Overview

• The evaluation of Nuffield Health’s free, supervised classes for more than 40,000 people across 10 Greater Manchester boroughs reported an average 35% reduction in pain.
• Participants logged 29% fewer GP appointments, nearly halved sick days from work, and a 21% drop in reliance on family care.
• Frontier Economics and Manchester Metropolitan University partnered on the analysis, which estimates £230m in direct NHS savings within a total £34bn social-value uplift if expanded nationally.
• Researchers recommended adding structured exercise to NHS best-practice guidance with formal referrals from hospitals and GP practices.
• The Department of Health and Social Care emphasized a prevention-focused shift and access to wearable technology for chronic pain, as Versus Arthritis cautioned that exercise is not a solve-all due to access and support barriers.