Event dates: Wed 14 Feb – 20 Mar 2024 (6 weeks)

Arthritis KEYS Programs are informed by medical evidence and aim to empower people to live well with arthritis. Led by health professionals, the programs will teach you about strategies and skills to assist you in managing your arthritis effectively.

You will:

✓ Acquire practical skills and strategies to care for your joints, manage arthritis-related symptoms, and improve your overall quality of life.

✓ Learn practical skills necessary to engage in safe and effective exercise routines.

✓ Learn about medical management options for pain, including analgesic medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs).

✓ As well as complementary and alternative medicines, common supplements and rubs, and invasive medical procedures.

✓ Gain knowledge on nutrition, weight management, and a balanced lifestyle.

✓ Understand the importance of social support, accessing resources, and seeking professional help.
✓ And much more.

Weekly interactive group sessions of 2.5 hours are conducted in a friendly and supportive group atmosphere

Wed 14 February – 20 March (6:00 pm – 8:30 pm) 

Booking is Essential! Limited places are available.

Cost: $35 per person or ($40 with a partner/support person) for the entire 6-week course.

Registrations close Mon 12 Feb at 5 pm

Your Agenda for the weekly sessions

Week 1: Information on your condition

This week’s content is designed to provide you with broad information and practical strategies to effectively manage your arthritis, maintain joint health, and enhance your overall quality of life. The module covers key topics such as self-management techniques, understanding arthritis, joint care, and goal setting.

By the end of the module:

✓ You will comprehensively understand your specific arthritic condition, including its prevalence, risk factors, common symptoms, and diagnosis.

✓ You will acquire practical skills and strategies to care for your joints, manage arthritis-related symptoms, and set meaningful goals to improve your overall quality of life.

Week 2: Physical activity & exercise

This week’s content aims to educate and empower you on the importance of physical activity and exercise in promoting your overall well-being. The module covers exercise safety, various types of exercises and techniques to improve flexibility, strength, and overall joint health, as well as finding a suitable exercise program.

By the end of the module:

✓ You will comprehensively understand the importance of physical activity and exercise in promoting physical health.

✓ You will be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to engage in safe and effective exercise routines.

Week 3: Pain management and medications

This week’s focus is on equipping you with the knowledge and strategies to effectively manage and relieve pain, promoting overall well-being and a greater sense of control over your arthritis symptoms. The module covers essential topics including the complex nature of pain, individual experiences and perceptions of pain, different approaches to pain management, and the role of medications.

You will:

✓ Explore conservative management techniques such as exercise, pacing, heat and cold therapy, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioural strategies.

✓ Learn about medical management options for pain, including analgesic medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), as well as complementary and alternative medicines, common supplements and rubs, and invasive medical procedures.

Week 4: Emotional health

This week’s module aims to empower you with the knowledge and skills to improve your emotional well-being, resilience, and the management of stress and fatigue. Key topics covered include optimism, self-talk, stress management, distraction techniques, fatigue management, and balance exercises.

By the end of the module:

✓ You will thoroughly understand emotional health and the significance of nurturing your emotional well-being.

✓ You will acquire practical strategies for fostering optimism, managing stress, engaging in effective self-talk, utilising distraction techniques, performing balance exercises, and managing fatigue.

Week 5: Healthy eating

This week will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to adopt a balanced approach to nutrition, effectively manage body weight, and make informed decisions for a healthy lifestyle. This module covers topics such as healthy eating principles, body weight management, weight loss strategies, problem-solving techniques, and the importance of incidental exercise.

By the end of the module:

✓ You will be equipped with practical tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about your nutrition.

✓ Work towards achieving a healthy body weight, and lead a balanced and nourishing lifestyle.

Week 6: Finding the right support

In the program’s final week, our goal is to empower you by offering practical guidance on accessing and utilising various forms of support.

This module covers a range of topics, including:

✓ Building a social support network.

✓ Obtaining support for multiple health issues.

✓ Understanding the role of different support systems such as community organisations and advocacy groups.

✓ Accessing financial assistance.

✓ Seeking support from healthcare professionals.

✓ Falls prevention tips for creating a safe environment, reducing fall risks, and strategies for staying on track.

By finding the right support, you will have the opportunity to create a robust support network, experience a sense of belonging, receive encouragement, and access valuable resources. These elements will significantly enhance your overall well-being throughout your journey with arthritis.

What did past participants say about the program?

“Loved the inclusivity of approaches and participants. Appreciated the presentations and the presenter’s approach. Definitely worth my time.”

“The sessions were very informative. I understand my condition better and have learnt new ways of managing my arthritis.”

PLEASE NOTE: If you are unsure whether you have been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis,  please confirm your diagnosis with your GP or specialist before enrolling in this program.

Please read our Consumer code of conduct before registering for this program (click here)

For any further questions, please contact Reetika Chaudhary (Health Services Officer) via email ReetikaC@arthritiswa.org.au or call on 08 9388 2199.

To be wait-listed for future programs, please call 1800 011 041.