A group programme is helping to improve the lives of people living with chronic hip, knee and back pain on the Isle of Wight.
ESCAPE-pain, which stands for Enabling Self-management and Coping with Arthritic Pain using Exercise, is a 6-week course combining education and coping strategies with an exercise programme which is tailored to each individual.
There are currently 2 programmes on offer: 1 focused on knees and hips and 1 for backs – designed to benefit people with chronic low back pain. The courses are currently available to patients from Newport Health Centre, Cowes Medical Centre and Brookside Health Centre in Freshwater.
The Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group is hoping to expand the programme to other parts of the Island in the coming year.
After being referred to the programme by their GP, or applying directly to join the programme, patients commit to taking part in 2x 1-hour sessions per week for 6 weeks. Each group session is run with between 8-12 individuals, with all materials provided, and is hosted in an accessible community venue with parking nearby. A follow-up call is also made at 1 month and 3 months after the programme concludes, to ensure people are continuing to manage well.
Pete Locans, course facilitator and Health and Wellbeing Coach at Newport Health Centre, says:
“I am really proud to be delivering this programme to patients on the Island, we have seen some amazing results with people becoming more confident and optimistic – and in some cases more independent – as they become less reliant on medication and the support of others to carry out everyday tasks.
“The programme offers participants the opportunity to safely understand their abilities, which enables them to make realistic plans when considering daily tasks and long-term goals.”
Article continues below this advertisement
Since its launch in August 2021, the course has received positive feedback from participants who have noticed an improvement in their pain levels and ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
Pauline Martin from Newport, is currently taking part in an ESCAPE-pain programme, she’s said:
“I have chronic arthritis which really affects my quality of life. Since starting the course I have already found an improvement in my physical abilities and also in my mental wellbeing – because coming out to a group to meet with others who understand how I feel gives me something to look forward to. The sessions are friendly and warm with the supportive coach giving you the confidence to take part in exercise in a safe environment.”
A short film has been produced by Newport Health Centre to show people what to expect when taking part in ESCAPE-pain:
People interested in taking part in the programme should contact their local surgery. Various participation eligibility criteria applies.
