FlowPilates and knee osteoarthritis
This is how FlowMat builds pilates classes for a student with knee osteoarthritis. They are the app's real rules, reviewed by a medical committee: what isn't recommended is never suggested, and what needs care comes with a warning for the teacher.
500 exercises in the catalog
Guidance for the class
Exercises FlowMat does not suggest
No exercise is ruled out for this condition: the care is in how each one is done. FlowMat suggests them with a warning and, when one exists, a gentler variation.
Exercises that come with a warning
Examples of exercises that do appear, with the guidance the teacher gets.
Slightly bend the standing knee and keep it steady throughout.
Hold onto the wall or a chair and watch the alignment of the support knee; stop if it hurts.
Bend the knees only as far as is comfortable, without forcing the angle.
Avoid rolling over the knee; keep pressure away from the joint.
Use padding under the supporting knee and avoid holding the position too long.
Place an extra mat under the supporting knee to reduce pressure.
Place a cushion under each knee or use a chair if deep knee bend hurts.
Place a pillow under the resting knee to reduce pressure.
Place a cushion under the supporting knee to reduce pressure.
Use a cushion under the supporting knee and avoid staying in that position too long.
Use a cushion under your knees and stop if pain appears.
Bring the knee in gently and stop if pain appears.
and 83 more in the app's catalog.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do pilates with knee osteoarthritis?
It depends on each person and on what their treating doctor says. FlowMat does not replace that judgment: it helps the teacher plan the class, avoiding what isn't recommended with knee osteoarthritis and flagging what needs care.
What does FlowMat do with exercises that are not recommended?
It never suggests them when building the class, and they don’t show up as a replacement when you swap an exercise either.
Can I change the class FlowMat builds?
Yes. You can swap, remove, add or reorder exercises and adjust the reps. The catalog only offers exercises that are safe for the student.