Member John has recently had knee surgery and according to his consultant has recovered in record time! Here’s John to tell you more and how taking part in ESCAPE-pain, Move it or Lose it and Move to Improve classes have helped.
“I originally went on the ESCAPE-p
ain programme specifically to improve the joint strength around my knees, recommended, among others, by my GP.
I have then continued a weekly basis with both Move to Improve (once a week) and Move It or Lose It (twice a week) to continue this process in preparation for full knee replacement surgery, which I knew would eventually be needed.
Before joining the programme at the leisure centre, I was out of condition generally, though my main motivation was to improve the muscle strength around my knee joints in preparation for surgery.
These programmes have made an enormous improvement to the strength of the muscles around my knee joints, preparing me very well for full replacement (left) knee surgery in June 2025.
My general health and wellbeing are also greatly improved as a direct result of these programmes.
Following these the ESCAPE-pain and follow-on classes, my knee joints have become fully prepared for replacement knee surgery. My consultant surgeon commented that my knee was in the ideal condition for this surgery, contributing to a very rapid recovery.
I was off crutches completely in four weeks and walking two+ miles with no pain whatsoever in six weeks. I have been told that this recovery timescale is considerably quicker than normal. My physiotherapist is also very pleased with my rate of progress, discharging me completely after 8 weeks, which is almost unheard of.
Apart from the exercises themselves, which are most invigorating, I have made many new friends at the various sessions. The camaraderie that has developed among a particular group of us is most rewarding. The guidance and support provided by the Everybody Health and Leisure team has been invaluable. Learning to do the exercises properly is essential to derive the greatest benefit. I cannot thank them enough.
If you know that you will need replacement knee surgery at some point in the future, then do not hesitate, join the ESCAPE-pain programme and then follow this up with the regular weekly programmes to prepare yourself thoroughly for the surgery. You will be amazed how quick your post-op recovery will then be as a direct result. I cannot recommend these programmes highly enough.”
If you would like to find out more about our health programmes click here or contact our Everybody Healthy Team who will happily help and answer any questions you have, please call 01270 685589 or email [email protected]