A six-week programme to help people aged over 45, experiencing long-term hip or knee pain, due to osteoarthritis, lead a more active lifestyle.
The ESCAPE pain programme runs twice a week and involves a combination of education, exercise and specialist advice from a physiotherapist.
You can access this programme at:
- Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital, Herne Bay
- Whitstable and Tankerton Hospital, Whitstable
- Sevenoaks Hospital, Sevenoaks
- Tonbridge Cottage Hospital, Tonbridge
- Churchill Centre, Aylesford
- Gravesham Community Hospital, Gravesend
- Due to COVID-19, all patients across Kent can access a virtual programme.
Criteria to join this programme include:
- patients aged over 45 with chronic joint pain (at least three months’ duration)
- clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis
- needing a supervised exercise programme
- independently mobile
- no contraindications to carrying out a regular exercise programme.
How to join the programme:
- Your GP or healthcare professional can refer you to the ESCAPE programme via email physiopatients@nhs.net, by the e-referral service (ERS).
- If you have a Gravesend GP you can self-refer by using this our MSK referral form.
If you have any questions or you would like to check which days the programme is running at your closest location please email kentchft.physiopatients@nhs.net or phone 0300 123 0854.
Your stories
“I have arthritis in both hips, I saw this and thought “I’ll give it a go!”” I wish it could go on forever, it’s wonderful. It’s been great for my pain but it’s also the social aspect of the group that’s been fantastic – it’s good for my inner self.”
Sandra Percival, 71 from Herne Bay
“I wanted to reduce the pain medication I am on for my arthritis, which I have done. It’s a group session but you still get individualised care. I have been running around with my granddaughter with no pain!”
Gill Conneely, 74 from Hoath