If you've been diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA), you may have been told that your joints are simply "wearing out" and that you should avoid too much activity. It's an understandable belief, and one that many people have heard over the years. However, our understanding of OA has changed considerably. Current UK guidance recommends exercise as one of the main treatments for OA. Rather than causing further damage, appropriate exercise can help reduce pain, improve strength, ma

Evidence-based guidance for people with osteoporosis or osteopenia from Chartered Physiotherapist and Pilates instructor Lorraine Maxwell (Updated August 2026 • 8 minute read). Balance training is one of the key recommendations within the Strong, Steady and Straight guidance, helping to reduce falls risk and maintain independence. If you've recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia, you may wondering whether it is still safe to exercise - or whether Pilates is r