Do you have activity related joint pain that restricts your day-to-day activities, have a ‘creaky’ or stiff joint, and are over the age of 40? It may be that you have osteoarthritis (OA).

OA is one of the most common lifestyle diseases in older Australians. It was commonly thought of as a disease of ‘wear and tear’. Current research has changed this thinking: it’s now thought that OA is a disease caused by an imbalance between regeneration and degeneration as our body tries to keep our joints healthy. As such, OA affects the whole joint, including the cartilage, muscles, tendons and ligaments surrounding the joint. This can result in pain, stiffness, and withdrawal from activity.

There are multiple factors that put someone at risk of OA. Age, prior joint injury, being overweight and a sedentary lifestyle are some risk factors.

Being active and specific exercises are the gold standard treatment for OA. Here at Restore Function Physiotherapy, we run ‘Good Living with Osteoarthritis from Denmark’ (GLA:D) exercise classes. This is an evidence-based exercise program that is designed to treat hip and knee OA. It was founded in Denmark, and is supported in Australia by La Trobe University.

The GLA:D program offers you an initial assessment with one of our Physios, 2 FREE education sessions and 2 supervised exercise classes a week for 6 weeks which can be claimed on your private health insurance.

Our new group starts on 23 March so give us a call on 3148 4417 and let us help you.