Osteoarthritis

Struggling with knee or hip osteoarthritis? Our free, fully-supported program can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and improve your quality of life. Combining weight management, muscle strengthening, and gentle physical activity, this program is designed to empower you to take control of your health.

Check your eligibility

Join the Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight For Life Program

Helping you manage Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis with the help of your Health Fund

The Osteoarthritis program combines:

  • gentle physical activity to improve mobility
  • weight management to reduce joint load and pain
  • muscle strengthening exercises to help stabilise joints, improve mobility and reduce pain
Check your eligibility

100% Funded by over 30 participating health funds*

Delivered by the HWFL Care Support Team

The HWFL Care Support Team is an experienced team of allied health professionals with specialties including physiotherapists, dietitians, nurses, and pharmacists. The Care Support Team is on hand to help you learn more about the program so you can decide if it is right for you.

Head to our contact page if you’d like more information on the Osteoarthritis program.

How does the HWFL Osteoarthritis Program work?

Our evidence-based program offers a comprehensive approach to managing osteoarthritis.

  1. Weight loss goal of 5%+

    Incorporating the Healthy Weight For Life portion planning and lifestyle modification system and phased use of KicStart VLCD meal replacements, we support you and work towards healthy, safe, sustainable weight reduction.

  2. Improve strength & mobility

    Targeted strength, balance and mobility exercises to help stabilise joints and improve mobility using the complete at home Strength, Mobility and Pain Management Kit.

  3. Gentle exercise plan

    We help you find the right gentle exercise routine that works for you. Light activity goes a long way to help reduce joint stiffness and improve physical function.

  4. Monitoring & support

    The HWFL Care Support Team provides support and guidance via phone, SMS, email, and via your private message board in the online Member Hub.

  5. Digital Member Hub

    You’ll have access to your own secure personal Member Hub web portal where you can track your progress, access key tools resources to help with you journey, and interact with your Care Support Team.

  6. Pain management

    Resources to help you learn techniques and strategies to help manage pain associated with knee or hip osteoarthritis.

Elderly woman with osteoarthritis struggles to move from a lounge chair.

Check your eligibility

Use our quick eligibility checker to see if you may qualify for a fully-funded program

Eligibility Checker

Why Weight Management Matters for Knee Pain & Hip Pain

For each additional kilogram of body weight a person carries there is an extra 4 kilograms of force exerted through the knee joint with every step taken during the day.

For individuals with knee or hip osteoarthritis who are overweight Australian treatment guidelines strongly recommend a minimum weight loss target of 5 – 7.5% of body weight.

For people of healthy body weight, maintaining a healthy body weight is essential.

How can the HWFL Osteoarthritis program help me?

The program aims to improve your day-to-day living and associated quality of life by reducing knee and hip pain and stiffness and improving mobility. It can also improve your preparation (pre-hab) for knee or hip replacement surgery (if relevant).

It achieves this by combining:

  • A structured eating and weight management plan (targeting 5% loss in body weight or greater) to reduce joint load
  • Increasing the strength of muscles around their knee and hip joints
  • Gently increase physical activity (where possible)

All the products and tools are delivered directly to your home so the entire program can be done in the comfort of your own home regardless of whether you live in the city or country.