Arthritis KEYS Programs
…unlocking the door to managing your arthritis.
Arthritis KEYS Programs are informed by medical evidence and led by health professionals to empower you to live well with arthritis. Each program will give you the knowledge, strategies, and practical skills you need to manage your arthritis effectively.
Program Format
Programs are available in person, with some also offered online for added flexibility.
All sessions are live, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, interact with health professionals, and connect with other participants in real-time—using just your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
What You Will Gain
✓ 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.
✓ Up-to-date information on medical management options for pain, including analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs).
✓ Insights into complementary and alternative medicines, common supplements and rubs, and invasive medical procedures.
✓ Knowledge on nutrition, weight management, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
✓ Guidance on the importance of social support, accessing resources, and seeking professional help.
✓ And much more.
Cost: $35 per person ($40 with partner/support person)
PLEASE NOTE: If you are unsure whether you have been diagnosed with arthritis, please confirm your diagnosis with your GP or specialist before enrolling in a program.
Program Options
We currently offer Arthritis KEYS Programs for:
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Osteoarthritis (OA) — including OA of the hip, knee, foot, shoulder, elbow, and hand.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) — providing up-to-date education and self-management strategies tailored for RA.
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Ankylosing Spondylitis / Psoriatic Arthritis (AS/PsA) — a newly developed program offering evidence-based guidance and practical skills for managing AS and PsA.
Weekly Agenda
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, 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.
Participants Feedback
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Take control of your arthritis with the Arthritis KEYS Program today.
Further Information
If you would like more information about any of these programs or to enrol, please contact Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA on 1800 011 041 or email general@arthritiswa.org.au
Visit our Calendar of Events to enrol online.