ALMONTE – When Jane Young heard about a new program to help deal with her knee pain, she was very happy. When she found out the program was being offered in Almonte just a block from her home, she was ecstatic.

“It’s a marvelous program and the physiotherapists at Almonte General Hospital are amazing,” Young said. “I can’t say enough about the program. Most of all, it’s bought me some time and eased my pain.”

Almost 40 per cent of patients with osteoarthritis referred for possible surgery are either not yet ready or not medically appropriate for a joint replacement. Now they have another option, thanks to a provincial pilot project at Almonte General Hospital (AGH). The physiotherapy team offers a new non-surgical management and treatment option for osteoarthritic hip and knee joints.

The Goodlife with OsteoArthritis from Denmark (GLA:D OA) program supports patients through an eight-week treatment plan that includes exercise and education sessions. Clients are referred to AGH Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre by Advanced Practice Physiotherapists at Queensway Carleton Hospital (QCH) Total Joint Assessment Clinic. They participate in two education sessions and 12 neuromuscular exercise sessions. Clients must meet specific criteria including a commitment to participate in the classes over the time period.

“They showed me simple things that I never would have thought of,” Young said. “The class size was small, so everyone felt comfortable asking questions. They even provided an at-home program. I don’t have the same level of pain that I had before.”

To date, 30 clients have participated in the pilot program. “The feedback has been excellent, and we are seeing exciting results in both significantly increased mobility and decreased pain,” says Physiotherapy Director Patti Morton. “Clients come to us from throughout the region including Almonte, Carleton Place, Arnprior, and Carp. They are reporting that the program is making a difference in their lives and are very pleased to receive the support and education close to home.”

The pilot program has been so successful that it has been extended another year. AGH Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre has been contracted to serve another 60 clients through to the end of March 2020. For further information on accessing this free program at Almonte General Hospital, please call 613-256-1965.