"Support from Orthopedics - Joint Pain Programme"

My Osteoarthritic Knee Journey

I have been attending Geoff's clinic for more years than I care to think about! I have osteoarthritis in both knees, which has significantly impacted my daily activities, preventing me from doing many things and causing considerable pain.

For years, Geoff has gently nagged me about my weight and lack of exercise. I was always going to start... eventually! However, two years ago I took the plunge and began self-funding GLP-1 medication. Since then, I have lost over four stone.

Unsurprisingly, this weight loss has greatly reduced the stress on my knees and, in turn, reduced my pain. I was told that I had probably delayed needing knee replacements by around 10 years. In fact, at my previous weight, surgery would not have been an option.

Geoff also suggested that I try the a Nuffield Joint Pain Programme. To be honest, I wasn't keen at first. The gym was, and still isn't, my natural habitat! However, I agreed to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did.

The programme is a free resource offered through Nuffield Health. Participants attend supported exercise and health education sessions twice a week for 12 weeks. You are also given a gym pass, allowing access to the gym throughout the programme and for a further 12 weeks afterwards.

I really enjoyed the classes and the support provided on the gym floor. I also took advantage of other activities available through the membership, including aqua aerobics, Pilates, and yoga. The added bonus of a swimming pool and sauna certainly didn't hurt!

I had an appointment with Geoff yesterday, and he commented on the progress I have made, stating that I was now -a long way off needing knee replacements.

I would encourage anyone living with joint pain to give the programme a go. It is not funded from NHS budgets and may even help save the NHS money in the long term by reducing the need for more intensive treatments.

I would also encourage the NHS to listen to orthopaedic specialists and consider pathways that allow patients to access GLP-1 medications more easily when clinically appropriate. Orthopaedic teams can clearly see the impact that excess weight has on joint health, yet accessing weight management services can be extremely difficult, and waiting times are often very long.

My experience has shown that a combination of weight loss, exercise, and professional support can make a real difference to both pain levels and quality of life.