Self Management

Now may not the right time for surgery, but there are still lots of things you can do to reduce pain and prolong the life of your joint.  There are a variety of community programs available to support you while you live a meaningful life with arthritis. 

Healthy Living Class

A 2.5 hour class offered here at the Alberta Hip and Knee Clinic talking about exercise, activity and nutrition for arthritis. If you are a patient of the clinic and would like to enroll please call (403)266-3241.

Please download our handout for more information.

Download

Joint Effort Program

Get expert advice, nutrition education and an individualized exercise plan. Put it all into practice with the support of their certified trainers during this effective, 6 week program.

Call (403)220-8814 or visit their website for more information.

Please download our handout for more information.

Please visit Joint Effort for more information.

fees may apply

GLAD Canada (Good Life with Arthritis in Denmark)

This is an 8-week education and exercise program developed in Denmark for people with symptoms of knee or hip osteoarthritis. It is a set of supervised exercises offered in a group setting with other participants living with osteoarthritis.

Please visit gladcanada.ca for more information.

fees may apply

Alberta Healthy Living Program

(an alberta services program)

  • Education Classes – A variety of Health and lifestyle topics
  • Better Choices, Better Health ® - a 6 week self management workshop. Gain skills to live successful, healthier lives.
  • Nutrition Services – Appointments with a Registered Dietician as well as group education classes
  • Group Exercise Classes – Family Doctor referral required.

Call 403-943-2584 for more information or visit their website here for more information.

this is a free program

Other Ways to be active on your own

Activator Poles

  • Pain management
  • Higher Exercise tolerance
  • Improve posture, balance and stability
  • Healthy weight management
  • Reduce impact on knees

You can purchase ActivatorPoles at the Clinic

Exercise well tolerated by those with Osteoarthritis

  • Tai Chi
  • Aquatic Exercise
  • Bike (Recumbent)
  • Walking
  • Elliptical

Try a pedometer (Available for loan from the Calgary Library) Monitor daily steps for 1 week and calculate average daily steps Aim to increase steps by 10% per week Recommendation is to be doing 10,000 steps per day.

Before you begin an exercise program please speak with your family doctor to ensure you are safe to do so.