Osteoarthritis

Living with osteoarthritis doesn’t mean you have to surrender to joint pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis affects 1 in 5 Australians over the age of 45 and is the major cause of disability and reduction in quality of life. Although there is no cure for this chronic condition, with the right support, you can take control of your health and lead an active, fulfilling life.

Navigating osteoarthritis treatment can be overwhelming. We also understand that every individual’s journey with osteoarthritis is unique. The first step begins with a quick phone call with one of our experienced health professionals. They’ll ask you a few questions to understand where you’re at, and if any of the programs are likely to be beneficial (and safe) for you. They’ll also confirm your eligibility.

Relevant programs

• Kieser Program
• Healthy Weight for Life
• Total Wellbeing Lifestyle Plan
• Dietitian Support Program
• Health Management Program

Kieser Program

This program is delivered by Healthcare Services in tandem with leading provider of evidence-based strength training partner, Kieser.

The Kieser program may be right for you if:

• You have knee or hip osteoarthritis or lumbar spine pathologies; and
• You’re a candidate for surgery within the next three years; and
• You experience pain as a result of the condition; and
• You’re a UniHealth member with Hospital cover, paid up to date, with 12 month waiting periods served.

Note: depending on your level of Hospital cover, the following programs are available:

• Hip and knee Care Plan Program: Hospital cover excluding Mid Classic and StarterPak/
• Spinal Care Plan Program: All Hospital covers.

How it works

The aim is to maximise the effectiveness of non-surgical management of knee and hip osteoarthritis and spinal pathologies (lumbar spine only).

Kieser offers a 14-week Hip and Knee Care Plan Program and an 18-week Spinal Care Plan Program. Both programs take place face-to-face at a Kieser Clinic. Please note: Kieser Clinics are only available in limited locations.

Support services include:

• One-on-one treatment and supervised exercise sessions with a Physiotherapist.
• One-on-one exercise sessions with an Exercise Physiologist or Exercise Scientist.
• An individualised and physiotherapist-designed strengthening program.
• Education on how to manage and live with your condition.
• Access to the Kieser Konnect App to manage training and monitor progress.

Healthy Weight for Life

This program is delivered by Healthcare Services in tandem with specialist weight loss partner Prima Health Solutions. 

The Healthy Weight for Life program may be right for you if:

• Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 28kg/m² or higher; and
• You have pain or other symptoms due to knee or hip osteoarthritis or an existing knee or hip joint replacement; and
• You’re a UniHealth member with Hospital cover (excluding Mid Classic and Starterpak), paid up to date, with 12 month waiting periods served.

How it works

The 18-week program aims to improve quality of life by reducing joint pain and stiffness and improving mobility, and potentially delay or avoid joint surgery.

Support services include:

• A structured eating plan to promote weight loss using a combination of meal replacements (soups and shakes), as well as healthy food and portion sizes.
• Targeted strength, balance, and mobility exercises.
• Monitoring and support.
• Online tracking tolls and educational resources.
• Pain management techniques and strategies.

Total Wellbeing Lifestyle Plan

This program is delivered by Healthcare Services in tandem with specialist weight loss partner, Digital Wellness. 

The Total Wellbeing Lifestyle Plan may be right for you if:

• Your BMI is 30kg/m² or higher; or
• Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 28kg/m² or higher and you have joint pain; and
• You’re a UniHealth member with Hospital cover (excluding Starterpak), paid up to date, with 12 month waiting periods served.

How it works

The aim of the program is to deliver sustainable weight loss to reduce risk of ill health relating to osteoarthritis, heart disease and diabetes. Digital Wellness carries out a comprehensive assessment to help individuals identify their goals and set up their personalised plan.

Support services include:

• Up to 15 one-to-one Total Wellbeing Health Coaching sessions with a dietitian over the phone, delivered regularly throughout the 24-week program.
• A high protein, low GI eating plan from the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet online program.
• Weekly menu plans including recipes.
• Optional exercise plans that can be completed in the comfort of your home.
• Online educational materials plus food and weight diaries to help track progress.
• Positive psychology tools to help boost mood.

Dietitian Support Program

This program is delivered over the phone by Healthcare Services Accredited Practising Dietitians. The Dietitian Support Program may be right for you if:

• You have diagnosis osteoarthritis or risk factors for the condition; and
• You’d like a personalised approach to healthy eating to achieve or maintain a healthy weight or to prevent weight gain; and
• You’re a UniHealth member with Hospital cover (excluding Starterpak), paid up to date, with 12 month waiting periods served.

How it works

The program starts with an initial assessment with a Healthcare Services Accredited Practising Dietitian, focusing on all health and lifestyle factors that may affect joint pain. Our dietitians help participants develop a personalised action plan based on their health goals to enable the desired changes. This is followed by regular health coaching to provide encouragement and support to overcome barriers, and education to help individuals succeed and sustain changes long term.

Health Management Program

This program is delivered over the phone by Healthcare Services Registered Nurses. The Health Management Program may be right for you if:

• You have diagnosis with osteoarthritis or risk factors for the condition; and
• You’re looking for support to manage your symptoms; and
• You’re a UniHealth member with Hospital cover (excluding Starterpak), paid up to date, with 12 month waiting periods served.

How it works

The program is designed to reduce the risk or stop the progression of chronic disease through personalised guidance from a healthcare professional. It starts with an initial assessment with a Healthcare Services Registered Nurse, focusing on all health and lifestyle factors that may affect joint pain. Our registered nurses help participants develop a personalised action plan based on their health goals to enable the desired changes. This is followed by regular health coaching to provide encouragement and support to overcome barriers, and education to help individuals succeed and sustain changes long term.

To learn more about these programs, or start the process, get in touch via our online contact form or email info@teachershealthcare.com.au.

*To be eligible for a program you must be a member of UniHealth and have Hospital cover with all relevant waiting periods served. Hospital cover requirements and waiting periods vary for different programs. Additional eligibility criteria may apply.

These programs are brought to members through Healthcare Services ('Healthcare Services'), an initiative of UniHealth, to support members' health and wellbeing through quality, evidence-based health management. Eligible members are connected with a dedicated Healthcare Services care coordinator who supports them along the way.