North West Osteoarthritis Program

The Program will run for 18 weeks in total. This includes 12 weeks of exercise/education sessions, plus six weeks of phone coaching and is delivered by Healthy Business. Healthy Business is an allied health-led network of exercise scientists, physiologists, and physiotherapists. The Program will be delivered across the following areas in the North West Coast of Tasmania:

·         Central Coast (including Devonport and Latrobe)

·         Burnie (encompassing Wynyard)

·         Deloraine

The program is designed to help you improve your condition through physiotherapy, exercise, strength development, and education.

To get started please read on to see if you are eligible to participate in the Osteoarthritis Pilot Program.

View the Healthy Business Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis Program FAQ.

You may be eligible if:

• You have been diagnosed with hip or knee Osteoarthritis;
• You have been a St Lukes member for 12 months or longer;
• You currently hold St Lukes Hospital and Extras cover that includes hip/knee joint replacement and Health Management Programs;
•  Your membership payments are up to date; and
• You can commit to the full program and attend the scheduled sessions at the scheduled location and times*.

*Scheduled locations and times will be confirmed once minimum required numbers for participation in each group are reached.

In addition, your GP or Specialist and Healthy Business will need to verify:

• A primary diagnosis of hip or knee Osteoarthritis (evident on plain x-ray);
• That you have experienced pain at a level 4/10 or higher over the last month; and
• You are a candidate for hip or knee replacement surgery in the next three years.