 and 8 week courses at the 6 week price of €120.00
This is to accommodate some flexibility for holidays. If you are able to attend the full course that's great, the extra 1 or 2 classes are on us.

Our next Pilates course schedule is now published and we are accepting registrations via our Pilates website.

Between the 28th of April and the 2nd of May we have a total of 9 Pilates classes commencing. This term we are running 3x Beginner level classes, 5x Improver and 1x Advanced class.

If you are not sure which level is best suited for your ability please read our level descriptions.

Signing up for one of our courses is very simple. We have a secure online booking system where you can choose your class, register and pay using a debit, laser or credit card to reserve your place immediately. You will receive instant confirmation of the success of your booking.

Anterior knee pain or patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common complaint that we see in the clinic. What we are dealing with here is pain located to the front of the knee, usually over or around the kneecap. It can be vague and difficult to say exactly where it is sore. The pain may be constant and made worse by certain activities, otherwise only painful when doing certain things. The pain often starts gradually for no obvious reason and may be aggravated by walking, running, ascending or descending the stairs or prolonged sitting with the knee flexed. You may have severe difficulties continuing the activity that causes you pain and discomfort.

Who is likely to suffer from this condition?

PFPS is more prevalent in females, they are 1.5 to 3 times more likely to develop the condition than males in the athletic population. It can be a significant and debilitating complaint that can affect as many as 1 in 10 active adolescent girls.

What exactly causes PFPS remains a misunderstood and controversial topic. Knee muscle weakness especially of the vastus medialis obliquus (inner thigh muscles which supports the knee cap), abnormal foot biomechanics - in particular abnormal pronation, weakness of the hip stabilising muscles and poor functional control of the femur during weight bearing tasks can be common causes of the syndrome. So in other words if you have weak thighs and hips, wobbly knees, flat feet and generally poor balance you may be at risk.

Calf pain is more often a muscular complaint and we regularly treat such conditions here in our Physiotherapy clinic. However, calf pain can indicate a far more serious and dangerous health concern as I have been cautiously reminded of by a recent experience.

As Chartered Physiotherapists we are first-contact practitioners where patients can schedule consultations directly with us without having to go through their GP first. We therefore see many patients presenting with what they believe is muscular pain and dysfunction. In a recent case where calf pain was the complaint the more serious symptoms of Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) were presenting.

The medical training of Chartered Physiotherapists equips us with the knowledge and ability to identify these "red flag" symptoms and immediately refer for further medical review and investigation. As medical practitioners it is important we keep the differential diagnosis in mind and refer on if necessary.

Having gone through two pregnancies myself in the past three years I've had first hand and recent experience in dealing with the physical demands of pregnancy. Combining my own experience of back and pelvic pain with my knowledge and insights from my Physiotherapy practise I am able to offer you these ten top tips to help you cope.

1. POSTURE:

Your posture will change during pregnancy especially as your pregnancy progresses and as your baby grows. Your centre of gravity changes and moves more forwards, as such you tend to lean backwards to compensate for this and to avoid falling over. This can pinch the lower back region and make your back muscles work very hard which can lead to back pain during pregnancy.

When standing remember these tips:

• Head up straight & tuck your chin in slightly
• Shoulders back & your chest forward
• Knees straight but not locked
• Weight balanced evenly on both feet
• Lower tummy gently tightened which helps support your bump and flattens the lower back slightly
• Avoid standing in the same position for too long
• Alternate resting one foot at a time on an small elevated surface for short periods
• Take regular breaks from prolonged standing

Related article - Pregnancy Posture

You are suffering pain, weakness and stiffness in a shoulder and are then told by your Physiotherapist to perform special, regular shoulder movements. Moving a painful body part many times a day may not seem logical but let's take a look why this can be a good approach.

Just when you thought the Olympic excitement was all over - the next round begins.

29 August up until 9 September 2012, and it promises to be another global highlight.

The Games will see an incredible 4,200 athletes from 150 countries - the greatest ever number of competing elite Paralympic athletes.

Greetings,

Well done to Katie Taylor for punching gold despite the weight of a nations expectation on her shoulders.

We hope all the Irish athletes are holding their heads up high after their incredible achievements; the years of dedication and effort in preparation, qualifying for an Olympic Games and competing against the worlds best athletes. We hope you inspire future generations to aim as high as you did. Well done Team Ireland.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Pilates classes and started to feel the benefits of it even from the first week."
Emma Coburn, Rialto, Dublin 8

Our style of Pilates...

Please share this news with any expectant 'mums to be'.

We are delighted to be launching this specialised programme with an introductory offer of €15 per class (usually €20) running on a 'drop in' basis for this term only.