A local resident has shared how a period of severe pain and reduced mobility led them to seek support through the ESCAPE-pain for hip and knee programme, helping them rebuild strength, reduce pain and return to everyday activities.
Simon’s experience began in January 2025, when he first noticed pain in his leg that quickly worsened over time.
“First, my pain started in my right leg, from my hip and down, in January 2025. Over a few days it steadily got worse and worse. So I went to see the doctors who told me it was sciatica. They prescribed me strong pain killers, which didn’t help much.”
After this, Simon then went to see an osteopath which helped him to feel some relief for a short period of time.
“It was then recommended I had an X-ray. This is where I found out I have osteoarthritis in my hip and lower back. I was told to just keep taking pain killers.”
As his mobility declined, Simon reached a point where even basic movement became extremely difficult.
“It got to the point where I needed crutches and could barely walk. I remember one Sunday laying on the floor, sobbing, hoping someone would just take my leg off it was that painful.”
Following further investigation, Simon was diagnosed with a bulging disc and began physiotherapy, where he was introduced to regular exercises to help manage his pain.
“Eventually I had an MRI scan which also showed I had a bulging disk in L5. I was referred to a physio from there. I was given some exercises to do each day for 3 months. Here we were able to reach the goal of making my pain more manageable through exercise, just about manageable.”
Simon’s physio and a friend recommended the ESCAPE-pain programme delivered by Everybody Health and Leisure, which he referred himself onto. The programme focuses on helping people manage joint pain through guided exercise and education.
“There I learnt that I needed to maintain movement and physicality. The course has had a mind-blowing effect on me.”
Before joining the programme, Simon was also supported with a structured gym plan and guidance to strengthen his core and improve his overall fitness. Over time, this consistent approach began to have a noticeable impact.
“Rob set up a gym programme for me to follow to strengthen my core. The exercises and education from the ESCAPE-pain course with Holly has had a massive positive impact on me.”
Since completing the programme, Simon has made significant progress, both physically and in his confidence to stay active. He has reduced his reliance on pain medication and introduced regular movement into his routine.
“I used to take pain killers daily but now I don’t need to take them other than once in a while. Because of the ESCAPE-pain course I have been able to set myself SMART goals, such as walking every day.”
He has also been able to return to activities that are important to him, which he had previously stopped due to pain.
“Now being able to walk an hour a day and cycle regularly too. I can now ride my motorbike again which is very important to me. I am now almost pain free.”
Simon also highlighted the value of the ongoing support he received throughout his journey.
The support from the health team has been brilliant. They check in with me regularly and are always very friendly.”
Reflecting on Simon’s progress, his coach Holly said:
“Simon has been a pleasure to work with. He is hard working and driven to keep active to improve his health. He has achieved a huge amount over the last 3–4 months. He is doing well carrying on in the gym. Other members have also commented on how much he has improved and that he is always so friendly and smiling when they see him on the gym floor. From when I first met Simon to now, he is like a new person. Well done, Simon.”
If you’d like support to improve your health, manage pain or become more active, Everybody Health and Leisure offer a range of specialist rehabilitation exercise programmes and friendly support to help you get started.
Find out more here: Health & Wellbeing | Everybody Health & Leisure, call 01270 685589 or email [email protected].
