"Physio Class To Combat Osteoarthritis"

Was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in 2018 which led to me giving up 5 a side football, mainly due to my own decision as it was the one activity which I would feel pain after. The consultant I saw advised that my other sport, golf, was also not great for my knees due to the twisting action during a swing. My first thought was that in ten years time I would be at same hospital to visit one of the consultant's diet colleagues who would ask me why was I so over weight and my answer would be that I was advised to stop exercise. While that scenario not strictly true I am of the opinion that the exercise, companionship and walking around a golf course would be beneficial. I would occasionally use ibuprofen in gel and tablet form in order to combat pain or even to avoid potential pain or inflammation. Further pain led me to visiting my GP clinic's practice nurse and she prescribed naproxen, this resulted in me not being able to continue donating blood which was a disappointment. After this first course of naproxen was finished I decided to avoid taking medication, although without a clear plan of how to progress with dealing with osteoarthritis.

During late summer of 2024 I was having trouble sleeping due to pain in one of my knees and visited my GP clinic's practice nurse again. This time she advised exercise which could be done via an online NHS portal and that I could also refer myself to a physio class. I tried to carry out exercises regularly but was not disciplined enough. I then got a date to visit a group physio class where Jacqueline and Fiona advised of the benefits of regular exercise and that a 12 class course over 6 weeks would be commencing in May. I chose to attend this group class as I thought I would be motivated by others in the class to attend and carry out the exercises at home, along with encouragement from Jacqueline and Fiona.

The class uses quite simple techniques in order strengthen muscles around knee and hip joints, the only machines were a treadmill and a cycle machine. Having a bike at home and the ability to walk meant I didn't need to invest in any machines. As the weeks progressed I felt my joints improve and some movements becoming easier to perform. Jacqueline and Fiona were encouraging and knowledgeable giving information on diet and lifestyle in order to manage any pain from osteoarthritis, there was also further advice on classes run by our local authority in order to continue with exercise. I feel motivated and determined to continue with an exercise regime which Jacqueline and Fiona have encouraged me to proceed with.