Ugo Monye
Ugo Monye, 42, is a former rugby player who represented England 14 times, did one tour with the British & Irish Lions, and earnt 241 caps for Harlequins. Monye had an illustrious career which spanned between 2002 – 2015. Transitioning to life after professional sports is a struggle for any athlete, going from regimented workouts to no schedule at all is a challenge, but it has been particularly difficult for Monye who has suffered with significant knee pain.
In recent years, post-playing, he has asked himself ‘is it just age, are old injuries catching up with me or is this something more serious?’. After nearly a year of nagging pain and stiffness in his knee, with his everyday workouts and HITT classes becoming a struggle, it became clear he couldn’t ignore it anymore and later Monye was diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. With a young family, an active lifestyle and busy schedule with his media punditry the major commitment of rehabbing from a major knee replacement surgery just wasn’t an option.
In searching for long-term pain relief options, Ugo reconnected with an old school friend in Dr. George Bownes who, as a respected sports doctor across elite-level rugby, tennis, and more, was a trusted advisor. Bownes introduced Ugo to Arthrosamid® and his explanation of it acting like a ‘fire blanket on inflammation’ was an appealing option after years of numbing the pain with short-term solutions.
After a few conversations and consultations Ugo opted for this non-invasive procedure that he explained as “being done and dusted within minutes” and relatively painless in comparison to the incredible benefits you get out of it in terms of being able to get back to walking and moving freely.
The results have spoken for themselves; within six-eight weeks he was pain-free and gradually returning to normal activity, alongside support from physios. Nine months on he’s back in the gym daily, travelling and even playing paddle – a world away from the cautious and painful morning he once endured.
Beyond the pain relief, the process also opened his eyes to better awareness around taking care of his body. It’s made him clear on what his body likes and things it doesn’t, and he can cater training towards ensuring he keeps his body in the best shape. Even the pre-treatment screening tests have been “educational and instructive” in revealing a strength imbalance in his legs that has changed the way he now trains in the gym.
To anyone considering the treatment, Ugo would say “get it done”. For him it’s just allowing him to live again and be functionally fit, “a far cry from being in pain walking up and down the stairs.”
