Joint Effort: Transforming the arthritis in you

We will also discuss how different aspects of your life might influence your symptoms of arthritis and work out how you can find relief from those that do.  I will dispel the many myths around arthritis and the different terminologies, so you are clear about what arthritis is and means for you.  Together we will create a plan that will be individually designed for you to target your specific problems so you will become fitter, stronger, confident, and healthier.  This will help to transform the arthritis in you.

Each session is based on a theme (please see below) and will also include time to discuss how you have been getting on, for exercise, hands on therapy (if appropriate) and for questions.  Sessions are flexible to ensure that emphasis is placed on the areas that are most important and relevant for you.

Session 1: Getting to know you.

After this session you will understand what is happening in your body and you will have created a plan of what you would like to work on.  (75 minutes)

• Your story
• Physical examination
• Let’s talk – what would you like to be able to do?
• Creating an activity plan
• What does having arthritis mean for you?

This session will also include time to discuss how you have been getting on, time for exercise, hands on therapy (if appropriate) and time for questions.

After this session you will receive a summary of all that we have discussed, an exercise plan and your next steps.

Session 2: Healthy habits

In this session you will learn how to create some good lifestyle habits that will help to transform your arthritis (75 minutes)

• Having a regular exercise /activity routine
• Eating wholesome and nourishing food
• Getting a good night’s sleep
• Keeping on top of stress

This session will also include time to discuss how you have been getting on, time for exercise, hands on therapy (if appropriate) and time for questions.

After this session you will receive a summary of all that we have discussed, an exercise plan and your next steps.

Session 3: Pain and the brain

In this session you will discover how the brain and mood influences physical health and pain and some practical strategies that will help you to overcome pain (75 minutes)

• How does my brain influence the pain that I experience?
• Acceptance
• Relaxation
• Mindfulness

This session will also include time to discuss how you have been getting on, time for exercise, hands on therapy (if appropriate) and time for questions.

After this session you will receive a summary of all that we have discussed, an exercise plan and your next steps.

Session 4: Pain relief tips;

In this session you will explore some additional strategies that will help you live better (75 minutes)

• Pacing
• Set back planning.
• Heat / cold
• Medication
• What about surgery?

This session will also include time to discuss how you have been getting on, time for exercise, hands on therapy (if appropriate) and time for questions.

After this session you will receive a summary of all that we have discussed, an exercise plan and your next steps.

Session 5: Catching up;

So, we can see how you can move forward (75 minutes)

• We will put everything together and create a plan for your future.

This session will also include time to discuss how you have been getting on, time for exercise, hands on therapy (if appropriate) and time for questions.

After this final session you will receive your next steps for continuous improvement.