Business Details
19 Years
experience
Expert Physiotherapy & Pilates in Belfast
Belfast Pilates stands as Northern Ireland's leading centre for physio-led Pilates and rehabilitation. Founded in 2007 by Chartered Physiotherapists Gillian Duggan and Sonia McCay, our practice combines over 30 years of clinical expertise with APPI-certified Pilates instruction. We specialise in treating spinal conditions, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal issues while offering tailored Pilates classes for all abilities. Our team of nine HCPC-registered physiotherapists utilises cutting-edge equipment and evidence-based techniques, including Reformer machines and small-group instruction.Recognised by major insurers, we provide one-to-one physiotherapy, antenatal/postnatal care, and specialist paediatric services. With flexible scheduling across two studios and seven treatment rooms, we serve clients from children to elite athletes. Our commitment to continuous professional development ensures patients receive the latest rehabilitation methodologies. The 2015 relocation to Holywood Arches expanded our capacity to deliver 50+ weekly classes, blending clinical precision with community-focused wellness.
Services
Physiotherapy
Pilates Classes
Reformer Pilates
Ante Natal Classes
Postnatal Rehabilitation
Sports Injury Treatment
Paediatric Physiotherapy
Acupuncture
Electrotherapy
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- Chartered physiotherapists with 30+ years combined clinical experience
- Small class sizes ensuring individual technique correction
- Specialist paediatric and ante/postnatal Pilates programmes
- Recognised by all major private medical insurers
- State-of-the-art Reformer equipment in purpose-built facilities
Associations and certifications
- APPI
What people say
Expert instructors
Improved mobility
Personalised attention
Supportive environment
Effective rehabilitation
Services
Physiotherapy
Our chartered physiotherapists specialise in treating spinal conditions, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders. Using manual therapy, exercise prescription, and advanced techniques like acupuncture, we address acute and chronic pain. Patients benefit from individualised treatment plans combining hands-on therapy with evidence-based rehabilitation strategies.
Pilates Classes
APPI-certified instructors lead mat-work Pilates classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Sessions focus on core stability, postural alignment, and functional movement patterns. Small class sizes ensure personalised attention while using varied equipment maintains progressive challenge and injury prevention.
Reformer Pilates
Advanced Pilates training using Allegro 2 Reformer machines enhances strength and flexibility. This equipment-based method offers resistance training with precise movement control. Classes build on mat-work foundations, providing progressive overload and three-dimensional movement patterns for improved athletic performance and rehabilitation.
Ante Natal Classes
Specialist Pilates programmes support prenatal health through safe, adapted exercises. Sessions focus on pelvic floor engagement, postural support, and gentle strengthening for childbirth preparation. Instructors modify exercises to accommodate changing body mechanics while maintaining core stability throughout pregnancy.
Sports Injury Treatment
Comprehensive management of sports-related injuries including ligament sprains, tendon injuries, and muscle tears. Treatment combines manual therapy with sport-specific rehabilitation programmes. Physiotherapists address biomechanical imbalances while progressing patients through functional exercises to restore performance capabilities safely.
People
Gillian Duggan
Co-Founder & Chartered Physiotherapist
With 15+ years of clinical experience, Gillian specialises in spinal rehabilitation and physio-led Pilates instruction. She completed APPI's Level 1 & 2 Reformer training and focuses on integrating movement analysis with injury prevention strategies.
Sonia McCay
Co-Founder & Chartered Physiotherapist
Sonia brings extensive orthopaedic expertise to her Pilates instruction, holding postgraduate qualifications in manual therapy. She develops progressive class structures that challenge participants while maintaining strict technique standards for injury prevention.
Denise O'Hagan
Chartered Physiotherapist
Denise specialises in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, incorporating Pilates-based rehabilitation into treatment plans. She focuses on individualised patient education alongside hands-on therapy to address both symptoms and underlying biomechanical causes.
Jane Carson
Chartered Physiotherapist
Jane applies her sports injury expertise to both one-to-one physiotherapy and class instruction. She integrates functional movement analysis with Pilates principles to improve patients' movement efficiency and reduce re-injury risk.
Rachel Norwood
Chartered Physiotherapist
Rachel specialises in women's health physiotherapy, delivering ante/postnatal care and pelvic floor rehabilitation. She adapts Pilates techniques for pre- and post-natal clients, focusing on safe core engagement and postural support.
Questions
What conditions do you treat?
We specialise in spinal conditions, sports injuries, musculoskeletal pain, and postnatal rehabilitation using combined physiotherapy and Pilates-based approaches.
Are classes suitable for beginners?
Yes, we offer dedicated beginner classes and require initial one-to-one assessments to ensure proper technique foundation before group sessions.
Do you accept insurance patients?
We're recognised by all major private medical insurers - please provide policy code and authorisation number when booking.
What equipment do you use?
Our studios feature seven Allegro 2 Reformer machines, plus varied small equipment for mat-work classes ensuring progressive challenge.
How qualified are your instructors?
All instructors are HCPC-registered Chartered Physiotherapists with APPI Pilates certification and postgraduate specialisation in musculoskeletal therapy.
Can Pilates help with injury recovery?
Yes, our physio-led classes integrate rehabilitation principles, with instructors modifying exercises to support individual recovery processes while preventing re-injury.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Rosemary Kilpatrick
Feb 05, 2021
Report
I have been going here for many years now and cannot speak highly enough of both the Pilates and the Physio that they provide (and let me assure you I have tried many others!). The team is amazing! They have managed to keep classes going throughout the pandemic via Zoom and if you need physio they have all the safety checks in place and wear full PPE. Fully deserving of the 5 star rating
Margaret
Jan 31, 2021
Report
Fantastic group delivering fantastic services! Whether it's physiotherapy or Pilates classes they are the best; physio has helped me through difficult times and Pilates keeps me ticking over. Don't know what I'd do without them.
Kara Bailie
Jan 29, 2021
Report
I think I have had Pilates classes with almost every instructor, and they're all brilliant. I have joined ante-natal classes for 2 pregnancies and weekly Pilates with Gillian to manage RA, which has kept me mobile, flexible and strong. Absolutely essential now that I'm working at a less than perfect set up at home! Also highly recommend as physio practice.
Sharon Nelson
Jan 26, 2021
Report
Gillian introduced me to the world of Pilates about 12 years ago and I love it. I've been to classes with most of the team over the years. Having also tried non physio led classes there is a huge difference. Classes at BP are very well structured and varied. You use different equipment each week and no two weeks are the same. I always recommend the classes to everyone I know as they have helped me so much. I guarantee you will enjoy Pilates and stick with it as I have :)
