Oldham residents offered free joint pain programme

Experts at the Manchester Institute of Health and Performance (MIHP), which is operated by Nuffield Health, are changing lives delivering a free programme to help people in Oldham living with chronic joint pain.

The 12-week programme, led by rehabilitation specialists, has been designed to help people understand, manage and relieve joint pain; a condition that affects more than 8.5 million people in the UK.

In England 18.2% of people aged 45 (4.5 million) have osteoarthritis of the knee, while 10.9% (2.7m) have osteoarthritis of the hip.

Almost 150 people (149) people from Greater Manchester have already benefited from the programme.

Across the UK more than 2,300 people have now taken part, with seven in ten (69%) reporting clinically significant improvements in their condition. 

Jon Taberner, Senior Rehabilitation Specialist at the Manchester Institute of Health and Performance, said: “Living with joint pain can be debilitating but we’ve designed this unique, evidence-based programme to equip people with the knowledge and practical support to better manage pain in the long term.

"It’s open to anyone in Oldham suffering with chronic joint pain and is completely free and we are pleased to be continuing it in 2023. 

“The research and development we undertake here at MIHP helps to inform the programmes we roll out nationwide, helping us meet our purpose as a charity to build a healthier nation.” 

Sue Alderton, who has participated in the programme, said: “When I first walked in here, I was using a walking stick. Now, I hardly have to use a walking stick it all.  

"My range of movement is better, mentally I feel better and altogether has been very beneficial.

"It has been so professional and absolutely tremendous.” 

The programme follows a group format, with an average of 10 participants consisting of twice weekly sessions.

These include education workshops and exercise classes to reduce pain and increase mobility, as well as providing the tools to support mental health and understand more about joint pain.

The programme is free to access and open to anyone living with chronic joint pain.

MIHP was founded by Manchester City Council, Sport England and City Football Group. Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest health charity, took over as operating partner in 2020.

Since 2020, the partnership has brought together leaders from both elite and community sport, healthcare and local government, working together in the local community to reduce health inequalities and help people live healthier lives.

To apply, you can register by clicking here

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