Our Services - Arthritis Queensland

Our Services

Telephone Information Service

Calling our free Telephone Information Service is an opportunity for you to discuss your condition. Arthritis can be difficult to live with physically and emotionally. There are many simple measures that can help you manage your symptoms and cope with daily life. By calling the Telephone Information Service you will have access to information that will help you manage your health in the best way for you.

Our Educators, both qualified health professionals and specially trained volunteers, can answer your questions and give you information about living with all types of arthritis, osteoporosis, and related conditions. We do not provide medical advice.

Following the phone call, you may choose to receive a free, individualised information pack about your condition.

Our friendly Educators are available Monday to Friday 9.00am – 4.00pm on 07 3857 4200 or toll free for country callers 1800 011 041.

Seminars

Throughout the year, Arthritis Queensland holds a number of public seminars throughout the state. Seminars to the general public are held at various times throughout the year, on a variety of topics from condition specific seminars to general seminars.

Seminars are presented by the Education Team at Arthritis Queensland and often offer special guest speakers such as rheumatologists, orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists.
Calendar of seminars being held.

Events

Arthritis Queensland holds several events each year to help raise much needed funds and also to increase awareness of the Foundation.

The latest calendar of events.

Tai Chi for Arthritis

What is Tai Chi for Arthritis?

In 1997, Dr Paul Lam, a family physician and tai chi master, led a team of tai chi and medical specialists to create this unique program. The special feature of Tai Chi for Arthritis is that it is easy and enjoyable to learn, bringing with it many health benefits safely and quickly. Since then, medical studies have shown this program helps people with arthritis reduce pain and improve on many aspects of health. For this reason, Arthritis Foundations around the world are giving it their full support.

Now hundreds of thousands of people with or without arthritis have learnt the program to improve their health. Although especially effective for arthritis, it is also suitable for many other chronic conditions.

The Tai Chi for Arthritis program is based on Sun style tai chi, chosen because of its healing component. Besides the fundamental set of 12 movements for Tai Chi, it contains warm-up, wind-down, and Qigong breathing exercises.

How does it work?

Medical authorities agree that suitable exercise for people with arthritis should incorporate components that can improve muscular strength, flexibility and fitness.

Muscular strength supports and protects the joints, which will reduce pain and stiffness, thus improving mobility. Stamina and fitness are important for overall health and proper function of your heart, lungs and muscles.

Tai Chi for arthritis can help people with arthritis achieve all of these and more. Additional benefits include improved relaxation, balance, posture and immunity.

How to learn?

Arthritis Queensland has qualified Tai Chi for Arthritis instructors conducting classes throughout Queensland. Please call to find a class near you.

Use Dr Lam’s instructional DVD and books if there isn’t a class held near you.

Persevere with your practice. Give yourself time to enjoy Tai Chi for Arthritis and its health benefits.

Support Groups

Arthritis Queensland has many support groups across Queensland. The support groups provide support, education and social activities in local areas. Support groups meet regularly, usually once a month.

A support group is made up of members who join together for a common goal. They meet regularly, have guest speakers and have an opportunity to socialise with other members.

For further information on how to contact your nearest support group, phone Arthritis Queensland on freecall 1800 011 041 or please send through an email. If you would like to establish a support group in your area, please contact Arthritis Queensland.

Community Speakers Program

What is the Community Speakers Program?

Arthritis Queensland provides speakers through its Community Speaker Program to any health professional body or community group seeking information about arthritis and osteoporosis.

Speakers are trained volunteers (many of whom have arthritis or osteoporosis). Health professionals are also available to speak on a range of topics.

Why have a talk about arthritis or osteoporosis?

These conditions affect every one of us in some way. It is likely that members of your group either have arthritis or osteoporosis or that they know people who have these conditions.

Our speakers can inform your group on how to recognise the early warning signs, as well as how to manage and remain active if you have either arthritis or osteoporosis.

What topics can the speaker cover?

Their experience and knowledge of arthritis and/or osteoporosis
Education, information, products and services offered by Arthritis Queensland.
Management of arthritis or osteoporosis, which includes exercise options, pain management, self-help groups, aids and equipment.
Other musculoskeletal related topics -details available upon request

How do I book a speaker?

Contact Arthritis Queensland with details of your request by sending though an email or by phoning 1800 011 041.

Library

The library has specialised books and resource materials of consumer based arthritis and osteoporosis related materials.

Library is open between 9.00am – 3.30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). Anyone is welcome to visit and use the library facilities; however borrowing is only available to members of Arthritis Queensland. Our telephone information service is happy to recommend suitable books to members.

To obtain the latest library catalogue please contact us via email.

Contact Arthritis Queensland: T: +61 (07) 3857 4200 F: (07) 3857 4099 E: info@arthritis.org.au