LEISURE management operator Parkwood Leisure, in partnership with Legacy Leisure, Lex Leisure and 1 Life, has launched musculoskeletal rehabilitation programmes across 30 leisure centres in England and Wales.
According to recent statistics more than 20 million people live with a musculoskeletal condition, with the NHS currently spending £5billion on treatments for these conditions every year.
Recognising this, the operator has introduced an initiative to integrate community MSK rehabilitation programmes into leisure facilities.
Parkwood Leisure, in collaboration with Good Boost, ukactive, Orthopaedic Research UK, ESCAPE-pain, and Arthritis Action, aims to grow the role of leisure centres, pools and gyms as ‘MSK health hubs’ following a successful strategic two-year research project.
The initiative has resulted in the creation of 30 MSK hubs, which have achieved The Active Standard Accreditation, ensuring the highest standards in musculoskeletal care. With 1,170 individuals already registered and 1,885 referrals received, the impact is already being felt within the local communities. The sessions are open to anyone with an MSK condition, providing valuable information on active living, pain management, and information on suitable available activities at the leisure centre.