ESCAPE-pain: helping people manage joint pain

Musculoskeletal conditions are a major cause of disability and work absence, with arthritic pain severely affecting people's lives. 

ESCAPE-pain (Enabling Self-management and Coping with Arthritic Pain), is a sustainable and affordable programme that gives people tools to improve their quality of life.

Professor Mike Hurley, from Kingston University and St George's University of London, developed the ESCAPE-pain programme. It helps people manage chronic joint pain by combining self-education with personalised exercise routines. Participants learn about their condition, discover ways to help themselves, and practice exercises to reduce pain and improve mobility.

Professor Hurley explains that ESCAPE-pain also helps reduce common issues for those with joint pain, like social isolation and anxiety.

ESCAPE-pain has received many awards, including the Royal Society of Public Health’s Health and Wellbeing Award, and the UK Active Specialist Training Programme of the Year. It’s also featured in NICE Guidelines for Osteoarthritis. It has been endorsed by NHS England and other health bodies.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, ESCAPE-pain was available in almost 300 locations across the UK, including community centres and schools. It helped over 20,000 people and saved the NHS about £30 million by reducing healthcare needs. During the pandemic, a virtual version was developed, which continues to be offered today.

Independent reviews show that ESCAPE-pain improves physical function, reduces pain and depression, and enhances quality of life. The programme is seen as life-changing, boosting participants' independence and well-being.

In 2016, ESCAPE-pain launched a mobile app, allowing people to follow the programme independently. This has extended its reach to more patients who want to manage their pain at home. In 2021, the programme won the Self Care Innovation Award for helping people to manage their own health.

The next goal for ESCAPE-pain is to reach more people in underserved communities. This will ease more pressure on the health system and improve lives for those struggling with joint pain.