Make your assessment practical
Choose one goal.
Walking to the shops, gardening or playing with grandchildren – one clear goal helps shape your exercise plan.
About arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and often affects the knees, hips, hands and feet. Symptoms such as pain and stiffness can vary from day to day. Inflammatory types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are managed with your GP or rheumatologist; physiotherapy may be part of the team approach.
What happens at your appointment
We discuss your diagnosis, symptoms, other health conditions and goals, then assess strength, movement, balance and walking. Your physiotherapist explains the findings and options in plain language.
Care options we may discuss
- An individual exercise program for strength and movement.
- Pacing and activity planning for good and bad days.
- Advice on walking aids, footwear and daily tasks.
- Coordination with your GP and other health professionals.
Exercise and education are commonly recommended in osteoarthritis guidelines. Responses vary, and the plan is adjusted to how you respond.
When to seek medical help first
See your GP promptly if a joint becomes suddenly hot, red and swollen, or if you feel unwell with joint pain.
Physiotherapy is not an emergency service. Call 000 or go to an emergency department for a serious injury, chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you feel very unwell. See your GP promptly if pain follows a fall or accident, keeps getting worse, wakes you every night, or comes with fever, unexplained weight loss or other new symptoms.
Your physiotherapy appointment.
See Jency Donda, physiotherapist, at our Elizabeth Park clinic – open Mondays 9:00am–5:00pm. No referral is needed for a private appointment. For a GP care plan, NDIS, DVA, Support at Home or WorkCover appointment, check the relevant referral and plan information and our fees and rebates page before booking.
Helpful questions.
Can I use a GP care plan for arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a common reason for a GP chronic condition management plan. Your GP decides eligibility; read our GP care plan guide.
Will exercise make my arthritis worse?
Exercise is generally recommended for osteoarthritis, but the type and amount should suit you. Your physiotherapist will start at an appropriate level and adjust.
Do you work with podiatrists?
Yes. Keep Me Walking Podiatry can help with foot-related arthritis concerns and footwear.
More information: healthdirect: osteoarthritis. This page is general information and is not a substitute for individual advice.
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