When Claire turned 44, she was still playing tennis every Saturday and walking the Rāpaki track with friends. But then she found her right knee ached after matches, and her hip felt stiff in the mornings.
At first, she brushed it off as nothing more than the price of an active life. But secretly, she couldn’t help but worry.
She remembered her mum’s limp before her knee replacement—the way she stopped gardening, stopped walking the dog, stopped doing the things she loved because everything hurt. The months of waiting for surgery. The long, frustrating rehab.
“Is that where I’m heading? Is it all downhill from here? Surely I’m too young for a joint replacement?"
If you’ve had similar thoughts, you’re not alone, but here’s the truth: much of what you’ve heard and been told about arthritis is outdated and flat-out wrong. Let’s bust three of the biggest myths.
Myth 1: Arthritis is “wear and tear”
For decades, osteoarthritis was described like an old car: the more you “use” the joint, the more it wears out. But research proves the opposite. Movement is the number one recommended treatment for arthritis.
The Danish GLA:D program (Good Living With Arthritis) has followed tens of thousands of people with hip or knee arthritis and found that targeted strengthening plus education:
- Reduces pain by 26–33%
- Improves function and walking speed
- Helps many delay or avoid surgery altogether
So no, exercise won’t make you worse—it will help! But of course, you need to choose the right type of exercise that both strengthens and supports you.
Why reformer Pilates works: on a reformer, springs provide support where you need it and resistance where you can handle it. That means you can strengthen muscles around your joints without overloading them. Plus the variety of movements keeps your workouts engaging and joint-friendly.
Myth 2: Arthritis is an “old person’s” disease
We often picture arthritis affecting people in their 70s, but symptoms can start decades earlier. In fact, by your 40s and 50s, small changes in joint cartilage can already be present, especially if you’ve had past injuries, repetitive load from sport, or certain genetic factors.
If you believe arthritis is “just for older people,” you might ignore early signs and miss the opportunity to build strength and control and provide the nutrition the joint needs to help keep it healthy—for longer.
Why reformer Pilates works: early-stage arthritis benefits most from a balance of mobility, stability, and muscle conditioning. Reformer Pilates delivers all three, allowing you to keep doing the activities you love now, and protecting your joints for the future.
Myth 3: The only solution for arthritis is joint replacement
While surgery can be life-changing for some, it’s far from the only option. In Denmark, GLA:D data shows that after completing the program, many people feel so much better they postpone or avoid surgery entirely.
Exercise isn’t just about pain management. It’s about keeping the surrounding muscles strong, which in turn supports the joint and improves everyday movement.
Why reformer Pilates works: the reformer allows you to progressively strengthen without aggravating your joints, keeping your muscles, tendons, and ligaments in great condition. This can significantly extend the lifespan of your natural joints—and give you the confidence to keep moving for longer.
Three steps to freedom from pain and stiffness
1. Choose a reformer that suits your body
A home Pilates reformer is the ultimate exercise partner, and should be chosen carefully! For people suffering from pain and stiffness, we recommend our Milan or Atelier; the softer upholstery will be gentle on your joints while you move.
2. Log in to Freedom On Demand
When you purchase a reformer through us, you get six months' free access to Freedom On Demand; our complete virtual Pilates studio. Here we have over 500 Pilates classes, including specialist sessions targeting osteoarthritis from experienced health professionals, plus a supportive community where you can ask questions and get support from a real-world physiotherapist.
Trust the experts, and know you're in safe hands.
3. Join the Strong Foundations programme for hip and knee arthritis
Last year we launched our Strong Foundations programme on Freedom On Demand. This is specifically designed for people with hip and knee arthritis, and is instructed by expert health professionals. Strong Foundations not only guides you through practical exercises but is also jam-packed with education and resources to support you.
