Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme partnered with Hallamshire Physiotherapy in facilitating free osteoarthritis exercise classes to tend to the needs of those suffering from chronic joint pain.
Osteoarthritis - the most prolific variation of arthritis - is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and decreased range of motion in affected joints. Not only is the rheumatic disease a burden for the many who endure its unforgiving symptoms, but this form of arthritis also weighs heavily on healthcare systems on a global scale.
Launched in April 2024, the initiative - targeted at women and men over the age of 50, but not exclusively – offers physical wellbeing sessions, which focus on and leverage the benefits of exercise to help participants improve their balance and strength, whilst alleviating the persistent pain they’ve suffered as a result of their condition.
Regular participant, Julie Shaw, who joined soon after its inception over 12 months ago, praised the ongoing impact of the sessions on her overall mobility.
“I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in my left hip,” she explained. “I was in excruciating pain and was told I needed a hip replacement.
“I was introduced to this session by my uncle and since starting, I’ve already seen improvements. My leg used to give way coming down the stairs so I used to be afraid to use them. Now, I can confidently walk up and down the stairs - walking is getting easier now.
“It’s still painful, I just manage the pain regular exercise. I don’t take any medications at all.”
The project is delivered in the form of circuit training, providing multiple stations where participants can endure a variety of low-impact physical activities to help manage symptoms.
Fellow participant, Heather Smith, described the vast improvements to her commonly affected arthritic areas since joining: “I already attended Pilates classes, which were improving my knees, my lower back, and shoulder, but I was doing very little in the way of cardio.
“What I like about these classes is you’ve got a mix, so you’re not neglecting cardio in favour of functional strength training. You’re actually getting both.
“Since I started coming to the sessions, through my watch, I’ve found my cardio fitness has increased by 30%. Getting up and out from a lower position is a lot easier and, as for my shoulder, I started to notice a difference after six weeks.”
The free-of-charge support has proven to be successful, averaging circa 35 to 40 people on the programme in total, and 16 or more participants per session.
Health coach at Sheffield Wednesday’s osteoarthritis sessions, Ben Lamb, added: “I’ve had people who maybe go to football matches and they can’t really get up the steps very easily, so they’re having to stop going.
“Now, I’ve had one client say they can go all the way to the top without stopping, and they also don’t feel as out of breath thanks to the cardio we’re doing in the sessions as well.”