Osteoarthritis Management Program
Osteoarthritis is a disease caused by joint deterioration leading to chronic pain and disability.
This specialised knee and hip osteoarthritis management program has been designed with aims to improve daily living and associated quality of life by reducing joint pain and stiffness and range of function. It can also improve your fitness for joint replacement surgery (if relevant)
The program incorporates multiple medical health professionals, including Rheumatologists, Physiotherapists, Dietician, Occupational Therapist and social worker to provide an integrated approach to the nonsurgical management of hip and knee osteoarthritis.
Based on the success of the program already established at Royal North Shore Hospital and Ryde Hospital under the guidance of Rheumatologists Professor David Hunter and Dr Shirley Yu, we are establishing this service at Hunters Hill Private Hospital. All you need to do is have a referral from your doctor or specialist. It involves face to face visits for up to 12 months.
Aims of Program:
- Weight Loss to reduce load on joints
- Muscle strengthening to help with mobility and stabilisation of joints
- Land or water based and range of motion exercises to reduce joint stiffness and improve physical function
- Pain management strategies to help understand medications and manage flares
- Education to help build understanding and practical skills
- Monitoring to maintain engagement and boost motivation and confidence
Living with Arthritis - Justin's Story
Tips on Living with Arthritis - Christine's Story
Top Tips for Living with Arthritis with Physiotherapist Hans Lee
How to Walk Up Stairs with Arthritis with Physiotherapist Hans Lee
Referrals can be sent via our referral pad or letter from your GP, or specialist to the Osteoarthritis Management Program and faxed to 8876 9436 or email: oamp.hhp@ramsayhealth.com.au. If any queries please contact 8876 9303.
Download Referral form
Upon receipt of referral you will be reviewed by the Rheumatologist along with the OAMP Allied Health Team consisting of:
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Dietician
You may also be referred to attend ongoing supervised therapies which will include physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to achieve your goals
Your whole program will be scheduled by our Day Program Co-ordinator.
Please bring the following documentation with you for your initial assessment:
- Referral letters
- Relevant x-rays
- Private health fund insurance details
- Medicare card
- Compensation details if your treatment is related to a workers compensation or third party claim
Supervised Osteoarthritis Management Program Sessions are three (3) hours in duration and held with groups of up to five patients.
- Wear shorts or other comfortable clothes that allow you to exercise in
- Swimsuit (if participating in Hydrotherapy)
- Medication you require during the session
If your hospital program is covered by private health insurance or Veteran’s Affairs, the account will be sent directly to the relevant organisation. A health fund check will be completed upon receipt of referral to ensure coverage. You will be notified of any co-payment or excess prior to your admission. If it is covered by Worker’s Compensation or transport accident schemes, approval must be sought prior to your admission. Should a patient wish to pay for their treatment independently, the fee structure will be explained before commencement.
- Limited free parking is available on site and there is ample parking in adjacent streets.
- Ferry Service – there is a regular ferry service from Circular Quay to Valencia Street wharf. Bus 538 from the wharf stops outside the hospital.
- Regular bus services run from the city.
- For up to the date bus and ferry service information please phone 131 500.
- A transport service is available to pick up and drop off patients within a certain radius. Please make arrangements for this service when booking in
- Community Transport through your local provider