OSCA Submission base option 2

 

Q8 — Issues with current classification

I am an experienced Therapeutic Pilates Practitioner. My Pilates qualifications are: (insert) and I have (insert) hours/years of experience.

My role involves delivering Pilates for complex clients with injury, chronic conditions, co-morbidities, and functional limitations.

I assess movement, consider case history, and develop individualised programs for complex presentations. These services require clinical reasoning, ongoing monitoring, and adaptation of exercises based on client response.

This differs substantially from both standardised fitness-based group exercise and general Pilates instruction. The current classification does not recognise this higher level of responsibility, complexity, and decision-making.

Therapeutic Pilates builds on comprehensive Pilates training requiring substantial experience and/or higher-level qualifications.

This role is in line with health fund recognition for therapeutic treatment.

 

Q9a — Proposal for revised occupation

I support recognition of Therapeutic Pilates Practitioner as a distinct occupation.

This role involves assessment-informed exercise delivery for clients with injury, chronic conditions, and functional limitations. It requires comprehensive Pilates training, substantial experience, and advanced decision-making.

Therapeutic Pilates practitioners develop individualised programs, adapt exercises in real time, and manage clients with highly complexity presentations. This differs from both fitness-based instruction and general comprehensive Pilates delivery.

Recognition of Therapeutic Pilates Practitioner would better reflect the complexity, responsibility, and service delivery model used in practice.

 

Q9b — Workforce size and demand (optional)

In my experience, demand for this type of Pilates is increasing.

Many clients are referred by health professionals or seek Pilates following injury or diagnosis. These clients require highly specialised individualised programming and ongoing monitoring.

I expect demand for Therapeutic Pilates practitioners to increase, particularly with an ageing population and increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, and the introduction of health fund rebates at this level of education, skill and experience.

 

Q9c — Placement within OSCA structure (optional)

This role builds on comprehensive Pilates training and typically involves substantial experience, additional professional development, and/or higher-level qualifications such as an Advanced Diploma or postgraduate coursework. Practitioners commonly work with more complex presentations requiring advanced clinical reasoning, prioritisation, and adaptation of exercise programs.

This level of responsibility, experience, and client complexity supports placement as a separate higher-skill occupation within Major Group 2 – Professionals. This classification is consistent with roles requiring higher-level qualifications and/or extensive relevant experience, typically equivalent to five years of practice.

Optional add-on 1: If you deliver condition-specific classes
These classes involve screening participants, identifying contraindications, and providing individual modifications. This type of delivery requires comprehensive Pilates training rather than short-course fitness instruction.

Optional add-on 2: If you are a studio owner or employer
I employ or supervise Pilates instructors delivering individualised and condition-specific Pilates services.

Optional Add-On Suggested Answers