Avid walker Denis Coogan feared he would never walk up Papamoa Hills again after being diagnosed with arthritis but a pilot health programme has given him a new lease on life.

The Mobility Action Team programme was recently launched nationwide with seven different programs being run concurrently.

Participants in Body In Motion's Mobility Action Programme (from left): Denis Coogan, Kay Aldridge, Margaret Lynch, Philippa Fox, Jordon Dessen, Kate Gillingham (Physiotherapist) and Sue Coogan. Supplied Photo.

Denis is one of a group of people referred for the Bay of Plenty version, created and implemented by Body in Motion Physio & Rehab.

Body in Motion physiotherapists Kate Gillingham and Jacob MacLean, and nutritionist Anna Rolleston, are taking individuals with early stage arthritis of the hip, knee or low back through a programme of education, exercise, and nutrition advice.

'I used to do a lot of walking but developed arthritis in my knee a few months ago and that put a stop to that,” says 65-year-old Denis from Papamoa.

'It was pretty depressing, I thought my life was going to be rubbish from then on but I started these classes in early June and the difference has been amazing. I reckon I'll be walking up Papamoa Hills again soon.”

The pilot program, funded by the Ministry of Health, is monitored over a 12-month period with each individual being offered twice weekly exercise sessions, one land and one water-based over a 12-week period.

Extensive education on understanding the arthritic process, pacing for return to function, management of pain and fatigue associated with arthritis, and specific nutritional advice to support the body through the stages of arthritis is also given.

Denis' wife, Sue Coogan, 64, had issues with both knees and was struggling to get in and out of chairs and cars, but reports a huge improvement in her mobility and quality of life.

Margaret Lynch, from Papamoa, is another group member who is glad to be involved.

'I'm on the waiting list for a hip replacement so this is helping with my balance and core strength,” she says.

'I'm finding it really beneficial and it's a great group of people.”

Physiotherapist Kate Gillingham says many people diagnosed with musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis feel they will simply decline but making some simple lifestyle changes could enable everybody to enjoy a functional productive and healthy life.

'The programme is about keeping people healthy, independent and active and giving them the tools to achieve this once the program is completed,” says Kate.

'It is aimed at 40-70 year olds in our community faced with a diagnosis of arthritis and is a free programme for Community Service Card Holders. It will show you there are many ways you can help yourself live the life you want, so why wouldn't you give it a go?”

For more information on the Bay of Plenty Mobility Action Team contact Kate Gillingham on 07 927 3330 or kate.gillingham@bodyinmotionphysio.co.nz