What we Do

Our work includes:

  • responding to walk in enquiries
  • providing an ongoing telephone advisory service
  • providing personalised information packs in response to enquiries
  • producing our publication, joiNTed, four times a year
  • hosting pain self-management courses for consumers (refer to Services)
  • providing information stands at a range of forums throughout the year
  • promoting Arthritis Awareness Week and other special occasions
  • delivering bulk materials to both the private and public hospitals in Darwin as well as to a range of health service providers
  • community presentations
  • making applications for various small grants to assist with special projects
  • liaising with Arthritis Australia.

For further information about any of the above call: Freecall: 1800 011 041 or (08) 8948 5232

News Continued

Psoriatic Arthritis – new online hub

Australians living with psoriatic arthritis can now become active and informed participants in their journey with the disease through a new online hub, launched today by Arthritis Australia.

Those engaging with the free hub, MyPsA will be able to build individually tailored profiles, access customised information about their condition, and link with relevant support services.
MyPsA offers information about the psoriatic arthritis, as well as a range of links for treatment options and ways to improve the management of the condition. It will provide tips about lifestyle changes that can make living with psoriatic arthritis more manageable.

“We want every Australian living with psoriatic arthritis to have access to up-to-date news, information, and treatment options regardless of where they are on their journey or where they live around the country,” said Mr Smithers.

More information can be found at: www.mypsoriaticarthritis.org.au

MyRA website – a ground-breaking Rheumatoid Arthritis patient-support website.

Arthritis Australia, in partnership with the Australian Rheumatology Association, has launched a new online rheumatoid arthritis patient-support website.  The free MyRA website provides individually tailored information designed to help people seize control and become active participants in their journey with the disease.

AONT worked collaboratively with Arthritis Australia to help design and test the MyRA patient-support website, which involved valuable input from across the sector – including an AONT member.

Prior to this program, it was found that many people were either using ‘doctor google’ to make important
decisions based on incorrect, irrelevant or alarming information, joining online forums without independent and trusted moderation, or joining programs that may only be suitable at a particular point in time due to the medication they are using.

A n important feature is the way the online patient-support website then links people with arthritis organisations nationwide and relevant local information, educational events, fitness activities, webinars and other support services, including trained health educators.

The MyRA website was developed in collaboration with state and territory-based arthritis organisations, informed also by respected international arthritis peers.  The end result is a digital platform that provides a holistic patient-support system.  It covers topics such as symptoms, risks, treatment options, diet, exercise, day to day tips, support services and how to manage pain, mental health and fatigue. It looks at how to build good relationships with healthcare teams and provides updates about COVID-19.  The website also links through to the National Arthritis Infoline.

Rheumatologist, Prof. Susanna Proudman said that the holistic approach is a game-changer for people with rheumatoid arthritis:  “Patients may only have face to face time with their rheumatologist for a few hours each year and GPs can’t be expected to cover everything outside of that.  The MyRA website provides a holistic resource, trusted support and will save people a lot of time going down rabbit holes that they don’t need to that may offer unproven or even unsafe advice.  People with rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from the wisdom of others who have already been down the same path.” said Proudman.

For more information go to the website at: https://myra.org.au

GLA:D Program –

for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA)

This education and exercise program reflects the latest research on what works  in the real world to help patients manage OA symptoms in the hip and knee.  In developing the program feedback was also obtained from people with OA and experienced trainers.

The program consists of:

  • Two education sessions;
  • Training sessions twice a week for six weeks.

Some of our members have completed the program and found it very worthwhile.

“The GLA:D program that I did at the Palmerston Hospital was fantastic. I went to the program with knee pain which was very bad at times.  I was thinking of getting my knee operated, but as I got on into the exercises my knee has improved a lot. I don’t think I will need an operation in the near future. But I do have to keep up with the exercises.” Ranjit

“I completed the GLA:D program in 2018. I found both the education sessions and the exercise program excellent. I would highly recommend the program to anyone with hip/knee OA. Even if you are planning replacement surgery the program is beneficial to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint/s and will help recovery.” Carol

In Darwin, the GLA:D program is available at:

  • Palmerston Regional Hospital — the program is free but has a long waiting list. Ring 79799502 and ask to speak to Paul Gerkin.

You may get a referral from a GP or self-refer yourself for the program.

Click here to look at the GLA:D Australia website.

MyBackPain.org.au

Arthritis Australia has announced the release of a comprehensive tool to help people manage lower back pain (LBP).  The website has been developed by a team of researchers, led by the University of QLD.

Professor Paul Hodges said that despite the widespread occurrence of LBP many people receive ineffective and unnecessary treatments.  For example, manypeople think they should rest, but rest can actually make it harder to get over back pain.

MyBackPain.org was created to provide accurate information to counter misinformation about back pain.  The
input from people living with LBP was crucial when creating the content and functionality of the website.  It contains resources for people with LBP to find out what treatments work, learn from the experience of others, receive
recommendations that are tailored to them, and to feel empowered to manage their own condition and know when to seek help.

The website is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council. Medibank Better Health Fund is funding a clinical trial into the effectiveness of the website.

Click here to go to the website MyBackPain.org.au