Is Pilates Good for Arthritis? A Specialist’s Guide
Yes, for most people with arthritis, Pilates is one of the safest ways to stay strong and mobile. Strengthening the muscles around a joint helps support it and take pressure off it, while gentle, controlled movement eases stiffness. The key is working within a comfortable range, adapted to your type of arthritis and how your joints feel on the day.
Reformer Pilates offers a low-impact form of exercising, accommodating different degrees of joint restrictions.
By improving your joint mobility, strengthening the muscles of the sensitive joints, increasing core stability, improving body awareness, improving circulation in the extremities and balance, reformer pilates provides arthritis patients the ultimate way to exercise so they restore body function and enjoy life with no limitations.
At Perola Bruta we are committed to supporting our clients with sensitive joints and injuries by providing an: individualised, multi-disciplinary, modern approach.
Types of Arthritis and How Pilates Helps
Osteoarthritis
The most common for or arthritis is often caused due to aging. It occurs when cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down.
Reformer Pilates by strengthening the muscles surrounding the affected joints and enhancing joint mobility can reduce stress on the joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA is an autoimmune condition and in severe cases joint deformity. In contrast with OA the symptoms between left and right side are not the same.
Rheumatoid Arthritis patients often can follow a regular Reformer Pilates workout. Nonetheless it is important to pay attention to their joint health as symptoms can deteriorate quickly.
If your hands and wrists are affected, see our guide to wrist pain in yoga and Pilates.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition that can occur in those with psoriasis.
Due to the association psoriasis has with the digestive and nervous systems, these patients benefit a lot through the mind-body aspect of reformer pilates while craniosacral therapy offered by Ana can be equally beneficial.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the spine leading to stiffness and fusion of the vertebrae.
Reformer Pilates can benefit ankylosing spondylitis patients by improving the spine mobility and posture.
Read more about Reformer Pilates for lower back pain.
Gout
In gout, uric acid build up can restrict joint movement and cause severe pain.
Low-impact exercises on the reformer machine that support joint function can be beneficial for such patients. Equally breathing exercises can help them deal with pain.
Lupus-Related Arthritis
Similar with RA Lupus is an autoimmune disease affecting various organs, including the joints.
Reformer Pilates can be very supportive for lupus patients by allowing them to train in a gentle, mindful way.
Follow-Along Workouts for Arthritis
Both workouts are done standing, with no floor work, so they’re easy to start even if getting down to the floor is difficult.
Hands, Wrists and Shoulders
A 26-minute upper-body routine to mobilise and strengthen the shoulders, arms and wrists. Light weights are optional; start without them if your joints are sensitive.
Knees and Hips
A 17-minute routine to build strength around the knees and hips using mini bands. Keep the wall sit higher and the squats shallower if needed, and skip the leg kicks.
When to Rest or See a Doctor
Mild muscle tiredness after exercise is normal. Rest the affected joint during a flare-up, when it’s hot, red or swollen, and stop any movement that causes sharp pain or joint pain that lasts after exercising. See your GP if a joint becomes suddenly swollen and painful, and seek urgent help if this comes with a fever or you feel unwell.
Success Stories
Why reformer pilates?
It is not uncommon to get 2 individuals with the same age, sex, diagnosis and different symptoms. Private reformer pilates sessions allow us to address your specific needs, provide modifications and accommodate your arthritis-related concerns.
For knee-specific support, see Reformer Pilates for knee pain.
Because the total is more than the sum of the parts…
The Perola Bruta approach to Arthritis
When the Nervous System is challenged all the exercise in the world will not eliminate pain. Ana uses Craniosacral therapy & Reiki to support healing energetically.
Both strength exercises and adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can benefit the joint-health of arthritis patients. Anastasis will be happy to assist you on both areas.
You want to join Perola Bruta?
Schedule a 15min complimentary call, during which we will discuss your case and find out if we are a good fit for your goals. We only take on new clients that have taken the time to attend a call first.