Hip & Knee Arthritis Program | Malvern & Magill.

Arthritis is the most common lifestyle disease in individuals 65 years and older, and also affects individuals as young as 30 years of age.

Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight loss as first line treatment for arthritis.

While these guidelines are in place, arthritis treatment in Australia still usually focuses on surgery, pain relief or manual treatment before exercise and lifestyle modifications are carried out however we are starting to see this trend gradually change as GPs Surgeons and patients are becoming more aware of the importance of a more contemporary approach.

Our Hip & Knee Arthritis Program

At Move for Better Health, we provide an evidence based arthritis program, which combines our own extensive experience in the management of arthritis, with the most current research from around the world.

The program includes thorough & specific strength testing, advice on how to manage the condition, and most importantly, a series of strengthening exercises under Physio supervision, which are shown to be beneficial for hip and knee arthritis. We then re-do the strength testing at the end of the program, so your Physio can objectively review your progress and make further recommendations.

The exercise component of our program is run in our Equipment Studio, which contains a range of exercise equipment and weights.

Managing knee and hip arthritis in this way has been shown to reduce the need for surgery, in particular, arthroscopies and joint replacements. After completing a program like this, patients have generally reported improved pain, better strength and improved quality of life.

What does hip & knee arthritis feel like?

If your hip is affected by arthritis, you may notice:

• Pain on or around your hip, groin, thigh or knees
• Trouble getting in and out of cars
• Difficulty putting on socks or picking things up from the floor
• Difficulty straightening the hip
• Standing or carrying a load for long periods

If your knee is affected by arthritis, you may notice:

• Pain when weight bearing
• Stiff or unstable legs
• Knees giving out
• Crunching or clicking
• Difficult ascending or descending stairs
• Moving from a sitting position to a standing position
• Knock knees
• Bow legs

What’s involved?

Before you start

To be referred into this program, you will first need a Physiotherapy Assessment at  at Move for Better Health.

In a Physiotherapy Assessment consultation your Physio will undertake a thorough assessment (of more than just your arthritic joint) so we can determine exactly what your treatment needs are and whether this course is suitable for you as part of your treatment plan. If this program is appropriate for you, your Physiotherapist will provide you with further information, and help you get started.

*Please note that the assessment is not included in the cost of the program.

The program consists of 13 appointments:

1. Muscle Testing and Program Development – in the program’s first appointment, your Physiotherapist will finalise any testing that needs to be completed, set up your tailored exercise and education program, and set up your online access to the program (see details below). You will undergo specific muscle strength testing of the key muscles that relate to knee or hip arthritis. This gives us an accurate measurement of any strength deficits in these muscles, which takes the guess work out of tailored exercise prescription.
2. 1:1 Training Session – this appointment with a physiotherapist will teach you how to do your tailored exercise program safely and effectively. This will give you the confidence you need before attending the Equipment classes and doing your home exercises
3. 10 Tailored Strengthening Exercise Classes – these sessions are supervised by Physiotherapists, it is recommended that you attend 1 class per week over a 10 week period to ensure you get the best possible results. At each class, you will be supervised and guided while you do the specific exercise program that was prescribed by the physiotherapist. Exercises will be gradually progressed as you get stronger and your pain reduces.
4. Review Appointment & Post-program Muscle Testing – At the end of your Group exercise sessions your muscle strength will be retested.  This will tell you whether your strength has improved to recommended levels to prevent your arthritis symptoms from returning or worsening. Based on your strength test results, and how much your symptoms have improved, the physiotherapists will provide recommendations on what you should do next at this session.

Online training program – In addition to the face to face sessions that you attend at Move for Better Health, you will also receive an online training program that you can follow at home, with exercises to perform between your gym sessions.

Additionally, the online program will also include information and resources to help you understand your condition and what you can do to help your symptoms improve. If you are not too confident with technology, don’t worry we can help you set up your device (phone or tablet) or even just print out these resources for you to take home on paper if you would prefer.

Where is it based?

This program is offered at both of our Move for Better Health clinics in suburban Adelaide, which are located at 277 Unley Road, Malvern, and 500 Magill Road, Magill (South Australia).

Who can join?

Move’s hip and knee arthritis program is open to all individuals who experience any knee or hip arthritis symptoms, like the ones mentioned above, regardless of severity. We are able to adjust your exercise program to suit your condition and comfort levels.

It is not necessary for you to have scans or X-rays, or to have been seen by a specialist for arthritis. Our Physiotherapists are qualified to diagnose your problem in the Physiotherapy Assessment.

If there are other reasons for your hip and/or knee pain, including tumors, inflammatory joint disease, result of hip fracture, soft tissue or connective tissue problems, chronic pain or fibromyalgia, then this program may not be suitable for you.

We happily liaise with your GP or Specialist to keep them up to date with your program and to advise if further assessment is required.

How to start?

If you would like to participate in our Hip and Knee Arthritis program, you will need to start by booking your 45 minute Assessment with a physiotherapist at Move for Better Health.

You can do this by:

• Calling us on (08) 8373 5655
• Dropping in to our clinic in Malvern or Magill, Adelaide (South Australia) to book in person

Want to find out more?

• Doctors advised to stop performing arthroscopic knee surgery for osteoarthritis
• Knee osteoarthritis treatment ‘falling short’ of best practice, health commission says
• Everything you ever wanted to know about osteoarthritis