Pioneering knee pain treatment is first in UK
Publication date: June 2009
Bupa is offering members a pioneering new treatment for knee pain - the first time it has been available in the UK.
It gives those suffering pain as a result of conditions such as osteoarthritis, meniscal tears or ligament tears, a treatment option that can significantly reduce pain intensity, improve function and may ultimately reduce the need for surgery.
Developed overseas, the breakthrough technology has so far had impressive results for thousands of patients, many of whom were facing surgery such as total knee replacements.
The APOS - All Phases of Step Cycle - treatment involves specially-designed footwear, known as WalkrightsTM, that alters the way you walk and reduces the load on painful joints.
In an independent study 70 percent of APOS customers were able to stop taking painkillers for their joint pain after starting treatment.
"This is new technology and the research results we have seen are extremely promising," said Bupa Strategy Consultant Dr Katrina Herren. "We will continue to evaluate research as well as monitor the progress of our own APOS customers".
Knee surgery carries risks as well as benefits for example, an artificial knee joint may have to be replaced after 10-15 years - and NICE (the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) recommends that people should exhaust nonsurgical options before deciding to have an operation.
"The APOS Treatment is suitable for any age group and can be used at home or at work."
The Bupa HealthLine - the free 24-hour members' health information service that includes nurses expert in the APOS Treatment - will offer advice on your suitability for the treatment.
It is currently on offer at Bupa Wellness centres in Solihull and Reading and, based on their experience, could be rolled out to other centres in the UK.
Dr Herren said: "Members will still be able to opt for surgery or traditional physiotherapy; what we are saying is that some might want to consider this first."