Our role is supporting people with arthritis
‘The Arthritis Movement’ (TAM), is focused on making life better for everyone impacted by arthritis through forward-thinking care, practical support, and practical advocacy.
By working closely with communities, health practitioners and supporters, we make sure no one has to navigate and face arthritis alone.
The current landscape & Associated risk factors
For many people living with arthritis, navigating care and staying active is increasingly challenging. The current landscape is influenced by a mix of personal, social and healthcare-related risk factors that can limit participation, worsen symptoms and reduce quality of life if left unaddressed.
- 4.11 million Australians have arthritis with over 20% needing assistance with daily activities
- Arthritis is the most common cause of early retirement due to ill health
- 52,000 people re unable to work due to arthritis.
- There are more than 100 different types of arthritis.
- Over 3.24 million women and over 2.17 million men are forecast to be living with arthritis by 2040
How we support people with Arthritis
Supporting people with arthritis to stay active and manage their condition is a shared effort. While healthcare professionals guide treatment, Alongside the professional care provided, We provide practical tools, resources, information and encouragement to help bridge that gap and support people with arthritis beyond the clinic.
We deliver:
- Pain Packs for self-managing pain
- life-changing support: free information through our Clara app
- Arthritis Assist Peer mentoring
- Support for Young people with Arthritis: (including children and Young adults)
- local exercise programs and classes
- Resource Info sheets and helpful articles.
- Arthritis Webinars
- Arthritis Community Wellness Events
- Care guides and information booklets
Next Steps: How you can help as a health professional
As arthritis is often a long-term condition, working closely with your patient allows you to explore treatment options together, monitor progress and adapt care as their needs change over time. Our mission at TAM is to support every person impacted by arthritis to live life to the fullest.
Refer your patients to us
By referring your patients to The Arthritis Movement, you’re partnering with a trusted organisation that provides evidence-based education, practical programs and ongoing support to help people with arthritis feel informed, empowered and supported beyond the consultation room. To make a referral for your patient, click the link below and contact us.
Helpful Resources for General Practitioners (GPs)
The following resources are provided for general practitioners (GPs).
Evidence-Based Resources & Guidelines
Access to current, evidence-based guidance is essential for best-practice arthritis care in general practice. The following resources support assessment, diagnosis and arthritis management.
Osteoarthritis of the Knee Clinical Care Clinician Fact sheet
Osteoarthritis of the Knee Clinical Care Standard provides nationally recognised guidance on diagnosis, patient education, conservative management, pharmacological considerations, review, and referral pathways.
NPS Medicinewise osteoarthritis Patient Action Plan
This practical resource from NPS MedicineWise outlines a multidisciplinary approach to osteoarthritis management in primary care. It summarises evidence-based strategies for diagnosis, non-pharmacological care (including exercise and weight management), appropriate use of medications, and working collaboratively with allied health professionals to optimise outcomes.
NPS Medicinewise rheumatoid arthritis resources
Rheumatoid arthritis management works best when rheumatologists, GPs, and community pharmacists collaborate. NPS MedicineWise provides resources to support care, including shared care guidance, low-dose methotrexate information and webinar, and a patient action plan.
RACGP – Guideline for the management of knee and hip osteoarthritis
The RACGP first published guidelines for the non-surgical management of hip and knee osteoarthritis in 2009. This updated guideline reflects advances in understanding osteoarthritis and summarises current evidence on the effectiveness and safety of non-surgical interventions, including lifestyle, exercise, and pharmacological options, for managing hip and knee osteoarthritis.