Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition worldwide, affecting millions and leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility, particularly in the hip and knee joints. Traditional management often relies on pain relief medications, which may not address the underlying issues and can have undesirable side effects. In the UK, the Enabling Self-management and Coping with Arthritis Pain through Exercise (ESCAPE-pain) programme was developed to empower individuals with OA to take control of their condition through education and tailored exercise.
ESCAPE-pain stands for "Enabling Self-management and Coping with Arthritic Pain using Exercise."
It is an evidence-based rehabilitation programme designed for people with chronic hip and knee pain. Developed by Professor Mike Hurley, the programme integrates educational self-management strategies with individualized exercise regimens. Its primary aim is to improve participants' understanding of their condition, reduce pain, and enhance physical function and quality of life
The ESCAPE-pain programme lasts six weeks and consists of 12 sessions held twice weekly. Each session is approximately one hour long and is divided into two components:
Educational Component (20 minutes):
Participants engage in group discussions covering key topics such as the causes of joint pain, pain management techniques, and the benefits of physical activity. This collaborative environment encourages shared learning and support among participants.
Exercise Component (40 minutes):
A supervised circuit-based exercise session is tailored to individual capabilities, focusing on improving strength, balance, and mobility. The exercises are designed to be functional, helping participants in their daily activities.
To assess the impact of the programme, participants complete validated outcome measures:
KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score):
This questionnaire is used for individuals with knee osteoarthritis and evaluates five key domains:
Pain
Symptoms
Function in daily living
Function in sport/recreation
Knee-related quality of life
HOOS (Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score):
Designed for hip osteoarthritis, HOOS measures similar domains as KOOS, focusing on:
Pain
Symptoms
Activities of daily living
Sports/recreation function
Hip-related quality of life
These assessments help track individual progress and demonstrate the effectiveness of the ESCAPE-pain programme in reducing pain and improving mobility over time.
Research and participant feedback have highlighted several benefits of the ESCAPE-pain programme:
Pain Reduction:
Participants often experience a significant decrease in pain levels, enabling them to engage more comfortably in daily activities.
Improved Physical Function:
Tailored exercises enhance mobility, strength, and balance, contributing to greater independence.
Enhanced Mental Well-being:
The group setting fosters social interaction, reducing feelings of isolation and improving overall mood.
Healthcare Savings:
By equipping individuals with self-management tools, the programme has been shown to reduce the need for medical consultations and interventions, leading to substantial cost savings for the NHS.
ESCAPE-pain is delivered across various settings in the UK, including:
Hospital outpatient departments
Leisure centres
Community halls
The programme is facilitated by trained healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists and exercise instructors.
To find a local class, individuals can visit the ESCAPE-pain website and use the site map to locate nearby programmes.
For those unable to attend in person, digital support tools (including an online platform and a smartphone app) have been developed to provide guidance and resources for exercising safely at home.
The success of ESCAPE-pain is evident through the positive experiences of individuals who have benefited from it. Mo Wong, Director of PhysioLabs X, has extensive experience in running this class in the UK and has worked as an NHS MSK (Musculoskeletal) Physiotherapist., He is now excited to offer an free online version of the programme, allowing individuals to practice and manage their hip and knee condition from the comfort of their own homes.
Mo, who had seen firsthand the transformative impact of the programme on participants' lives, shared:
"I've seen countless individuals experience significant improvements in both their physical and mental well-being after completing the ESCAPE-pain programme. Now, by offering it online, we can ensure more people have the opportunity to benefit from this life-changing experience, all at their own pace and convenience."
This new online format provides the same tailored exercise regimens and educational support as the in-person classes, giving participants the freedom to practice at their ease while receiving guidance from our team of trained professionals.
For more information on how to join, visit Physio Nearby Blog.
ESCAPE-pain offers a comprehensive and effective approach to managing hip and knee osteoarthritis. By combining education with personalized exercise, it empowers individuals to take control of their condition, leading to improved physical and mental well-being. As the programme continues to expand across the UK, it holds the promise of transforming the lives of many more individuals living with chronic joint pain.
References:
Hurley, M., et al. (2018). ESCAPE-pain: A model of evidence-based rehabilitation for people with knee and hip osteoarthritis. British Journal of Pain, 32(2), 115-122.
Osteoarthritis Research UK. (2020). ESCAPE-pain: Helping people manage osteoarthritis.
Retrieved from https://www.osteoarthritis.org.uk
Versus Arthritis. (2020). ESCAPE-pain: Managing osteoarthritis through exercise.
Retrieved from https://www.versusarthritis.org