Event explores ways to live better with joint pain

On 27 March 2025, Bristol Health Partners’ Bones and Joints Health Integration Team (BBJ HIT) hosted a free event for people living with joint pain, or interested in finding out more about the condition.

A  range of health professionals and members of the public came along to the Withywood Centre in South Bristol, alongside representatives from Hengrove Park Leisure Centre and the WorkWell “return to work” scheme.

The morning started with a “music and movement” taster session, led by dance practitioner Julia Thorneycroft.

Nutritional Therapist Catherine McClory gave tips on how to eat well with joint pain (did you know putting mushrooms in the sun before cooking will increase your Vitamin D intake?) and brought recipe cards and “healthy brownies” for people to share.

There was a talk on managing pain by Rheumatology Nurse Specialist Andi Ferreira, who explained how important it is to pace yourself when living with joint pain and introduced “spoon theory”: a metaphor about energy levels, which can help people with chronic illnesses and disabilities plan their days.  Andi also recommended the Ten Footsteps programme – a step-by-step online guide to living well despite persistent pain.

Kate Druett, a Clinical Psychologist, led a mindfulness session and talked about how to improve mental health and well-being when living with joint pain.

The event finished with more “music and movement” led by Julia, with Physiotherapist Jen Pearson on hand to assist people with limited mobility.

The BBJ HIT hosted a series of “music and movement” workshops in April 2024. One of the original workshop attendees joined the event and spoke powerfully about the huge difference these sessions had made to her physical and mental health.

Between talks, there was plenty of time for discussion and questions. Representatives from Hengrove Park Leisure Centre were also able to spread the word about their Good Boost classes, which  provide information and exercises to help reduce muscular and joint pain and improve physical and mental health.

People were asked what they enjoyed about the event, what could be improved and to provide ideas for future events. Comments were on the whole very positive –

“loved music and movement – lots of information to follow up on – glad I came”

“brilliant mix of presentations, information and loved the practical elements”

“liked movement to music and finding out Leisure Centre’s sessions for pain”

“It would be great to see more events like this, as it will also help to overcome isolation and confidence which so often comes with this health condition”