10 million people in the UK suffer with arthritis. In Dorset it is estimated that around 66,000 people aged 45+ are living with hip or knee osteoarthritis.*
Joint pain and stiffness are common symptoms. They can be disabling and have a significant impact on the ways people are able to lead day-to-day life.
ESCAPE-pain is a rehabilitation programme for people with chronic joint pain associated with hip or knee osteoarthritis. It consists of self-management techniques, education and a personalised exercise programme.
This helps participants understand and how to cope with their condition better.
Martin Kimberley, Active Dorset Chief Executive, stated "Arthritis UK and the Health Innovation Network have approached Dorset to test how their proven intervention programme can be delivered at scale. Active Dorset working closely with Public Health Dorset, Dorset CCG and key leisure providers are delighted to be delivering the trailblazing roll out of ESCAPE-pain and look forward to Dorset residents being the first to benefit."
The next phase of ESCAPE-pain courses begin in the New Year and will be delivered by Active 4 Health across 3 venues; Moors Valley Country Park & Forest, Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre and Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex. BH Live will also be delivering across 3 venues; BH Live Active Corfe Mullen, Littledown and Pelhams Park Leisure Centre.
"We want as many people as possible to benefit from this scheme which is why are pleased to offer ESCAPE-pain in our health and wellbeing programme, says Mike Lyons, BH Live's Director of Sport and Leisure.
"Physical activity is one of the ways we can really make a difference to community health. We encourage anyone who is affected by hip or knee osteoarthritis to get in touch with us and see how we can help manage the symptoms of their condition and improve their quality of life."
Classes are run by a physiotherapist or exercise professional and integrate education and exercise.
Jackie O'Connor, Health & Activity Officer at Christchurch & East Dorset Councils, added "We are happy to support Active Dorset by delivering the ESCAPE-pain programme through Active 4 Health and hope the sessions provide great benefit to those currently experiencing joint pain."
After completing the twice weekly six-week programme, evidence has shown that many participants were able to better manage their symptoms, have the confidence and knowledge to be more active and the motivation to continue exercising.
The aim is to achieve county-wide participation across leisure venues by the end of 2018.
