Pilates and knee replacement

This is how FlowMat builds pilates classes for a student with knee replacement. 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.

10never suggested
66with a warning and a gentler option
424available as usual

500 exercises in the catalog

Guidance for the class

Do not kneel on the operated knee or force bending beyond what is tolerated.

Exercises FlowMat does not suggest

These are 10 of the catalog's exercises that FlowMat keeps out of the class when this condition is present.

Not suggestedChild's pose
Not suggestedTall Kneeling Balance with Extended Arms
Not suggestedKneeling hip stretch with relaxed arms
Not suggestedKneeling hamstring stretch
Not suggestedJumping jacks
Not suggestedKneeling lean back
Not suggestedThigh stretch
Not suggestedLion's pose
Not suggestedChild's pose with side reach
Not suggestedKneeling heart opener

Exercises that come with a warning

Examples of exercises that do appear, with the guidance the teacher gets.

CarefulThe Bug

Bend the knees gently, without forcing the range of motion.

CarefulBand Kickback

Pad the supporting knee and reduce time in quadruped if you feel discomfort.

CarefulBent-Knee Hip Lift with Band

Use a double mat under the supporting knee and avoid staying in that position too long.

CarefulEasy Pose

Sit on a tall cushion or chair if your knee doesn't allow full flexion.

CarefulKneeling hip flexor stretch

Cushion the resting knee well and shorten the hold if you feel discomfort.

CarefulStatic bird dog hold

Avoid resting directly on the operated knee; use a thick cushion underneath.

CarefulKneeling side plank

Rest the operated knee on a soft surface and avoid bending it beyond what feels comfortable.

CarefulQuadruped hip extension

Pad the supporting knee well and avoid loading the operated knee directly if it feels uncomfortable.

CarefulKnee Plank with Shoulder Taps

Don't kneel directly on the operated knee; use thick padding for protection.

CarefulSeated Balance with Knee to Chest

Avoid bending the knee beyond what's comfortable and control the movement.

CarefulStanding quad stretch

Avoid bringing the heel too close to the glute if you feel tension in the replaced knee.

CarefulPlié in First Position with Ring

Keep the bend small and controlled, without forcing the range.

and 54 more in the app's catalog.

Medical clearance

Frequently asked questions

Can you do pilates with knee replacement?

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 replacement 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.

Build every student’s class around their conditions

FlowMat is an app for pilates teachers: you note the student’s conditions and the app builds the class.

Meet FlowMat

Other conditions

Important: FlowMat helps plan classes, but it does not replace a health professional’s judgment. If in doubt about a student, ask their treating doctor.