At present, there are more than 2.2 million Australians living osteoarthritis (OA), a joint disease which causes chronic pain, and rates continue to soar.

Allied health professionals certified with limited registration from their professional body are eligible to provide complex pain management services in residential aged care, the Department of Health has ruled.

After hearing the strong arguments presented by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) the Department of Health has clarified its position on the use of limited registration physiotherapists working under ACFI* items 12.4 a and 12.4 b in the aged care sector.

The health department has withdrawn recent advice concerning allied health professionals with limited registration and pain management services in aged care while it consults with the sector.

The National Osteoarthritis (OA) Strategy was unveiled at the OA Summit in Canberra today, with the aim of combatting the soaring rates of OA in Australia and providing cost effective, evidence-based solutions for the more than 2.2 million Australians living with the debilitating condition.

Even though it is sometimes difficult for seniors to stick to a regular exercise regime, we all know the importance of exercise. 

A leading osteoarthritis expert says too often patients receive fragmented and inappropriate care to manage their damaged joints. Professor David Hunter is leading a national strategy to significantly improve the way patients with osteoarthritis are managed. 

DURING last month's World Arthritis Day, the Australian Physiotherapy Association called for increased treatment access for sufferers. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint disease, and one of the leading causes of pain and disability in Australia.

A recent story in Reader’s Digest suggesting that specific exercises should avoided at age 50 has been rebuked by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) who maintain that exercise programs should be based on individual ability and needs, rather than age.

EVEN though it is sometimes difficult to stick to a regular exercise regime, we all know the importance of exercise.