Flex is More Than Just Pilates
- Andrew Cunliffe
- 2 days ago
- 10 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
When people hear "Flex Pilates and Physiotherapy," many assume we're primarily a Pilates studio. And yes, we're incredibly proud of our Pilates classes - they're led by experienced Physiotherapists and are some of the best in Sheffield. But here's what many people don't realise: Flex offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services that go far beyond Pilates.
If you've been struggling with pain, injury, or health concerns and didn't realise we could help, this blog post is for you.
The Full Story of Flex
Flex was founded with a vision: to provide holistic healthcare that treats the whole person, not just symptoms. From day one, we've combined the expertise of qualified physiotherapists with the strengthening benefits of Pilates. This integrated approach is what makes us unique in Sheffield.
"Here at Flex we are passionate about delivering Pilates classes and Physiotherapy to the highest standard," says Jo Ness, founder of Flex. And that word - "and" - is crucial. We're equally committed to both.
Our Core Services: More Than You Might Think!
Expert Physiotherapy Assessment and Treatment
What many people don't know: Flex has a team of experienced, qualified physiotherapists who treat a comprehensive range of conditions - from sports injuries to chronic pain.
Who we help:
People with back and neck pain
Those recovering from surgery
Anyone with arthritis or osteoporosis
Patients with chronic pain conditions
People with joint problems (shoulder, knee, hip, ankle)
Those experiencing sciatica or disc problems
Anyone with postural problems from desk work
Our approach: Every physiotherapy assessment at Flex is a full hour - significantly longer than many clinics offer. This gives us time to really understand your problem, conduct a thorough examination, and create a personalised treatment plan with your goals and needs central. We use evidence-based manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and education to get you back to living your life with quality.
What makes us different: As physiotherapist-led Pilates instructors, we can seamlessly transition you from hands-on treatment into strengthening classes. This integrated approach means better long-term results and fewer recurrences of your problem.
Visit our Physiotherapy page for more details.
Specialist Sports Physiotherapy
What many people don't know: We're not just a general physiotherapy clinic - we specialise in sports injury treatment and have extensive experience with athletes at all levels.
Who we help:
Runners with knee, ankle, or hip problems
Gym-goers and CrossFit athletes with injuries
Football, rugby, and cricket players
Tennis, badminton, and squash players
Cyclists dealing with overuse injuries
Anyone wanting to return to sport safely after injury
Common sports injuries we treat:
Runner's knee and IT band syndrome
ACL and other knee ligament injuries
Ankle sprains and instability
Shoulder injuries (rotator cuff, impingement)
Tennis and golfer's elbow
Hamstring and calf strains
Achilles tendonitis
Back pain in athletes
Our approach: We understand the athlete mindset. You want to get back to your sport as quickly and as safely as possible, and we share that goal. Our sports physiotherapy service includes structured return-to-sport programs, movement analysis, and training load management - not just "here are some exercises, see you later."
The Flex advantage: We don't just get you back to your sport - we help you come back stronger. Our physiotherapist-led Pilates classes are perfect for athletes looking to build core strength, improve flexibility, and prevent future injuries.
Visit our Sports Physiotherapy page for more details.
Women's Health Physiotherapy
What many people don't know: Beki, one of our specialist physiotherapists, has extensive training in women's health and pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Who we help: Women experiencing:
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Urinary or faecal incontinence (leaking when you cough, sneeze, or exercise)
Pelvic organ prolapse (feeling of heaviness or bulging)
Pain during sex
Bladder urgency and frequency
Pregnancy-related concerns
Postnatal recovery issues
Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
Constipation and bowel problems
Chronic pelvic pain
Endometriosis
Why this matters: These issues are incredibly common - affecting 1 in 3 women at some point - but many women suffer in silence, thinking it's "just normal after having babies" or "part of getting older." It's not normal, and physiotherapy can help.
Our approach: Beki provides a safe, confidential, and empathetic environment where you can discuss sensitive health concerns without judgment. She conducts thorough assessments (with your full consent) and creates personalised treatment plans that actually work.
Services include:
Women's Health Physiotherapy Appointments - for pelvic floor issues, incontinence, prolapse, and pain
Natal Checks (Postnatal MOT) - gold standard assessment of your postnatal body, including pelvic floor, diastasis recti check, and C-section scar assessment
Pre and Postnatal Pilates - specialist classes designed for pregnant and postnatal women
The Flex advantage: As you recover through Women's Health Physiotherapy, you can transition into our Pre and Postnatal Pilates classes, or core classes for ongoing strength and support. This continuity of care is unique and incredibly effective.
Visit our Women's Health Physiotherapy page for more details.
Advanced Scar Therapy
What many people don't know: We offer specialist scar therapy using both manual techniques and advanced LymphaTouch technology.
Who we help: Anyone with problematic scars including:
C-section scars (pain, numbness, adhesions, poor appearance)
Surgical scars (joint replacements, abdominal surgery, breast surgery)
Traumatic scars from accidents or injuries
Scars causing restricted movement or discomfort
Old scars that have never recovered properly
Why scar therapy matters: Scars can cause more than cosmetic concerns. They can create pain, restrict movement, cause numbness, form adhesions to underlying tissues, and even affect emotional wellbeing. Professional scar therapy can dramatically improve how your scar looks, feels, and functions.
Our approach: We conduct a full assessment of your scar, its history, and how it's impacting your life. Treatment includes manual scar massage techniques combined with our advanced LymphaTouch machine - technology that stimulates the lymphatic system, reduces swelling, improves healing, and optimises scar mobility and appearance.
The Flex advantage: Our physiotherapists understand how scars affect movement and function, not just appearance. We can address both the scar itself and any compensatory movement patterns you've developed around it.
Visit our Scar Therapy page for more details.
LymphaTouch Technology
What many people don't know: We're one of the few clinics in Sheffield with LymphaTouch technology.
What is LymphaTouch? LymphaTouch is an advanced device that uses gentle acoustic waves to stimulate the lymphatic system. It's not just for scars - it has multiple therapeutic applications.
Benefits include:
Enhanced scar healing and appearance
Reduced swelling and inflammation
Improved lymphatic drainage
Accelerated post-surgical recovery
Better tissue healing
Detoxification support
Immune system boost
Who it helps:
Post-surgical patients (especially C-sections)
Anyone with problematic scars
People with chronic swelling or inflammation
Those recovering from sports injuries
Patients with lymphatic issues
The Flex advantage: We combine LymphaTouch with hands-on physiotherapy and tailored exercise programs for comprehensive treatment that addresses the whole problem, not just one aspect.
Visit our LymphaTouch page for more details.
Pre and Postnatal Pilates
What many people don't know: While we offer excellent general Pilates classes, we also run specialist courses specifically for pregnant and postnatal women.
Who we help:
Pregnant women wanting to stay strong and prepare for birth
New mothers recovering from pregnancy and childbirth
Women at any stage postpartum (it's never too late!)
Mothers wanting to rebuild core and pelvic floor strength safely
Why specialist postnatal classes matter: Not all Pilates is appropriate for postnatal women. Our classes are specifically designed by physiotherapists who understand:
Safe exercises for diastasis recti
Pelvic floor protection and strengthening
Gradual progression appropriate for postnatal bodies
Modifications for C-section recovery
How to rebuild core strength effectively
The Flex advantage: Our Pre and Postnatal Pilates instructors are qualified physiotherapists. If you have concerns about your recovery, pelvic floor, or any postnatal issues, they can identify problems and guide you to appropriate physiotherapy treatment.
Visit our Pre and Postnatal Pilates page for more details.
Regular Pilates Classes (Yes, we do these too!)
Our regular Pilates classes are still a huge part of what we do, and they're excellent. What makes them special?
Physiotherapist-led: All our instructors are qualified physiotherapists. This means:
They understand anatomy, biomechanics, and injury
They can modify exercises for your specific needs
They can spot problems before they become injuries
They provide higher-quality instruction
For everyone: We offer classes for all levels - from complete beginners to advanced levels.
Compulsory but complimentary 1:1: All of our clients come to a complimentary 1:1 prior to joining our Pilates classes. This is important to us as we want to ensure our classes are the right fit for you, teach you the basics, and establish your goals from coming to class. (Terms and Conditions apply at booking to this complimentary appointment).
Small classes: We keep numbers manageable so everyone gets attention and proper form correction.
Progressive programs: Our classes build systematically, helping you develop strength, flexibility, and body awareness over time.
The Flex advantage: If you're recovering from injury or have ongoing problems, you can combine Pilates classes with physiotherapy sessions. And if your instructor notices something concerning, you can book a physio assessment immediately - no need to find a new clinic.
Visit our Pilates page for more details.
The Flex Philosophy: Treating the Whole Person!
What ties all these services together is our philosophy: we treat the whole person, not just the injury or symptom.
This means:
Taking time to understand you - your lifestyle, goals, concerns, and complete health picture
Combining treatments - hands-on physiotherapy, exercise rehabilitation, and Pilates work together for better clinically proven results
Education and empowerment - we don't just treat you; we teach you how to manage your own health
Long-term focus - we don't want you dependent on treatment forever; we want you strong and independent
Holistic care - we consider how everything connects - your injury might be in your knee, but the cause could be your hip or foot
Real Stories from Flex Clients
"I went to Beki with no idea how to recover from having a C-section. Beki took her time listening to my experience and how I was. She worked with me to close my abdominal separation, build strength, and through scar therapy my scar looks and feels healthier and is healing amazingly. I can't recommend it enough. Beki has helped me overcome my anxiety over my scar so much so I can now look and touch it. Through her support I am on the right path to correctly healing and loving my body again. I have a part of me back."
— Lauren, Sheffield
"Brilliant physiotherapy received from Emily who completed thorough assessment and provided me with lots of knowledge on how I can improve back pain and nerve compression. Very knowledgeable and professional throughout, would definitely recommend and will be visiting again!"
— Oli, Sheffield
"I've seen Beki several times during my postnatal recovery which has made a huge difference to my physical health. She's extremely knowledgeable in her field, very friendly yet professional and immediately puts you at ease during appointments. I'd highly recommend a session with her to anyone having physical issues after giving birth."
— Rebecca, Sheffield
Who Can Flex Help?
After reading this, you might be wondering: "Is Flex right for me?"
Flex can help if you:
Have pain or injury affecting your daily life
Want to try to become active but have no idea where to start
Want to recover from a sports injury and return to your activity
Are pregnant or postnatal and need specialist support
Experience pelvic floor problems or Women's Health concerns
Have problematic scars from surgery or injury
Want to stay active and injury-free
Are looking for expert Pilates instruction
Need someone who treats the whole person, not just symptoms
Want integrated care where physiotherapy and exercise work together
We help people of all ages:
Young athletes with sports injuries
Office workers with postural problems and pain
New mothers recovering from pregnancy and birth
Active older adults managing arthritis or chronic conditions
Anyone who wants to move well and live without pain
The Flex Difference: Why Choose Us?
1. Physiotherapist-Led Everything
Whether you're attending a Pilates class or receiving treatment, you're working with qualified physiotherapists who understand the body at a deeper level.
2. Integrated Approach
We seamlessly combine hands-on treatment, exercise rehabilitation, and Pilates strengthening. This integration delivers better results than any single treatment alone.
3. Time and Attention
We're not a quick-appointment, high-volume clinic. Your physiotherapy assessments are a full hour. Your Pilates classes are small. We take time to understand you and deliver quality care.
4. Specialist Expertise
We have genuine specialists - Beki in Women's Health, Emily, in sports physiotherapy, advanced technology like LymphaTouch. You're not getting generic treatment.
5. Holistic Philosophy
We believe in treating causes, not symptoms. We look at the whole picture - your body, your lifestyle, your goals, your concerns.
6. Long-Term Focus
Our goal is to get you strong, independent, and confident in your body - not to keep you coming back for treatment forever.
7. Community and Support
Flex isn't just a clinic - it's a community. Our patients often become regular Pilates class members, finding ongoing support and motivation.
How to Get Started at Flex
If you have pain, injury, or health concerns:
Book a Physiotherapy Assessment
60-minute comprehensive assessment
Probable diagnosis and explanation
Personalised treatment plan
First treatment in your initial session
Call 0114 4539669 or book online
If you have Women's Health concerns:
Book a Women's Health Appointment
Confidential assessment with Beki
Pelvic floor evaluation
Personalised treatment plan
Safe, empathetic environment
Call 0114 4539669 or book online
If you have a sports injury:
Book a Sports Physiotherapy Assessment
Sport-specific evaluation
Movement analysis
Structured return-to-sport program
Training load management advice
Call 0114 4539669 or book online
If you want to try Pilates:
Browse Our Pilates Classes
Book your complimentary 1:1 pre Pilates class assessment
Classes for all levels
Led by qualified physiotherapists
Small group sizes
Beginner-friendly
Check schedule and book online
If you're unsure what you need:
Give us a call: 0114 4539669 We're happy to chat about your concerns and guide you to the right service for you.
Visit Flex in Hillsborough, Sheffield
Flex Pilates and Physiotherapy 321-323 Middlewood Road Hillsborough Sheffield S6 1TH
Phone: 0114 4539669
Convenient for: Hillsborough, Wadsley, Malin Bridge, Crookes, Walkley, and all surrounding Sheffield areas
The Bottom Line
Flex is so much more than just Pilates. We're a comprehensive health and wellness hub offering expert physiotherapy, sports injury treatment, women's health services, scar therapy, advanced technology, and yes - excellent Pilates classes too.
If you've been struggling with pain, injury, or health concerns and didn't realise we could help, now you know. We're here for you.
Whatever your body needs - whether it's recovering from injury, managing pain, regaining strength after childbirth, or staying active and healthy - Flex has the expertise, experience, and integrated approach to help you achieve your goals.
We don't just treat injuries. We treat people.
And that's what makes Flex different.
Ready to discover what Flex can do for you? Call 0114 4539669 or book online today.
Thanks for reading!
Beki Cunliffe
Co-Director at Flex
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