Tackling chronic pain: Retiree claims life back in surprising way

After being diagnosed with a debilitating condition more than 20 years ago, a Toowoomba woman has found a unique way to reduce pain – and it may just surprise you.

Age and health challenges are no longer barriers for Colleen Reid, after she started taking ballet classes for the first time in her life eight weeks ago, to assist with chronic pain.

The 67-year-old Toowoomba woman was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis two decades ago, and despite the pain initially being manageable, the condition soon became debilitating.

“In the beginning I could ignore it, but the pain started to wake me up in the middle of the night, and I really like my sleep,” she said.

“It started playing with my head a bit – I kept thinking ‘is this old age? Is this just how it is now?’ so I started to prepare myself to grow old and stopped doing things.

“Eventually I decided to give myself a kick and do something about it.”

Colleen Reid does online classes with Queensland Ballet and is already feeling the benefits on her arthritis following a partnership between Arthritis Queensland and Queensland Ballet. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Not wanting to rely solely on strong medications and surgery, Ms Reid decided to seek help with Arthritis Queensland which has now partnered with Queensland Ballet to launch the Dance Moves program.

Designed to help people with arthritis to build their strength, balance, function and mood, and reduce pain, the program is available to all Queenslanders with the condition.

Offering hour-long sessions once a week, a Queensland Ballet teacher conducts the classes online.

The instructor also explains to participants how each move will benefit them and how it may make their bodies feel.

Adding a social element to the program, dancers are also encouraged to wear fun, bright clothing and accessories.

Colleen Reid does online classes with Queensland Ballet and is already feeling the benefits on her arthritis following a partnership between Arthritis Queensland and Queensland Ballet. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Extensive research has shown physical activity including ballet can be used to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis and other joint conditions.

In December last year, the La Trobe University featured a live broadcast of the topic entitled A joint effort: Understanding what’s good for your joints, with a panel of experts.

Other than the odd line dancing class, Ms Reid never had the desire to dance but jumped at the opportunity to join this unique program.

And after just eight weeks of participating, she has only experienced positive results.

“For the first time in years I didn’t have to sit down on my bed to put my socks on,” she said.

“It might sound small but when I did that again I thought ‘woo-hoo’.

“When I manage to do things without the bar – otherwise known as my kitchen bench – it’s a pretty incredible feeling.”

Colleen Reid does online classes with Queensland Ballet and is already feeling the benefits on her arthritis following a partnership between Arthritis Queensland and Queensland Ballet. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ms Reid said the classes had also given her a new perspective on life as she felt more energised, positive, adventurous and willing to try new things.

The inspiring Toowoomba woman said the program had also transformed her headspace and pushed her to claim back her life.

“I know it’s hard when people are aching and sore, but I really encourage anyone struggling with arthritis pain to give it a go,” Ms Reid said.

“You won’t have to wear lycra and do the splits, and if you do something wacky, you’re in your own home so you can just laugh at yourself.”

Supported by the Queensland Government and Health and Wellbeing Queensland, the Dance Moves program is free and runs until late November.