How Inclusive Cycling Helped Pat Rediscover Confidence and Independence
EB Health & Leisure
Julie Critchley, from Middlewich, has shared how taking part in the ESCAPE-pain programme at Crewe Lifestyle Centre has helped her feel stronger, more confident, and back in control of her health.
Before joining, Julie described herself as generally healthy. She kept active by walking briskly for around 30 minutes most days. But after developing osteoarthritis in her right knee and sciatica, affecting her right leg, she knew she needed the right support to keep moving comfortably.
Since starting the programme, Julie has seen a significant improvement in her movement and day-to-day comfort.
She shared that she no longer needs to take regular pain relief for her sciatica, and tasks that once felt difficult are now much more manageable. Before the course, Julie found it uncomfortable to sit on a dining chair or in a car seat and struggled with going up and down the stairs. Now, with increased flexibility in her right knee and reduced sciatic pain, these everyday movements have become far easier.
“My mobility has so much improved, the stairs are no longer a problem to me at all, and I can sit comfortably on any hard surface, no sciatica, no pain killers”
Julie has built a routine that works for her. Alongside the ESCAPE-pain sessions, she now attends two gym sessions and two classes each week, as well as swimming twice a week, helping her stay active in a way that feels sustainable and enjoyable.
At first, like many people, Julie felt unsure about using gym equipment. But getting to know the Crewe Lifestyle Centre and having support from friendly, knowledgeable instructors quickly helped her feel at ease.
“It’s been so helpful, everyone is so friendly, and I have seen real benefits to my health through attending!”
She also enjoyed meeting new people from different backgrounds, many facing similar challenges, which made the experience feel welcoming and inclusive.
The sessions have even helped Julie try movements she wouldn’t have attempted on her own. With the right encouragement and guidance, she’s discovered she’s capable of more than she thought.
Summing up her experience, Julie said:
“Friendly encouragement, at a gentle pace that in time, definitely brings results.”
Julie’s story highlights how the right support, a welcoming environment, and a programme tailored to individual needs can help people feel more confident, move more freely, and improve their overall wellbeing, one step at a time.
ESCAPE-pain is an evidenced based rehabilitation programme, sometimes called the ‘knee or hip class’, designed to reduce pain and disability for people with chronic joint pain or Osteoarthritis. We also have the ESCAPE-pain for backs programme. This is a rehabilitation programme designed to help reduce pain and disability for people with chronic low back pain through education and exercise.
To find out more: ESCAPE-pain • Everybody Health and Leisure
Share on social media
