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Happy Joints (Osteoarthritis) Program

Happy Joints (Osteoarthritis) Program

Exercise is a critical component in managing osteoarthritis. This program provides holistic support in managing lifestyle factors that help to maintain good joint health, including exercise and pain management.

INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAM

  • 4-week graded exercise program that helps to build confidence with movement and exercise
  • 4x one to one Exercise Physiology sessions to establish correct technique and provide a graded home exercise program
  • Education on osteoarthritis and managing joint health (including a specialised information booklet)
  • Supervised group classes available after the program for those who want to continue with support and supervision

PROGRAM COST

$ 385*

*BULK BILLED when referred on a GP management plan, otherwise private health rebates may apply

Why is exercise important for osteoarthritis?

All clinical guidelines recommend exercise as first line treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) and it is an important part of keeping joints moving and healthy. In fact, exercise can be just as effective as pain medications in managing symptoms of the knee and hip, however it is safer and has fewer side effects!

 

The pain associated with OA can often lead for people to avoid activity, which unfortunately only contributes further to muscle weakness, feelings of joint instability, more pain and other health problems; staying active and maintaining muscle strength can help with pain and stop the cycle of decline.

Exercise can help to...

  • Reduce pain
  • Increase muscle strength to support and stabilise affected joints
  • Improve joint movement and flexibility
  • Improve balance
  • Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight to reduce the load on sore joints
  • Prevent de-conditioning (loss of fitness and muscle wasting)
  • Improve ability to do daily tasks
  • Improve wellbeing, sleep and mood

PROGRAM COST

$ 325*

*BULK BILLED when referred on GP management plan. Otherwise private health rebates may be available

But it's about more than just exercise...

Whilst the right type of exercise is extremely important, we cover a biopsychosocial approach to managing your osteoarthritis. This means that we are not just looking at biological factors, but also the physchological and social factors that are relevant. Chronic pain and disease management is now shifting to this model. Therefore, in this program we cover the physiology of OA and the role that exercise plays in management, but we will also discuss topics such as nutrition, sleep and stress management as we now have sound evidence as to the relevance of these factors. At True North Wellness we value a holistic approach with all individuals therefore this biopsychosical model fits nicely with how we practice.

LATEST RESOURCES

Weight Management and Osteoarthritis

09/05/2022
Why weight management is important for osteoarthritis  Being overweight or obese is determined by BMI (body mass index), which considers your height and weight. Studies have shown that a high BMI is the single greatest risk factor for knee osteoarthritis; in fact, people who are obese are twice as likely to develop knee osteoarthritis compared…
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Myth Busting – Osteoarthritis and Exercise

21/03/2022
Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability in Australia, and the most common type of arthritis. There can sometimes be misconception around what is best for managing this condition and therefore we have broken down some of the most common myths.    #1 Osteoarthritis is a result of ageing and will inevitably get…
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Wk of Aug 1 Blog cover pic

Exercise and Osteoarthritis

09/08/2021
Did you know that 1 in 11 Australians have Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is the break down of cartilage covering the ends of bone in our joints, most commonly the hands, hips and knees. It can cause pain, stiffness and swelling, and can often interfere with our every day life. So, how can we prevent osteoarthritis? Some…
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Osteoarthritis

‘Did you know there are new Osteoarthritis Guidelines?

17/09/2018
Unless you follow all things GP publications you may not have known that the Royal Australian College for General Practitioners (RACGP) has published updated guidelines for the management of knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) [1]. RACGP is the governing body for all GP’s within Australia. OA is the most common form of arthritis for Australians…
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