Tweed OA clinic improving patients’ quality of life
A specialised Osteoarthritis Screening Clinic (SOS Clinic) was launched in June last year at the Tweed Hospital’s Physiotherapy Department. It provides assessment, management and monitoring services for holistic health issues affecting joint pain.
Knee and hip osteoarthritis is a cause of hip and knee pain, but this is only part of the picture. Excessive weight, weakness, stress and environmental factors also play a role.
At the Clinic an experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapist provides GPs and clients with a report and recommendations based on assessment, physical fitness and function, quality of life, weight and other findings. The care to patients is ongoing to help sustain osteoarthritis health and self-management strategies.
Referral Criteria:
- NOT on waiting list for joint replacement surgery
- Hip or knee joint pain
- Diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA)
Referrals for patients in the Tweed/Byron can be made by GPs, specialists and allied health professionals. Referral forms are available via the NCPHN website https://ncphn.org.au/resources.
The service model is based on The ACI Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program model Where appropriate, clients seen through the ‘SOS’ will be referred to the ‘myOA’ program – a targeted group OA exercise and education group program to improve physical health, weight loss and help with lifestyle changes to decrease pain and improve joint health and function. It aims to ‘kick start’ positive exercise and lifestyle changes and give participants confidence and tools to self-manage their condition.
In January this year the 100th client was seen at the SOS Clinic after referral from a GP or specialist. Service highlights include (after 3months):
- 62% reported improvement in walking
- 62% reported their joint (‘in general’) had improved
- 76% reported reduced pain out of 10. On average from 5.3/10 to 3.2/10
- 76% Oxford (hip/knee function) score improved by 8 points (out of 40)
Patient story:
A 40-year-old female with a 20-year history of knee pain. Moderate osteoarthritis on X-ray. No change post steroidal injection. Referral to Orthopaedic specialist made. Referred to SOS Clinic by specialist.
Patient reporting:
“Walking much more regularly for exercise”
“Less fearful and apprehensive of stairs”
“Much more confident to get moving”
For more information contact physiotherapist Evan Bryant on 07 5506 7541.