Elevate Your Practice: Explore Pathokinesiology for experienced Movement Professionals, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, and Medical Professionals

Dr. Brent Anderson, Physical Therapist, Pilates Instructor, Author and Global Speaker, Founder and CEO of Polestar Pilates at the May 2025 Introduction to Pathokinesiology Course

Ever had a client come to you with a history of this or that ailment, and you’ve wondered how it’s truly impacting their ability to move? Perhaps they’ve mentioned a dodgy knee, a stiff back, or something a bit more complex. This is where the fascinating field of pathokinesiology steps in.

It’s a crucial area of study, and here at Polestar Pilates, we believe it’s absolutely essential knowledge for anyone dedicated to the art and science of human movement, especially if you’re an experienced Pilates instructor or any other kind of movement specialist such as physiotherapist or osteopath.

Deciphering Movement Affected by Pathology

At its core, pathokinesiology is simply the study of movement that is altered or affected by pathology. Now, pathology might sound a bit scary, but all it really means is anything that deviates from the normal, healthy state of the body. This could be anything from a minor injury or a bout of illness to chronic conditions and more significant health challenges. The brilliant Helen Hislop, a real pioneer in the world of movement science, perfectly summed it up when she said: “Any pathology that impairs movement, is our specialty.”.

It’s important to understand that pathokinesiology isn’t about playing doctor. We’re not diagnosing medical conditions; that’s the realm of physicians. Instead, it equips us with the understanding of how these conditions manifest in altered movement patterns and how we, as movement professionals, can provide the most effective and safe guidance. It’s about having a keen eye for movement compensations, understanding the underlying reasons behind them, and tailoring our approach accordingly.

Think about your Pilates studio. You likely see a wonderfully diverse range of individuals. Some bound in with boundless energy, eager to hone their technique and push their physical limits. Others might approach with a little more caution, perhaps mentioning pre-existing conditions or current discomfort.

Understanding pathokinesiology allows us to look beyond a general understanding of the human body and appreciate the very specific ways in which each client’s individual history and health status influence their movement capabilities and limitations. It’s about fostering a truly holistic and practical approach to how we understand and teach movement.

The Indispensable Role of Pathokinesiology for Movement Specialists

You might still be pondering, “But I’m a Pilates teacher; why do I need to delve into the intricacies of pathology?” It’s a valid point. However, it’s this deeper level of understanding that truly embodies the Polestar Difference. Our philosophy extends far beyond simply teaching exercises from a manual. It’s firmly grounded in evidence-based research, a comprehensive grasp of biomechanics, the principles of physiotherapy, and, yes, a thorough appreciation for pathokinesiology.

At Polestar, we firmly believe that this knowledge isn’t just for physiotherapists; it’s an invaluable asset for all experienced movement practitioners. Whether you’re carefully guiding a client through a seemingly simple leg circle or creatively adapting a series for someone managing a spinal condition, a solid foundation in pathokinesiology is paramount for providing instruction that is both safe and genuinely effective.

This is where the importance of Continuing Education truly shines. By actively engaging in ongoing learning, staying abreast of the latest scientific understanding of movement and pathology, and diligently earning your CECs, you actively enhance your skillset and elevate the level of service you can provide to your clients. It’s an integral part of the journey to becoming a truly accomplished and insightful Pilates Teacher.

Elevate Your Teaching: Embrace Polestar’s Introduction to Pathokinesiology

Feeling inspired to broaden your knowledge and deepen your understanding of the human body in motion?

Dr. Brent Anderson’s acclaimed “Introduction to Pathokinesiology” course has been meticulously crafted for experienced movement professionals like you who are passionate about expanding their expertise. The course is also aimed at medical professionals, physiotherapists, and osteopaths.

This transformative program is designed to bridge the gap between your existing knowledge of anatomy and physiology and the often-complex reality of various health conditions. You will gain invaluable insights into how to seamlessly weave these fundamental principles with the science of kinesiology, ultimately empowering you with a more comprehensive, nuanced, and, most importantly, practical approach to your teaching practice.

Are you ready to unlock a more profound understanding of movement and elevate your ability to help your clients?

Click on the picture at the top – or click here – to discover more about Polestar’s Introduction to Pathokinesiology course and to secure your place.

Due to the intensive nature of the course and the personalised attention we provide, spaces are limited, so seize this opportunity to invest in your professional growth today!

Ultimately, a solid grounding in pathokinesiology empowers us to become more perceptive, more empathetic, and significantly more effective movement professionals. It provides us with the framework to truly understand our clients’ individual needs, meet them precisely where they are in their movement journey, and skilfully guide them towards enhanced movement, greater well-being, and an improved quality of life. And in the world of Pilates and movement education, that is surely the most rewarding outcome of all.