The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder which involves the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, causing the bones to to rub against each other and leading to pain and stiffness.
As a health condition that currently has no cure, osteoarthritis needs to be actively self-managed throughout one’s lifetime. That said, help is readily available.
The OsteoArthritis Service Integration System () is a program developed by 麻豆传媒映画Coastal Health to support people with osteoarthritis by providing access to information, education, and programming to help them manage their condition at every stage of the disease and achieve optimal health outcomes.
OASIS supports people with osteoarthritis in learning more about their condition, setting goals, protecting the joints, eating well, managing weight, exercising safely, managing pain, and ultimately taking control and care of their health.
Further to the program’s mission of working together for healthy joints and supporting those with osteoarthritis in living well with the health condition, OASIS provides a series of — both ongoing webinars and in-person classes — delivered by a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a dietitian, or a registered nurse.
Online sessions on osteoarthritis self-management offered by OASIS cover topics ranging from joint protection to nutrition management. The core classes include:
- Pain Management
Learn evidence-based strategies to manage chronic pain.
- Exercise & Arthritis
Learn about the benefits of exercise and the types of workouts that can support the joints.
- Managing Hip & Knee Osteoarthritis
Learn about osteoarthritis in these commonly affected joints, ways of managing osteoarthritis without surgery, and what happens if joint replacement surgery is needed.
- Nutrition, Supplements & Arthritis
Learn about the impact of diet on arthritis, the nutrients and supplements that can help, and some strategies for healthy eating.
Other courses offerings include:
- Mindful Eating
- Hand Osteoarthritis
- Foot & Ankle Osteoarthritis
- Sleep & Stress Management
- Shoulder Osteoarthritis
- Osteoarthritis of the Spine
- Ergonomic Tips for Working From Home with Arthritis
- Curious about Cannabis
- Introduction to Meditation
In-person Pole Walking workshops are also available this fall at Sunset Community Centre and Creekside Community Centre in Vancouver. Providing extra stability and balance by lessening the amount of pressure on the leg and knee joints, poles can make walking easier while providing a good workout.
By managing osteoarthritis in healthy and productive ways, living the best quality of life possible is well within reach!
Anyone with osteoarthritis can register to attend a free OASIS class — a referral from your physician is not needed. For more info, visit or call 604-875-4544.
