Tired of knee or hip pain? Join ESCAPE-pain and learn to self-manage and cope better

What is ESCAPE-pain?

ESCAPE-pain (Enabling Self-management and Coping with Arthritic Pain using Exercise) is a group-based rehabilitation programme designed to help you: 

• Manage your symptoms and carry out daily activities with greater ease.
• Become more active and continue to exercise long-term.
• Learn practical strategies to better cope with your pain.

Participants meet twice a week for a total of 12 sessions, each lasting one hour. Sessions include 20-minutes of interactive education and a 40-minute, supervised exercise circuit designed for your specific needs and abilities. You'll be guided by qualified coaches and have the chance to connect with others who are also living with joint pain.

Is this programme right for You?

ESCAPE-pain is a self-referral programme suitable for adults over 45 with a clinical diagnosis of knee and hip osteoarthritis. To get the most out of the programme, you should be:

• Independently Mobile and able to participate in weekly supervised exercise classes (can use walking aids such as a stick or walker for long distances)
• Motivated to attend both sessions each week for the full six weeks.
• Comfortable participating and communicating in a group setting.

At the beginning and end of the programme we ask you to complete 2 questionnaires. This will allow you to measure the progress you have made throughout the programme. The outcome forms are anonymised. Your instructor will be able to help you with the forms if you have any questions.

Thousands of people have completed the ESCAPE-pain programme. Hear from past participants about how the programme has helped their pain.

Participants discuss benefits of ESCAPE pain (with subtitles)

Ready to Get Started?

The ESCAPE-pain programme is available at Dimensions Leisure Centre and Fenton Manor Sports Complex and there is a LIMITED TIME OFFER: Join the full 6-week programme for just £15.

• Dimensions Lesiure Centre starting Tuesday 27 January (Every Tuesday and Thursday for 6 weeks) 11-12noon
• Fenton Manor Sports Complex starting Wednesday 28 January (every Wednesday and Friday for 6 weeks) 10-11am

For more details about upcoming dates and how to enrol, please contact the Wellbeing and Leisure team:

• Email: Activewellbeing@stoke.gov.uk
• Phone: 01782 235825/235004

If you have concerns about your joint health, are awaiting a diagnosis, or have a medical condition that might prevent you from participating in gentle exercise, please seek advice from your GP or healthcare practitioner before enrolling.