Winter 2014
ArthritisToday
One man, two feet
and a lot of determination
Mike Pauly:
One Man’s Determination
HOW TO GAIN THE MOST BENEFIT FROM
YOUR VISIT WITH A PHYSIOTHERAPIST
WORKING
WITH ARTHRITIS
Health &
Lifestyle
Benefits of Movement
AND Dance for those with
Musculoskeletal Conditions
facebook.com/ArthritisWA
twitter.com/ArthritisWA
www.arthritiswa.org.au
Arthritis Today | Winter 2014
1
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CHC 52994-07/13
MIKE
PAULY:
6 feature
story
ONE MAN'S DETERMINATION
8 President’s
Report
11 Spotlight
on Arthritis
an introduction to
autologous stem
cell therapy for painful
osteoarthritic knees
14
feature
story
HOW TO GAIN
THE MOST BENEFIT
FROM YOUR
VISIT WITH A
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
16 Past Events
17 Fundraising
Contents
7/13
4 From the Desk
of the Executive Director
5Latest News
21 Volunteers
22 Support
Services
23 Health
& Lifestyle
Osteoarthritis of the
Knee Program
28. EVENTS
CALENDAR
Pilates for Arthritis
28. Country
Rheumatology
Benefits of Movement
and Dance for those with
Musculoskeletal
Conditions
31. Support Groups
26. Recipe
Chocolate & Macadamia
Nut Fudge Brownies
27. AJ Smith Society
My circumstances have
changed and I can’t
donate anymore
HBF Run for a Reason:
Nancy’s Story
20 AO Youth
Osteogenesis Imperfecta:
What it is and why we
should care?
Arthritis Today | Winter 2014
3
From the desk of the
Executive Director
Welcome to the Winter edition of
our Arthritis Today magazine.
Arthritis can affect people all
throughout the year however the
winter months can make it harder
to manage the symptoms. The
cold and damp weather affects
those living with arthritis - as
climate can create increased pain
to joints. Exercise can help to ease
arthritic pain. It increases
strength and flexibility, reduces
joint pain, and helps combat
fatigue. Look at our Events
Calendar on page 28 to see the
range of exercise classes we have
on offer. You can also find out
more about our Self-Management
Programs. These courses have
helped many people improve their
daily life by providing them with
specific education and
information about managing their
condition more effectively.
Our article on ‘How to gain the
most benefit from your visit with
a Physiotherapist’ is an
informative read as is our
introduction to Stem Cell
Therapy, by Dr John Quintner on
page 11. Professor Richard Prince
highlights the lesser known
condition of Osteogenesis
Imperfect, what it is and why we
should care.
We catch up with our intrepid
walker, Mike Pauly, as he
continues his solo journey to walk
around Australia. His blog
provides an interesting insight
into his journey so far and is a
testament to the generosity and
support given by those he has met
along the way. Mike’s mission is
one of great importance and need
– to raise money for research.
Board
Arthritis Today is published by
Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA.
President: Dr J. Edelman MBBS FRACP
Vice President: Dr I.D. Froyland PhD(Crim),
MA(Psych), Dip Ed
Hon Treasurer: Ms Silvia Caratti B Com FCA
MBA
Members: Prof. R. Prince BSc MB ChB Birm.;
MD Melb, FRACP, MRCP(UK); Dr B. Langlands
MBBS FRACP; Dr Margaret Mazur MD FRACP;
Mr Brad Gordon SA (Fin.), Fdn DFP, MAICD;
Ms Debbie Borshoff BA (UWA), Dip Ed
Address:
17 Lemnos Street,
Shenton Park, WA 6008
Postal Address:
P0 Box 34,
Wembley, WA 6913
Tel: (08) 9388 2199
Fax: (08) 9388 4488
Toll Free: 1800 011 041
(Country Callers only)
Website: www.arthritiswa.org.au
Email: general@arthritiswa.org.au
President:
Dr J Edelman MBBS FRACP
Executive Director:
Mr R Forlano CPA BCOM AICD
Magazine Editor & Advertising:
Lily Lomma: LilyL@arthritiswa.org.au
44
Production
Arthritis Today is published by Arthritis &
Osteoporosis WA. This magazine is designed
by Shape Design. This magazine is printed by a
“Level 2 Green Stamp” environmental accredited
printer, using petroleum free vegetable based
inks and 33% green electricity generated from
solar panels. The paper is sourced from FCC
accredited sustainable and well managed forests
and is 100% recyclable.”
With your support, we can help
break the silence.
Ric Forlano
"...arthritis is marked by pain that cannot be seen.
Arthritis does not discriminate. It affects all people of all
ages – including children. Our only hope lies in research
which will help us find a cure."
Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA
As many of you are aware,
arthritis is marked by pain that
cannot be seen. Arthritis does not
discriminate. It affects all people
of all ages – including children.
Our only hope lies in research
which will help us find a cure.
Executive Director
Copyright: Articles appearing in this
publication may be reproduced subject to written
agreement from Arthritis WA. Arthritis WA
retains editorial control over its content.
Mission Statement
The objective of Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA
is to reduce the incidence and disabling effects
of arthritis, osteoporosis and related conditions
in the people of Western Australia through
programs in Care, Education and Research.
Advertising Policy Statement
Products and services advertised in Arthritis
Today are not necessarily recommended by
Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA. Some readers may
assume that anything that is advertised in these
pages has been cleared, vetted or in some way
approved by the charity. This is not so. Arthritis
& Osteoporosis WA is not equipped to test and
approve products and services that are available
to the general public. Please exercise your own
judgment about whether the item or service
advertised is likely to help you personally and,
where appropriate, obtain professional advice
from your doctor or specialist before purchasing.
Arthritis Australia has
established an ‘Ease of Use’
(EOU) program to help the food
industry fix issues with hard-toopen packaging. The scheme has
tested more than 200 products
from Woolworths and Nestle.
This initiative will lead to design
changes that will make opening
products much easier.
Now available in Australia
and New Zealand, the EOU
trademark is a way for all people
to identify user-friendly products
and packaging. Recognition
comes in the form of an EOU
trademark that gives consumers
the ability to make their product
choices with the knowledge that
they will not struggle to open the
product.
Arthritis suffers, in particular,
will benefit greatly from this new
initiative, as many struggle with
packaging due to their condition.
This trademark label will
help eliminate injuries that
people sustain when trying
to open packaging. The main
culprits are vacuum sealed jars,
clamshell plastic packaging or
toy packaging. Did you know that
36% of people resort to using
scissors, 36% use knives and
15% pull out the hammer! These
product-opening techniques
often lead to injuries - with 42%
of people obtaining deep cuts
(which they treat at home), while
3% require treatment from a
medical professional. Up to 14%
of people break or chip their teeth
and 3% damage their nails.
Latest News
Consumers shouldn’t have to
get into a knife fight to open the
products they have bought
Arthritis Australia hopes to help
reduce the number of injuries
people sustain when struggling
to open packaging, as well as
make daily tasks easier.
Bones
AND
Joints
Website
In partnership with Telethon,
Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA
launched its official website
for the online Bones and Joints
school.
This new website offers useful
information for families; to
ensure that their children have
a healthy start to life, teachers;
to teach students up-to-date
health information and students;
to assume responsibility for
their health as they travel into
adulthood.
Created in conjunction with the
Australian School Curriculum,
the website’s primary goal is to
educate children on maintaining
healthy bones and joints. The
online school is a virtual and
interactive information portal,
with modules within the website
focusing on; healthy eating,
exercise, teeth, the skeleton and
growth.
This website also dedicates a
module to Juvenile Idiopathic
Arthritis, an umbrella term for
children affected by arthritis
under the age of 16.
Visit http://www.bonesandjoints.com.au/
Arthritis Today | Winter 2014
5
Feature Story
Mike Pauly:
One Man’s Determination
One man, two feet and a lot of
determination……..
By Lily Lomma
Many travelers have spotted the
lonesome figure walking along
the dusty-dirt highway, with his
trusty buggy in tow. Walking in
40 degree heat, sometimes along
sparse stretches of highway, the
ultimate battle of mind over body
takes place. Spurred on by sheer
mental grit and determination,
Mike has not lost focus of his
most important mission – to
raise funds for arthritis research
and men’s mental health.
Mike is no stranger to pain,
with the added condition of
osteoarthritis in both knees - he
has certainly set himself an
extraordinary challenge! But, he
is a strong believer that walking
is beneficial for arthritic pain and
his 1,864km journey so far is a
testament to that belief.
Below are excerpts from Mike’s blog www.ozsoulwalk.com. If you
would like to be a part of this amazing journey, you can help Mike
achieve his goal by following these 3 easy steps.
1
Subscribe to his blog
@ www.ozsoulwalk.com
2
Make a donation
3
Share the link with all your family and
friends and ask them to do the same
Your support will see many West Australians benefit from one
man’s dream.
On the Road to Greenhead
Day 12: March 12, 2014
I spent Tuesday night with Drew, the treasurer at Jurien Bay Men’s
Shed, and he treated me like a king. I used his scales and have lost
6kg so walking should get easier on the arthritic ankles and knees. It
was very hot walking so not a lot of progress. The power was out in the
whole town so the talk with the children at school did not happen. All
shops were closed, including the post office, chemist and IGA. That
adds to the difficulties. But I met lots of generous people on my way
through town.
6
The Troubles
of a Burst Tyre!
The Harsh Midday Sun
Day 19: March 19, 2014
Day 35: April 4, 2014 Best and Worst Day
I got to Leeman Caravan Park
and was looked after very well
by Annette and Darrell, the
managers there. 15 kms down the
road after I left Leeman I camped
out. Next morning I got up at the
usual time to start walking – 4
am. HORROR!!! Flat tyre was in
terrible shape. Although it was
supposed to be puncture proof,
all the outer casing was missing
or could be wiped off by hand. I
tried repairs 6 times, putting the
tyre on and off each time.
Best: Yesterday was my best time for distance travelled and for
Resting by
the Billabong
Day 30: March 30, 2014
I am waiting for “Australia All
Over” to ring back. Kelly’s voice
is so soothing - it helps overcome
any fears I have. Last night about
5.30pm I walked into Billabong
at last, completing the 40km
in 40 degree heat by my little
thermometer. Was I tired! I went
into Car’s Cafe in the hotel and
had breakfast – the only meal I
had that day. The manager said
after I had eaten that I could have
a night at the campground in the
caravan park and he would leave
everything open.
"Distance travelled:
1864 km in 76 days.
That’s an average of
24.53 km/day based
on a 7-day week."
lessons learned. I chose yesterday to walk 47km in 40°C+
Worst: This morning my feet are a mess. I had a pair of socks
that I wore or they would have been a lot worse. The heat was almost
unbearable as there was no shade. Any small shrub was almost
without leaves because it has been so long since there was any rain up
here past the 26th parallel. I am now officially in the north-west.
The consequence of no or little shade was almost devastating. I was
getting dizzy and light-headed. I drank over my 6 litres but could not
slake my thirst. It was cooling for a short time only after drinking.
Carnarvon:
A Tropical
Paradise
Day 40: 9 April 2014
I have been in Carnarvon since
the 8th and it looks as if I will be
spending another day here. It is
a real oasis – tropical fruit and
plants – like paradise after my 40
days in the desert. Coral Coast
Caravan Park has a pool, icy cold
and very healing for my feet. I
soaked them of an hour and they
feel a lot better.
I have discovered a Men’s shed
here at PCYC so I will meet and
talk with them. Another excuse
for staying longer, I hear you say.
Mary Ellen sent out a parcel of
arthritis socks and a pair of shorts
to replace a pair that I had ripped
to shreds after 10 000 kms on
previous walks. She sent them
via Sadleirs Nexus, arranging it
with the founder of the company,
Peter Howell, who was incredibly
helpful.
Let’s do a
Stocktake…..
Day 76 15th May 2014
Let me do a stock-take of my
wellbeing:
Body: less 17.3 kg, so I am now
88 kg. This makes walking easier
on my knees and getting in and
out of a bed on the ground much
easier.
Mind: functioning reasonably
well, although I can be forgetful.
Especially when I lose my
notebook, which is my memory
prop.
Spirit: wonderful. Filled with joy
and overwhelmed by people’s
generosity and the providence of
the universe. It just might also
be the pain deadening of the
endorphins.
Distance travelled: 1864 km in
76 days. That’s an average of
24.53 km/day based on a 7-day
week. Or 29.14 km/day based on
a 6-day week. The second figure
looks better.
You can donate in the following ways…
Online: Just Giving
Website:
www.justgiving.com/Michael-Pauly
Direct Debit
Bank Name: Bendigo Bank
Account Name: Fremantle Foundation
Account Number: 142 792 035
Reference: Mike’s Walk
Cheque
Payable to: Fremantle Foundation
Post to:
Fremantle Foundation
PO Box 1397, Fremantle, WA 6959
Reference: Mike’s Walk
Email your name and address to ozsoulwalk@gmail.com to receive your receipt.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Arthritis Today | Winter 2014
7
42nd Annual
President’s Report
President Dr Jack Edelman MBBS FRACP
I AM pleased
to report
that 2013
has been a
momentous
year.
Arthritis & Osteoporosis
WA recorded income of
over $4 million for the first
time, continued to introduce
innovative projects and most
importantly continued with its
quest to appoint a Professor at
the University of UWA.
Arthritis is one of the most
prevalent disabling and costly
chronic diseases in Australia
affecting more than 300,000
people of all ages in WA
• It is a leading cause of
disability and early retirement
from the workforce
• The financial cost of arthritis
is only one aspect of the total
economic costs of arthritic
conditions. There is the
non-financial component,
the burden of the disease
and the pain and suffering
that significantly reduces a
person’s quality of life
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
and other inflammatory
arthropathies are not benign
conditions but are serious
systemic conditions and
if untreated can be life
threatening. People with
these conditions have three
times the risk of serious heart
disease, stroke and depression.
8
• The most common form
is Osteoarthritis. It affects
around 3 million people in
Australia, representing about
15% of the population and is
the leading cause of disability
in Australia.
We are confident that the
appointment of Dr Nossent
will bring a focus to, and give
support to, research that seeks to
find a cure and better treatments
for those with bone and joint
disease.
• Osteoporosis is a condition
without symptoms and affects
over 1 million Australians.
Prof Nossent was born in the
Netherlands where he completed
his medical and specialist
training, then moved to Norway
where he was Consultant in
Rheumatology at the University
Hospital North Norway.
• It is a condition which occurs
when bones lose minerals,
such as calcium, quicker than
the body can replace them,
leading to the loss of bone
density.
Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA
remains the only organisation in
Western Australia that is solely
dedicated to helping those with
bone and joint disease.
It is the objective of this
organisation to reduce the
incidence and disabling effects
of arthritis, osteoporosis and
related conditions in the people
of Western Australia by offering
quality health promotion
and service programs to the
consumer with musculoskeletal
conditions.
Furthermore, we are also
committed to medical research
as is evidenced by our quest
for a Professor at the School of
Medicine at the University of
WA.
After our failure to secure a
professor in 2012, the search
committee was reformed in
the first quarter of 2013 and a
worldwide search commenced.
I am pleased to announce
that interviews were held in
December and Dr Hans
Nossent was offered the
Professorial position which
he has since accepted.
From 2012 he has been the staff
Rheumatologist at Royal Darwin
Hospital.
His main interests are in the
field of systemic inflammatory
auto-immune diseases. Professor
Nossent will take up his position
in June 2014.
A long standing role of the
foundation has been to
coordinate the regional clinics.
In 2013 over 100 day clinics at
14 locations across the state were
held. Each clinic is required
to report on the throughput,
demography of patients, and
their clinical conditions.
A number of disease specific
education and self-management
programs have been developed
over the last few years, namely
• the osteoarthritis of the knee,
• the Rheumatoid Arthritis
program
• And more recently in 2013
the continued development
of the Ankylosing Spondylitis
program.
These entire programs have
proved to be extremely popular
and beneficial to those who
attended.
In 2013 we commenced a
randomised control research trial
for the Ankylosing Spondylitis
program and this continues
throughout 2014.
Our thanks go to Ms Jean
McQuade Manager Health
Services who has been the
leading force in developing these
unique programs.
Funding was secured from
Telethon to develop a pilot
evaluation project aimed at
offering four brief pyschoeducational community based
workshops catering for children
and adolescents with persistent
paint. The core aims of the
program is to
• Enhance the child’s
self-management of pain,
utilising Cognitive-behavioural
Therapy Principles
• Reduce parental stress related
to the child’s pain and improve
parental capacity to influence
their child’s pain coping skills.
The program commenced in the
middle of 2013 and is expected to
conclude in mid-2014.
Thank you to Jane Muirhead
who has been coordinating this
program.
Other Pain information
Initiatives undertaken by Dr
John Quintner on a voluntary
capacity include
• Two inter-disciplinary Health
Professional Workshop
• Reaching Out to Women in
Pain Workshops
• Research Forum for
consumers
Camp Freedom was held from 30th September
to 4th October. The camp had forty participants
this year of which 15 attended for the first time.
Camp Freedom provides children with Juvenile
Arthritis an opportunity to meet others like
themselves and participate in activities without
the stigma of being different.
The camp also offers friendship, fun and exciting
activities, as well as educational workshops and
‘tips on how to self-manage’. The camp also
gives parents and siblings a much needed rest
from daily activities with exercises, medications,
splints, hospital visits and the daily burden of
arthritis.
Our thanks go to Lotterywest and the Variety
Club who contributed to the running costs and
to Kerry Mace and Debbie Rafferty for organising
and overseeing the Camp.
• Introduction of Yoga and
Mindfulness Mediation
• Series of lectures/discussion
on Saturdays every month.
Arthritis Today | Winter 2014
9
Meanwhile we also continue to
provide a number of high quality
programs such as;
• Arthritis Today Magazine
which is distributed three
times a year to over 12,000
subscribers throughout the
state
• A monthly E-news letter to
over 3,000 people
• An increased use of social
media with Facebook and
twitter
• The website is now
approaching 10,000 visits
per month
• We have a range of
information sheets and
booklets available for free
• A range disease specific
Self-management courses
And
• Seminars, workshops and
Community Talks on various
topics
• Disease specific exercise
classes, Tai Chi and
Hydrotherapy
In order to provide our services
we need to engage in Public
Relations and Fundraising.
Our major fundraising initiatives
for 2013 included
• Direct Mail
• Raffles
• Bingo, run by the Mal Atwell
Leisure Group
• Bequest Income
• The international Fremantle
Portrait Prize. An international
competition run on line by a
committee chaired by
Emeritus Professor Lawrie
Beilin AO. This event raised
$28,000 from approximately
2,500 entries from 37
countries.
• Abbotts Solution Golf Classic
Volunteers play a vital
part in the success
of Arthritis and
Osteoporosis WA. In
September we recognised
the people who volunteer
their service by holding
a special Volunteers
Morning Tea Function
at Government House
hosted by our Patron
the Governor of WA
His Excellency Malcom
McCusker.
$25,396 , 1% $243,845 , 6% $49,853 , 1% $21,514 , 1% $26,616 , 1% $134,234 , 5% $183,825 , 6% $360,424 , 13% $251,725 , 6% $486,019 , 12% $340,921 , 12% $172,814 , 6% $13,609 , 0% $141,608 , 6% $58,024 , 2% Branches & Community Support Groups Charitable Trust Fundraising Direct Mail Fee for Service EducaJon $465,669 , 20% $717,386 , 31% AdministraJon FaciliJes Hire Grants $2,991,502 , 73% $2,906 , 0% Health Services Monhly Giving Interest Income Fundraising & PR Raffles Dividends $1,618,142 , 56% Gain on Sale of Investment Bequest Research $730,943 , 31% Loss on sale of investment Bingo Other Impairment shares & managed funds DonaJons Chair $208,827 , 9% $45,994 , 2% Arthri&s & Osteoporosis WA Arthri&s & Osteoporosis WA Revenue 2013 Charitable Support Revenue (Fundraising) 2013 Arthri&s & Osteoporosis WA Expenditure 2013 1 In conclusion our gratitude to all our volunteers, staff, Board and
committee members who have worked very hard to ensure the success of
Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA
And our appreciation to our donors who have financially supported this
organisation and have contributed to its success
10
Autologous means that the
stem cells are derived from the
patient’s own tissues, usually
obtained from fat deposits or
from bone marrow.
Stem cells can be understood
as being “mother cells” that have
the potential to become any type
of cell in the body. When they
can multiply while at the same
time maintaining the potential to
develop into other type of cells,
they are called pluripotent stem
cells.
Those being injected into joints
are adult stem cells that
cannot multiply without also
differentiating into specific
tissue cells, e.g. cartilage, bone,
ligaments and fibrous tissue.
Mesenchymal refers to cells
derived from the embryo (the
part called the mesoderm) which
are unspecialised and give rise to
bone, cartilage, connective tissue,
as well as the blood vessels and
lymphatics.
Paracrine (from para –
alongside or next to) refers to
how individual cells signal to one
another. This function is carried
out by a variety of chemical
substances known as signalling
molecules.
Progenitor cells are
pluripotent stem cells that have
lost their capacity for self-renewal
as well as some of their ability
to differentiate along several
different pathways.
AN
Introduction
to autologous stem
cell therapy for painful
osteoarthritic knees
By Dr John Quintner
The hope of stem cell therapy has
been that it will provide the longsought-after disease-modifying
therapy for the treatment of
osteoarthritis (OA). However,
from the outset it needs to be
said that no currently approved
pharmacological intervention,
biologic therapy, or procedure
has been shown to prevent
the progressive damage to the
osteoarthritic joint.
The purpose of this article is to
provide those who are interested
in this treatment with (i) an
understanding of the terminology
they will encounter if they delve
into the rapidly expanding
literature; (ii) an idea of the
rationale behind their use in the
treatment of osteoarthritis; and
(iii) an awareness of the potential
for untoward complications of
this treatment.
Spotlight on Arthritis
DEFINITIONS
RATIONALE
In a variety of animals with
experimentally-induced
osteoarthritic joints,
transplantation of mesenchymal
stem cells (MSC) appears to
stimulate repair of the joint. This
effect is thought to result from
a paracrine response from host
progenitor cells that live in the
joint lining (the synovium).
Cell-based injection therapies hold
promise for cartilage regeneration
in humans but these techniques
still do not predictably result in
the hyaline cartilage formation
necessary for a normally
functioning joint.
Injection of autologous stem cells
into osteoarthritic knee joints is
currently the subject of a number
of placebo-controlled clinical
trials. At the time of writing, the
state of the evidence base is low
in terms of the quantity, quality
and consistency of the available
evidence.
Furthermore, the precise
mechanism whereby autologous
stem cells are able to induce bone
or cartilage formation is still
unclear.
Arthritis Today | Winter 2014
11
THE BOTTOM
LINE
Stem Cells Australia, a consortium
of medical and scientific
researchers from eight leading
Australian universities and
research institutes, has recently
raised concerns that injecting
patients with stem cells derived
from their own fat deposits is
currently being offered by some
Australian clinics at a time when
the benefits therefrom have yet
to be demonstrated. Moreover,
consumers have not been
protected by proper regulatory
oversight.
In a submission to the National
Health and Medical Research
Council, Stem Cells Australia
warned that many of the
questionable practices used by
overseas doctors are now being
witnessed among Australian
practitioners. According to
Professor Martin Pera, team
leader, “What’s going on is a large
scale human experiment without
proper regulatory oversight” and
“The more widespread these
clinics become the riskier it
becomes that we will see adverse
events.”
WHAT CAN GO WRONG?
As with any intra-articular injection there is a risk of introducing
infection. The medium in which the stem cells are cultured
is a potential source of viral and bacterial transmission.
Hypersensitivity reactions to animal-derived products and
antibiotics used in the cell culturing process can occur.
Another concern is the unanticipated transformation of stem cells,
which may result in their differentiation into an undesired types
of cell such as osteophytes or even in their differentiation into
cancer cells. In other words, the stem cells may wind up in the
wrong place doing the wrong thing.
According to the US National Academies report “Stem cells
and the future of regenerative medicine (2001)”, maintaining a
healthy cell stem cell line is the most challenging part of stem cell
research. The report goes on to say that “Over time, all cell lines …
change, typically accumulating harmful genetic mutations. There
is no reason to expect cell lines to behave differently.”
THE FUTURE OF STEM CELL
THERAPY IN OA?
An emerging data base from phase I (screening for safety) and II
(establishing efficacy, usually against a placebo) trials will shed
further light on the therapeutic utility of intra-articular delivery of
autologous mesenchymal stem cells. It may turn out that these
approaches will provide the main form of therapy for osteoarthritic
knees, in particular, and thereby make knee replacement surgery
unnecessary.
References:
Autologous mesenchymal stem cells for treating knee osteoarthritis
(Editorial). Managed Care, August 2013.
Barry F, Murphy M. Mesenchymal stem cells in joint disease and repair.
Nature Reviews Rheumatology 2013; 9: 584-594.
Desando G, Cavallo C, Sartoni F, Martini L, Parrilli A, et al. Intraarticular delivery of adipose derived stromal cells attenuates osteoarthritis
progression in an experimental rabbit model. Arthritis Research and
Therapy 2013; 15: R22 doi:10.1186/ar4156.
12
Evans CH, Kraus VB, Setton LA. Progress in intra-articular therapy.
Nature Reviews Rheumatology 2014; 10: 11-22.
Rodriguez-Merchan EC. Regeneration of articular cartilage of the knee.
Rheumatol Int 2013; 33: 837-845.
Scott S, Branley A. Stem cell warning: experts fear experimental
treatments will lead to serious injury. ABC News, Thursday 19 December
2013.
van Lent P LEM, van den Berg W. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in
osteoarthritis: advanced tissue repair or intervention with smouldering
synovial activation? Arthritis Research and Therapy 2013; 15: 112.
Helen Fitzgerald, OT and Member
of the Australian Hand Therapy
Association will talk about some
ideas for coping with joint pain in
hands over the cold, wet months!
Date:
Thursday 14th August
Entry by donation. Bookings
essential, call 9388 2199 or
book on line at
www.arthritiswa.org.au/events
Venue:
Wyllie Arthritis Centre,
17 Lemnos St, Shenton Park
Time:
11am – 12noon
Bookings: Book online at
www.arthritiswa.org.au
or phone 9388 2199
Events
Handy Solutions
Healthy Bones
Action Week
3rd August –
10th August 2014
Maintaining strong, healthy
bones is vital for our overall
health – especially as we get
older! This year, Healthy Bones
Action Week is all about taking
action! Just by actioning these 3
simple steps, we can all boost our
bone health together. It’s as easy
as 1, 2, 3……...
1
Increase your calcium intake
from dairy foods
2
Increase your daily exercise
3
Increase your vitamin D
exposure from the sun.
Don’t forget to visit our Calendar
& Events page on our website to
see what events we have planned.
www.arthritiswa.org.au
Hip Osteoarthritis
Date:
Friday 22nd August
Treatment options that work from exercise to
joint replacement.
Time:
11:00am - 12:30pm
The pain and loss of function from hip
osteoarthritis affects thousands of Australians
every day. Finding the best treatment option
is difficult with so many lotions, potions and
surgeries available. Professor Richard CareySmith (Orthopedic Surgeon) and Dr Brendan
Joss (Exercise Physiologist) have teamed up to
present to you the treatment options for hip
osteoarthritis that have proven effectiveness
from exercise, weight loss, injections through
to total hip replacement.
Venue:
Wyllie Arthritis Centre,
17 Lemnos St, Shenton Park
Bookings:
Book online at
www.arthritiswa.org.au
or phone 9388 2199
Entry by donation
Arthritis Today | Winter 2014
13
Feature Story
HOW TO GAIN
THE MOST BENEFIT
FROM YOUR VISIT WITH A
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
By Melanie Galbraith (Physiotherapist)
Living with a painful condition
makes it extremely difficult to
participate in exercise. Reduced
physical capacity leads to muscle
weakness and deconditioning.
This then makes ‘normal
daily tasks’ like showering and
dressing, more of a struggle.
A safe, effective strategy for
increasing your physical function
is one using ‘pacing principles’.
A ‘paced’ activity program is
one that regulates what you do
by getting you to work out what
you can easily do consistently
– usually on a daily basis. A
physiotherapist will be able
to help you to work out your
‘baseline’ or starting point –
using a timer or counting the
number of repetitions, and then
slowly increasing it over time by
10% per week. The catch-phrase
“no pain, no gain” has been
replaced with “start low, go slow!”
Many people with arthritis will have visited
a physiotherapist and been given a home
exercise program. How beneficial were the
exercises? Was the program sustainable?
Did you experience frequent pain flares?
Did you enjoy the exercises?
14
It is helpful to ask yourself
these questions and also to be
informed as to how you could
gain more benefit. Firstly, what
are your valued goals? What
activities are you finding difficult
or have stopped completely due
to your pain condition? Some
examples may be; being able to
get down onto the floor to play
with your grandchildren or doing
some gardening. If you already
have a goal in mind when you
visit the physiotherapist, she/he
can work with you to help you to
achieve it. The physiotherapist
will assist you to ‘break the goal
down into its building blocks’
and set you an individualised
exercise program using pacing
principles. This should ensure
you can perform the exercises
consistently while avoiding pain
flares. If the goal is important to
you (and you can feel the benefit
over time), you will be more
motivated to stick with it!
One of THE most beneficial
exercises is sit-to-stand. If you
do this repeatedly a number
of times, you will notice your
heart rate increases and you
may even puff a little. It is also
strengthening your leg muscles.
Importantly, it is a ‘functional’
exercise – one that we do in our
normal daily life. Many people
with persistent pain alter the way
they move which can make this
task more difficult. I have set
out below the ‘steps’ to follow to
correct this movement pattern
which makes it much easier!
1
ONE
Move your
bottom halfway
forward in the
chair
2
3
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/strength-exercises-for-older-people.aspx
TWO
Place your feet
hip-width apart
(provides a stable
base of support)
THREE
If you have pain in one leg you can position that foot
a little further forward than the other foot. This reduces
the load-bearing through the painful leg
FOUR
Place your hands
on your thighs
(NOT your knees).
It is best not to
use the armrests
on the chair to
push up as this
moves your
centre of gravity
backwards
FIVE
Bend forward
from your hips so
your “nose is over
your toes”
SIX
If you currently find it difficult to
get up out of a chair, this should
become one of your exercises.
Count how many repetitions
you can do before an increase
in pain and start off lower. A
‘safe’ starting point would be
50%. So, if you could manage 6
repetitions, your baseline would
be 3. You can then increase
by 1 repetition per day. Before
you know it, you will be able to
perform 12 repetitions! If you do
this as a daily exercise you will
notice improvement.
Do the reverse to
sit back down
Arthritis Today | Winter 2014
15
Events
Seminar in Busselton
In our quest to provide services to regional areas, Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA held an information seminar
in Busselton on 30th April. Guest speakers were; Paul Trainor (Solicitor) who spoke about the importance
of Estate Planning and Jane Muirhead (Occupational Therapist) who spoke about pain management. The
event was well attended and the guest were very appreciative of the informative event.
Wishbone Day May 6th 2014
Wishbone Day is an International
AWARENESS day for
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI),
otherwise known as 'brittle
bones'. Why? Because awareness
makes a difference!!
It first began in Australia in 2011,
following an OI conference held
in Sydney by the Osteogenesis
Imperfecta Society of Australia.
It is now being celebrated
worldwide on May 6th each year.
Visit the wishbone day website to
see some amazing celebrations
and to also see some truly
inspirational people. This year,
we celebrated Wishbone Day at
the South Perth foreshore, with
great support from the City of
Perth who turned Council House
and the Trafalgar Bridge yellow
for the occasion!
For more information visit www.wishboneday.com
16
25th May 2014
What training have you undertaken
in preparation for this run?
To increase my fitness, I started
jogging however, once I started to
flare, I stopped this and decided
to stick to walking – much
gentler on the joints! I also attend
hydrotherapy at Arthritis WA to
strengthen my joints.
Do you feel as though this training
has helped your condition?
Here’s Nancy Fisalli’s
reason for running…
What or who has inspired you
to undertake the HBF Run for a
Reason?
I was looking on Arthritis WA’s
website one day and saw the link
for the HBF Run for a Reason so I
thought to myself ‘Why Not?’ I can
get some exercise and at the same
time raise much needed funds for
Arthritis WA.
Initially, I entered the 12km
walk however whilst training my
Rheumatoid Arthritis started to
flare, so instead of pulling out all
together, I decided to undertake the
4km walk instead.
I have always loved walking as
it helps keep me in shape and
the hydrotherapy is great for
strengthening my joints.
When were you first diagnosed
with arthritis?
In June 1992 at the ‘ripe’ young
age of 14.
How does your condition affect
your everyday living?
Fortunately, since I started taking
my medication, I have been
relatively pain free. Having said
that though, it is very easy to overdo
things when I am feeling on top of
the world physically!
How has Arthritis WA helped you?
I have been very fortunate to meet
so many beautiful people through
Arthritis WA. I attend the north of
the river monthly catch up dinners
and also attend hydrotherapy. I
find it immensely helpful meeting
other people who are living with
an inflammatory illness, as we can
share stories on how we cope with
life.
Fundraising
HBF Run for a Reason
How much do you hope to raise for
Arthritis WA?
As much as I can! My family and
friends have been so supportive
and gotten behind me which has
been great – even people I don’t
know have sponsored me!
What do you hope this money will
achieve or contribute towards?
Ultimately finding a cure! I do
hope that the monies will go
towards research into developing
more medications that will help put
RA into remission, so that many
other people can experience living
pain free as I have, thanks to my
medication.
Like everyone living with RA
knows, pacing ourselves is a
necessity.
Love to walk or run? Use this passion to help raise funds for Arthritis WA!
Registration is now open for the 2014 Chevron City to Surf. With a large variety of courses spanning from a 4km
walk to a 42km marathon, there is an option for all fitness levels.
For the second year, runners all over WA can compete with events being held in Geraldton, Karratha, Albany and
Busselton as well as Perth.
For more information on the event, please visit their website at http://perth.perthcitytosurf.com/
Arthritis Today | Winter 2014
17
Spotlight on Work
WORKING
WITH ARTHRITIS
Lily Pickett
My name is Lily and I was 47
years old when I was diagnosed
with rheumatoid arthritis
(RA). That was just over 6
years ago now and I remember
being totally devastated but
also relieved to finally have a
diagnosis. I was very lucky that
my symptoms were fairly mild,
even though I could always
remember having achy, painful
joints intermittently throughout
my life. Six months later I
experienced my first real ‘flare’
and realised that my life was not
going to be the same.
I started on a plethora of
medications which took quite
a few months to really work
well. As my disease progressed
my medication regime was
changed and modified several
times. I also have a few other
health issues including
secondary Sjogren’s and
ulcerative oesophagitis, so I need
medication and eye drops for
these as well. I am a walking
pharmacy really!
When diagnosed, I was working
full-time as a registered nurse
in a busy operating theatre. My
youngest child was 19 and still at
university. My 3 other children
were 21, 23 and 25 and were
either working or studying as
well. My mother and father were
both sick and needed help. Life
was so busy - and this added
18
complication to my life was
extremely difficult at the time.
I would come home from work,
sit on the lounge exhausted and
tell my husband that I would just
have a cup of tea and then cook
dinner! An hour later I would be
woken up by my husband putting
dinner on my lap! Sometimes,
he would have to help me cut
my dinner as my hands would
be so stiff and sore. I wondered
whether I could continue to work
at all. It was impossible to clean
the house and have any type of
social life. I had to get some kind
of control over this disease and
bring balance back into my life.
After struggling on for a year I
took an 8 month ‘holiday’ away
from the clinical setting. I work
in an operating theatre which
I love but it’s very physically
demanding and there is no room
for stiff, slow, sore hands and
limping nurses! I had begun
post graduate studies in health
information and I was able
to do some work in IT for the
health department. (I do have
a post graduate qualification in
peri anaesthesia but I decided
that my disease would prevent
me working in this area in the
long term, so I changed to IT.)
Sitting at a desk can also be very
challenging as stiffness tends to
set in very quickly - but it was a
godsend at the time!
"Most importantly find work that you
enjoy and maintain that work/life balance."
With a change in medication,
I returned to clinical work. I
had improved so much and had
a great relationship with my
rheumatologist - which is so
important. Initially, because
the medications are immune
suppressants, we had a concern
about the infection risk related
to my working environment.
As more information became
available we realised these
concerns, although real, were
not as bad as we had thought.
We continued to ‘tweak’ my
medication and, up until the last
year, I was able to work full time
with minor modifications to my
work life. I regained some work/
life balance. My house keeping
improved and I felt that I was
contributing more to family life
again.
I wanted to help other people
with inflammatory arthritis and
raise awareness so I offered to
run a support group. I’ve realised
I actually get more than I give
- which is very nice indeed! I’ve
also realised how many people
suffer from these diseases and
how young they can be. I’ve
realised how little understanding
there is of these diseases; not
only by the general population
but by the medical and nursing
community as well.
Recently I have reduced my
hours and now work only 3 days
per week. This has been really
difficult for me to accept but I
know that it is the right decision;
not only for myself but for my
family as well. That work/ life
balance was slowly disappearing
again and I was finding myself
back on the lounge after work
and being woken up with dinner
on my lap! Lucky me to have a
very supportive husband! I will
shortly have a stint back in the IT
arena at work (which will help)
and I’m due for a medication
change. I had discussed this
with my rheumatologist at
the last visit and we made the
joint decision to wait another
6 months. I am hopeful that
I will improve again. There is
some very promising research
that, I’m sure, will lead to better
treatments for all autoimmune
diseases, as well as RA.
So what are important things I’ve
learnt as someone suffering a
chronic illness in the workplace?
Pace yourself and take adequate
breaks. If you can reduce your
working hours it really does help
when your disease is active. If
you can modify your workplace
and some of the tasks, it does
make things easier. Can you do
something for someone else,
so that they can do something
you can’t do? Delegate at home.
Find a good rheumatologist
and build a good relationship
so that treatment decisions
are shared and your concerns
are discussed. Follow your
treatment regime. Sleep and rest
are very important. Exercise is
imperative, as you lose muscle
strength very quickly. If you
can, work with your employer
to improve your ability to keep
working and be happy and
productive at work.
Most importantly find work that
you enjoy and maintain that
work/life balance.
Arthritis Today | Winter 2014
19
Arthritis and Osteoporosis
Youth
Osteogenesis Imperfecta:
What it is and why should we care?
Prof Richard Prince BSc, MB ChB Birm, MD Melb, FRACP, MRCP(UK)
As many of us realise, the old
response to the above question is
based on a disappearing concept
–altruism – ie, ‘there but for luck
/ the grace of God go I’. The new
response is, ‘because it might
help you now or in the future.’
The Arthritis & Osteoporosis
Foundation of WA was founded
on the first concept and has
been outstandingly successful
due to the contribution of many,
including you, our members and
readers.
To get down to the issue, bone is
made up of two materials. The
protein glue called osteoid, and
crystals of calcium, phosphate
and water called hydroxyapatite.
In Osteogenesis Imperfecta,
one of the most important
constituents of the protein glue,
called collagen, is damaged in
its structure. This is due to a
disorder of the gene determining
its structure (ie, a genetic disease
which runs in families). This
causes the bones to break easily,
especially in childhood. Thus,
Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a
relatively uncommon disorder
affecting certain families. So,
why should the rest of us be
interested?
The reason is that most of us
with osteoporosis, (a disorder
affecting 50 % of postmenopausal
women and 30% of older men),
have a disorder of their genes in
addition to the loss of estrogen
in women, and testosterone in
men, as we age. Those of us who
have better genes and develop a
better skeleton when young also
loose bone but start off with a
higher peak bone mass – so we
tend not to fracture so much as
we age. So, our genes are a very
important determinant of what
we look like on the outside and
what our bone structure is like
on the inside. Here in WA, we
have a world class bone research
group that has combined with
many others to help find the
genes involved - in addition
to the collagen gene. Once we
understand what they do, we
should be able to find chemical
(pharmaceutical) fixes.
Right now, we know that patients
with Osteogenesis Imperfecta are
helped with chemicals that stop
the cells dissolving bone and help
the cells building new bone - just
like the large number of us with
osteoporosis. The question is
when to start treatment - and that
requires experts with the skill and
knowledge to answer.
The Foundation is committed
to assisting everyone with bone
and joint disease. We now have
a new internationally recognised
Professor with expertise in
the area of inflammatory joint
disease – Professor Johannes
Nossent. This inaugural
appointment is the result of
the work of the Foundation
and the generous funding by
our supporters. We also have
internationally recognised
expertise in the area of bone
disease research in WA, which
also needs your support.
In addition, we now have a new
convenor of the Osteogenesis
Imperfecta support group, Fern
Dyball, who is committed to
improving support for patients
with Osteogenesis Imperfecta,
with the help of the Foundation.
If you would like to join or
find out more about the
support groups, please email
Fern Dyball at
fern.dyball@oiaustralia.org.au
To learn more about
Osteogenesis Imperfecta,
visit their website at
www.oiaustralia.org.au
Wishbone Day – May 6th 2014
Wishbone Day is an International AWARENESS day for Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), otherwise known
as 'brittle bones'. Why? Because awareness makes a difference!!
It first began in Australia in 2011, following an OI conference held in Sydney by the Osteogenesis
Imperfecta Society of Australia. It is now being celebrated worldwide on May 6th each year. Visit the
wishbone day website to see some amazing celebrations and to also see some truly inspirational people.
This year, we celebrated Wishbone Day at the South Perth foreshore, with great support from the City
of Perth who turned Council House and the Trafalgar Bridge yellow for the occasion!
For more information visit, www.wishboneday.com
Volunteer students
For several years now Arthritis
& Osteoporosis WA has been
very fortunate to have had the
assistance of work experience
students from Sacred Heart
College.
Every Tuesday during term time,
students catch the bus from their
school in Sorrento to our offices
in Shenton Park, accompanied by
staff members.
This last term we have had
Simren and Sean helping us out
with a variety of tasks ranging
from; assisting with mailouts,
shredding, folding envelopes,
sorting returned mail and
placing labels on the back of our
publications.
When asked what their favourite
jobs were, Sean enjoyed “sticking
stickers” on the books and
Simren’s favourite was “folding
the replied paid envelopes.” Both
of these tasks are jobs that are
really important, as the envelopes
are used in our raffle mail-outs
and the books are sent to people
who phone our office requesting
information about arthritis.
We would like to thank all the
students who have volunteered
over the years, plus the staff at
Sacred Heart College. A special
thank you to both Simren and
Sean for all their hard work,
as their contribution to our
organisation is invaluable.
Volunteers
Volunteer Spotlight
At school, Simren’s favourite
subject is art and Sean enjoys
engineering “because it’s with my
favourite teacher.”
Like typical teenagers, Simren
said her free time was spent
shopping and watching TV,
and Sean spent time collecting
different game cards.
Above (L to R): Simren and Sean
Arthritis & Osteoporosis Albany Branch
Welcome message from Michelle Pardini, Resource Officer
My name is Michelle Pardini and
I am the new Resource Officer
based at the Albany branch. I
started here in December 2013
after Tony Melia retired. I have
been involved in both unpaid
and paid work in health-related,
non-for-profit organisations for
many years. Last year when Tony
phoned me to find out if I was
interested in this position, I was
just finishing my Diploma in
Events Management. I wanted to
do something new and this role
was perfect!
So far I’ve managed to organise
the Branch AGM, a newsletter
and our Annual Street Appeal - so
talk about hit the road running! I
am now looking at what I can do
that’s a little different from what
has previously been done. Hence,
I am asking Albany residents
(and others from the surrounding
areas) what activities would
interest them? We already have
the very popular hydrotherapy
classes at the Hospital and a
program of visiting speakers.
Maybe someone would like to try
Tai Chi, Nordic Pole Walking or
a class for chair-based exercises? the ideas are endless!
I would be very interested to listen to your ideas, so please give me a call on 9842 9229 or email
resourceofficer@arthritisalbany.com.au Office hours are Monday to Friday from 10.00am till 12.00pm.
Arthritis Today | Winter 2014
21
Support Services
Contact our Telephone
Advisory Service on
9388 2199 or toll free
for country callers
1800 011 041 Monday
to Friday, 10am - 4pm
either am or pm.
Got a question about
Arthritis or Osteoporosis?
Then call our Telephone Advisory Service
This free service is a valuable
resource for people living with
arthritis, osteoporosis and related
conditions. If you have just been
diagnosed with a musculoskeletal
condition (or have been living
with it for some time) and
would like some information
on your condition, then help is
only a phone call away. A variety
of information such as; diet,
exercise, information on your
condition, pain management and
much more, can be mailed to you
free of charge on request.
Most of our friendly, trained
volunteer Telephone Advisors
have arthritis or osteoporosis
themselves and so understand
what it is like to live with a
chronic condition - they are there
to answer your questions.
Second Hand Bookshop
Don’t forget to come in and check out our second hand book shop!
We are always wanting good quality up to date books (please make
sure they are in good condition and if they are cook books or reference
books - only those published in the last year or two). So, if you have
any books you no longer want - please bring them in.
Patricia (Volunteer)
Money raised for the first quarter of the year has been
over $430. Thank you to all those people who have bought
books or donated them.
Social Lines
Finding Someone Who Will Listen
It can often be difficult for family
and friends to understand the
constant pain associated with
arthritis and osteoporosis, whilst
more than often your physical
condition also limits your
social interactions. Arthritis &
Osteoporosis WA’s Social Lines
Program provides an opportunity
to talk to volunteers who can
relate to the emotional and
physical obstacles experienced
with your condition.
22
The Social Lines program
involves a volunteer who will
telephone on a regular basis at a
time mutually agreed upon. The
program works to match AOWA
volunteers with individuals who
have common interests. No
matter whether you wish to talk
about hobbies, recent activities,
family or even to just have a
grumble, they are there for you.
If you wish to receive more
information please call
(08) 9388 2199.
Education
& Self management
Program
What is Osteoarthritis of
the Knee?
Osteoarthritis is a condition that
affects the whole joint, including
bone, cartilage, ligaments and
muscles. Symptoms may include
inflammation of the tissue
around the joint, damage to joint
cartilage, bony spurs growing
around the edge of the joint and
deterioration of ligaments and
tendons. Osteoarthritis can affect
any joint but occurs most often
in the knees, hips, finger joints
and big toe.
What causes
Osteoarthritis of the
Knee?
The cause of osteoarthritis
is largely unknown although
different factors can speed up or
worsen cartilage loss in different
people. Sometimes osteoarthritis
is caused by an injury or overuse
of the joint, which is sometimes
a result from particular types
of work or sport. Whatever the
cause of your Osteoarthritis it is
important to know how to move
forward and how to better take
care of yourself. Our education
and self-management program
is designed to empower you to
do so.
What can be done?
Arthritis WA offers a number of
education and self-management
programs but one in particular
for people who suffer from
Osteoarthritis of the Knee. This
research based program, is led
by a physiotherapist and gives a
holistic approach to managing
your OA of knee.
You will learn about
Osteoarthritis, pain management
techniques and medications.
You will be taught specific
exercises to strengthen your
knees, improve your posture
and balance as well skills to help
you manage your day to day
activities. Other topics in the
program cover a broad range of
issues such as, healthy eating,
joint protection, complimentary
therapies, what works what
doesn’t and more. Every day we
are learning more about this
condition but at present there is
no known cure for osteoarthritis
however you can take steps to
manage and better control your
condition and improve your
quality of life.
Health & Lifestyle
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
More information on Osteoarthritis is available in booklet or
pamphlet form, just call 9388 2199 for a copy to be sent to you.
You can also download information sheets off our website at:
To register or for more
information call 9388 2199 or go
to our website’s calendar and
bookings page to enrol online.
Our next course will be:
Dates: Wednesday 13 August –
Wednesday 17 September 2014
Time: 10:30am – 1:00pm
Venue: Seminar Room, Wyllie
Arthritis Centre, Shenton Park.
Bookings essential.
https://www.arthritiswa.org.au/content/page/arthritis-overview.html
Ankylosing Spondylitis Seminar
Will be held in November 2014
Morning Seminar with
guest speakers including
a Rheumatologist and
Physiotherapist who specialise
in the area of Ankylosing
Spondylitis.
Refreshments will be served
and donation upon entry will be
greatly appreciated.
Please RSVP online or call
9388 2199 to register.
23
Health & Lifestyle
Pilates for Arthritis
It is important to focus on
how to manage and reduce
the symptoms associated with
arthritis in a safe and effective
method. In turn, this can help
increase an individual’s quality
of life and reduce the pain
associated with arthritis. Pilates
has been found to be an effective
exercise program for people with
arthritis.
One of the five key principles for
successfully managing arthritis
The Pilates method, created by
Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s,
includes elements of yoga,
martial arts and western forms of
exercise which are integrated to
form a system of body balance.
What are the benefits?
A specific Pilates program for
people with arthritis can assist in
helping to live a full and active
life. A pilates program can be
adapted for individuals with
arthritis whom may encounter
a ‘flare’ or an increase in
symptoms, and Pilates can help
to provide relief from pain and
stiffness. Pilates focuses on; body
awareness, breathing, balance,
co-ordination, strength and
flexibility, that involves gentle,
controlled movements which do
not put strain on the joints.
People often ask what the
difference is between Pilates
and Yoga. Pilates, like Yoga,
combines movement and the
breath; however Pilates focuses
more specifically on movement
patterns in certain areas of the
body and yoga has a greater
focus on relaxation and stress
reduction.
References
http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/LivingwithArthritis/
Self-management/Keepingactive/
https://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.
aspx?id=6442460004&libID=6442460006
http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/
PublicationsandResources/Selfmanagement/
Healthylifestyle (Exercise booklet on Pilates)
24
is to keep the joints moving
(Australian Institute of health
and welfare). Pilates does just
that - being an exercise program
which works on an individual’s
strength, stability and mobility in
daily life.
Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA
run Pilates classes which are
specifically designed for people
with arthritis. The classes are
small in size and movements can
be modified for individuals.
Qualified Physiotherapist, Pilates
and Yoga instructor, Jane Leslie,
teaches Pilates for Arthritis and
Gentle Yoga at the local Shenton
Park Community Centre and
says there are many benefits.
“In Pilates for Arthritis classes,
you are encouraged to move at
your own pace and listen to your
body. We are aware that what is
available to you on any given day
is likely to be changeable. Pilates
builds breath and body awareness
and guides you to meet
challenges moment to moment”.
Joseph Pilates originally designed
movements to be performed
on specialised equipment, then
developed mat-based exercises
so people could perform the
exercises at home. Nowadays,
both mat-based and apparatusbased pilates classes are available.
Mat-based classes often use
equipment such as therabands
and gym balls.
Some benefits of
Pilates include improved:
posture
muscle tone
flexibility
core strength
joint mobility
relaxation
For class details go to
http://www.arthritiswa.org.au/
or call on 93882199 for more
information.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/
PMC1636716/pdf/PCD33A81.pdf (Journal Article)
http://unitedstatespilatesassociation.com/about-uspa/
pilates-method/
http://www.rdpc.uevora.pt/
bitstream/10174/3903/3/A%20systematic%20review.
pdf (Journal article)
http://www.arthritistoday.org/about-arthritis/typesof-arthritis/osteoarthritis/daily-life/osteoarthritisexercise.php
http://arthritisnsw.org.au/staying-active-with-pilates/
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/pilates.
aspx
http://www.basipilates.com/lib/file/rhumatoidathritis-shari-brookle.pdf
for those with Musculoskeletal conditions
Everyone needs to use their body
correctly if you want to continue
to be healthy and strong. Dance
is an exercise form that can help
you do this. It can also enhance
your feeling of well being. Gentle
dancing such as the type Perth
International Dance undertakes
is appropriate for both adult
males and females of all ages.
Dancing and moving to music
can help you to relax. Being
in the company of other likeminded people, having fun and
extending the mind and body,
can help distract you from your
pain. It is rewarding to learn
dances from around the world
and to get absorbed in the music.
Perth International Dance runs
regular classes in international
folk dance around Perth on
Monday evenings, Friday
mornings and Saturday
mornings. They are a very
supportive group of people
who welcome newcomers. All
you need to do is turn up in
comfortable clothing and shoes.
No partners and experience
required. The dances are taught
by more experienced dancers
from the group. There is an
opportunity in the second hour to
dance informally and consolidate
dances already taught.
As with any group of people,
some of the dancers are injured
(eg, a recent bike accident) and
this necessitated a break from
dancing for a short period. In
addition, one of our members
earlier this year had a hip
replacement. Prior to her surgery
she modified the various dances
that she attempted and had a
structured return to dancing.
People dance within their own
capabilities and take breaks as
required.
Dancing is an informal and fun
way of improving your overall
fitness. Furthermore, mixing
with like- minded people who
enjoy great music and new
cultural insights can be very
uplifting. Joining the group
provides an opportunity to
learn about these cultures, as
the dances taught come from a
wide variety of countries. It is
challenging for the mind to recall
the steps but they are broken
down into very small segments
- so it is made easy for everyone.
The music helps to recall the
dances patterns.
The group meets in Nedlands
on Monday evenings 7.15pm
until 9.15pm, and on Saturday
mornings 10am until 12 midday.
We dance on a wooden floor
in ST Margaret’s Church Hall,
Cnr Tyrell and Elizabeth Street,
Nedlands. The air-conditioned
hall floor is gentle on the joints
and it is non slippery. People
pay a small amount when they
attend to cover teaching and hall
hire. Parking is easy, free and
plentiful. People can attend on
either Saturday or Monday night
or both.
There is also a Hills group that
meets in the Scout Hall, Jacoby
Street, Mundaring on Fridays
from 9.30am until 11am
We break for tea and coffee and
there is plenty of opportunity
to mix and socialise. Special
theme nights are held from time
to time.
Having arthritis does not mean
the end of active socialising
and learning new skills in a
movement setting. People in
pain can feel isolated and with
that, can despair about available
exercise options. Dancing offers
a range of demands on the body
and there is freedom to dance
at your level. When dancing,
you tend to forget about your
limitations and learn new life
skills. Perth International Dance
is affordable with fees paid per
session. You can be assured that
you just turn up you will be made
very welcome. The first session
is free!
For more information go to
www.perthinternationaldance.org.au
or contact Jenny on 9381 5235 or
Palenque on 0423 834.439
Arthritis Today | Winter 2014
25
Recipe
Chocolate and Macadamia
Nut Fudge Brownies Gluten Free
INGREDIENTS
BROWNIE
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 cup almonds
• 1 cup (10 – 12) fresh soft
medjool dates, pitted
CARAMEL Topping
• ½ cup macadamia nut
butter
• ½ cup soft medjool dates
• 1 tsp vanilla extract + a
pinch of sea salt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup good quality cocoa
powder or carob
• sea salt
"These delicious brownies are
a much healthier alternative –
and they taste just as good!"
Shannon Reitinger
Community Programs
Exercise Officer
26
BROWNIE
To make the brownie - Combine
nuts into a food processor until
roughly chopped. Add the dates,
vanilla and cocoa powder and
sea salt. Process again until
combined. If the mix is a little
dry, add a touch of water or
orange juice (2 – 4 tablespoons)
then process again. The brownie
should come together when
pressed. Press into a small
square baking tin lined with
grease proof paper.
CARAMEL Topping
(optional)
To make the topping combine
macadamia nut butter and the
dates, vanilla and a little sea
salt if using which will enhance
the flavour of the caramel
and chocolate. Process until
combined. Spoon over the
brownie, then allow to set in the
fridge for 1 hour. Cut into small
portions and enjoy.
have changed and
I can’t donate anymore.
These words are often written
in a personal letter to us. On
reading them we immediately
feel gratitude and sadness.
continue to send you a regular
complimentary magazine as a
way of saying “thank you” for
past support.
Sadness, that we might be saying
goodbye.
What we ask you to consider.
Gratitude, that the person took
the time to personally write to us
about this regret. Gratitude, also
for the inspirational and financial
support this person has given to
our Arthritis and Osteoporosis
community, usually over many
years. We reflect on what the
support has meant to us both
financially but also importantly,
the positive recognition that such
support gives us, for what we do
here at the Wyllie Centre.
We do not want
to say goodbye.
“Much of the
joy with which
we live, comes
from the joy with
which we give”
Such people have helped the
Arthritis Foundation become
the “we are here to help”
organisation that it is today
and now, launching into an
exciting future with the recent
appointment of Professor
Nossent. The Arthritis and
Osteoporosis Foundation
WA has been a major force
behind efforts to establish this
Chair in Rheumatology and
Musculoskeletal research at the
University of Western Australia.
This appointment will further
arthritis education among Health
Practitioners, as well as support
new research into possible
cures and better treatments for
musculoskeletal diseases.
What we will do.
We will respect your wish that
continuing to donate may be
difficult by only sending one
donation request per year, on
the understanding that there is
no obligation to donate if this
is difficult. We would like to
We really understand that for
some, everyday budgeting is
getting more challenging, but
there is a way you can continue
to support the vision of lives free
from pain from many forms
of arthritis. You can do this by
leaving us a GIFT in your Will?
This will be perpetual support
- particularly towards future
education and research, now
possible in WA.
AJ Smith Society
My circumstances
We do understand that children
and grandchildren come first.
But if you have no family or your
family is doing well, think about
giving part of your wealth to help
change lives and ease the burden
of pain and disablement from
arthritis.
If you do write a Will to help
change our world, there is no
obligation to tell us, but we would
really like to say thank you and to
include you (if you wish) in our
special A.J. Smith Society. This is
a group of supporters who have
told us that they have left us a
GIFT in their Will. Members of
this Society are invited to meet
for an informal gathering twice a
year in appreciation and also be
informed of latest happenings.
If you would like further
information or resources of
how to write a Will or change
a current Will, please call Ric
Forlano or Trish Broderick. Trish
is happy, with no obligation to
visit you in your home if this is
preferred.
Arthritis Today | Winter 2014
27
Events Calendar
Restorative Yoga
Pilates
21 July - 15 Sept
31 July – 18 Sept
It is a great class for people who
suffer fatigue, pain or who are
generally depleted.
Time: 12noon – 1:00pm
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Exercise
28 July – 15 Sept
Venue:Wyllie Arthritis Centre
These classes are led by a
physiotherapist and tailored
specifically for those with
Rheumatoid Arthritis and
associated conditions.
17 Lemnos St, Shenton Park
Time: 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Time: Mondays @ 4:30pm
Cost: $80
Gentle Yoga
Intermediate
22 July - 16 Sept
(no class 9th Sept.)
Participants will move through
a series of movements to help
improve joint health, flexibility
and balance.
Time: Tuesdays 4:30pm
Venue: Wyllie Arthritis Centre
17 Lemnos St, Shenton Park
Cost: $80
Pilates
31 July – 18 Sept
Pilates combines physical
exercises with breathing
regulation to build body strength
and generate mental calm.
Time: 10:45am – 11:45am
Venue: Shenton Park
Community Centre
Cost: $80
Venue: Shenton Park
Community Centre
Cost: $80
Gentle Yoga
Venue: Wyllie Arthritis Centre
31 July – 18 Sept
Cost: $80
Time: 9:30am – 10:30am
Venue: Shenton Park Community
Centre
Tai Chi for Arthritis
Monday Beginners
29 July
a social group for parents of
children with juvenile arthritis
and bone disease.
21 July – 22 Sept
Time: 7:30pm -9:00pm
(no class 18th & 25th Aug.)
Venue: Wyllie Arthritis Centre
Tai Chi builds muscle strength,
calms the mind and the slow
movements prevent injury.
17 Lemnos St, Shenton Park
Time: 9:30am – 10:30am
Venue: Wyllie Arthritis Centre
Cost: $80
Contact: 9388 2199 or email
jiacamp@arthritiswa.org.au
Tai Chi for Arthritis
22 July – 23 Sept
Tai Chi for Arthritis
28 July – 15 Sept
Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm
Venue: Mundaring Hall
Cost: $80
(no class 19th & 26th Aug.)
Time: 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Venue: Ocean Reef
Cost: $80
Gentle Yoga
30 July – 17 Sept
Tai Chi for Arthritis
Monday Ongoing
Time: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
28 July – 15 sept
Venue: ST. Luke’s Hall, Mosman
Park
Time: 10:45am – 11:45am
Bookings essential.
To register for events
call 9388 2199 or go online at
arthritiswa.org.au/events
JIA Parent Get-Together
Venue: Wyllie Arthritis Centre
Cost: $80
Cost: $ 80
Tai Chi for Arthritis
Friday Beginners
1 Aug – 19 Sept
Time: 10:30am – 11:30am
Scleroderma Public
Seminar
Wed 30 JULY 2014
This Public Seminar will be
focusing on Scleroderma, which
is a chronic connective tissue
disease generally classified as one
of the autoimmune rheumatic
diseases.
Register online or call 9388 2199.
Doctor Janet Roddy and Doctor
Priya Chowalloor will be
presenting at this event.
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Venue: Wyllie Arthritis Centre
17 Lemnos St, Shenton Park
Cost: Entry by donation
Venue: Wembley Downs Tennis
Club
Wed 13 Aug –
Wed 17 Sept 2014
Cost: $80
This program is specifically
for people diagnosed with
osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK).
Tai Chi for Arthritis
Fridays Beginners
1 Aug – 19 Sept
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Challenge Your Arthritis
Course
Thurs 7 Aug –
Thurs 11 Sept 2014
A self-management course to
help people cope with the pain
and day to day problems caused
by arthritis and fibromyalgia,
delivered by specially trained
people who understand.
Venue: Dianella
Hip Osteoarthritis
Cost: $30 or $35 (with partner)
FRI 22 Aug 2014
Register: online or call 9388 2199
Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm
Venue: Wyllie Arthritis Centre
17 Lemnos St, Shenton Park
Cost: Entry by donation
Register: 9388 2199
Time: 10:30am – 1:00pm
Venue: Shenton Park
Cost: $30 or $35 (with partner)
Register: online or call 9388 2199
Venue: Clarkson Youth Centre
Time: 10:00am – 12:00 noon
Professor Richard CareySmith, Orthopedic surgeon,
and Dr Brendan Joss, Exercise
Physiologist have teamed up
to present to you the treatment
options for hip osteoarthritis that
have proven effectiveness from
exercise, weight loss, injections
through to total hip replacement.
Osteoarthritis of the
Knee Education and
Self-management
Program
Handy Solutions
Thurs 14 Aug 2014
See page 13 for details.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Education and
Self-management
Program
TUEs 9 Sept –
tues 21 Oct 2014
This program is specifically for
people with diagnosed Ankylosing
Spondylitis (AS).
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Venue: Shenton Park
Register: online or call 9388 2199
Inflammatory Arthritis Education &
Self-management Program Facilitator
Training September
Are you a registered
health professional
and interested
in facilitating
group education?
If so, and you are currently
registered with the AHPRA,
please contact
clarac@arthritiswa.org.au or
call on 9388 2199 for more
information or to register your
interest. Training workshops
will commence in October 2014.
Arthritis Today | Winter 2014
29
Country Rheumatology
30
Rural Rheumatology Clinics
Established since 1974, the Rural Rheumatology Clinic Program aims to provide early diagnosis and
specialist treatment to patients of Regional Western Australia.
Please call Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA for further information regarding dates and contact details of
each clinic. A doctor’s referral is required to book an appointment.
TOLL FREE 1800 011 041
ALBANY
GERALDTON
NORTHAM
Clinic held every month.
Clinic held almost every month.
Clinic held 6 times a year.
BRIDGETOWN
KALGOORLIE
PORT HEDLAND
Clinic held 3 times a year.
Clinic held almost every month.
Clinic held 2 times a year.
BROOME
KARRATHA
Clinic held 2 times a year.
Clinic held 2 times a year.
BUNBURY &
DUNSBOROUGH
CARNARVON
KUNUNURRA
Clinic held 2 times a year.
Clinic held 2 times a year.
DERBY
MANJIMUP
Clinic held 2 times a year.
Clinic held 3 times a year.
ESPERANCE
NARROGIN
Clinic held 3 times a year.
Clinic held 4 times a year.
Private Clinics –
call 9388 2199 for details.
Arthritis & Osteoporosis
WA has a number of
support groups which are
led by a trained volunteer
leader. If you would like the
opportunity to:
•
Talk freely about your
experiences and feelings
in a safe non-judgmental
environment;
•
Share helpful hints and
practical tips;
•
Receive and give
encouragement and
support to others;
•
Socialise and make new
friends.
Why not come along to
one of our groups?
Register your interest:
Online
www.arthritiswa.org.au/events
Phone
(08) 9388 2199
Email
clarac@arthritiswa.org.au
17 Lemnos Street, Shenton Park
Inflammatory Arthritis
Support Group
Meets 1st Tuesday of the month
10:30am–12noon.
Scleroderma Support Group
For people with Scleroderma
and related conditions.
Meets bi-monthly on the 2nd
Thurs from 10:30am–12noon
in Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct & Dec.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)
Support Group
Joint Replacement Group
For people (mostly with OA) who
are considering or have undergone
a Joint Replacement.
Meets quarterly on the 4th Friday
from 11am–12:30pm in Feb, May,
Aug and Nov.
JIA Parents Group
A social group for parents of
children with juvenile arthritis
and bone disease.
Support Groups
Groups held at the Wyllie Arthritis Centre
Meets monthly. Please call for
details or to express your interest.
A new group for those with OI,
as well as parents and carers.
If you are interested please call
for details.
Suburban & Regional Groups / Branches
Evening Inflammatory Arthritis
Social Group for those of
working age
Meets 1st, 3rd and 4th Wednesday
of each month for coffee/drinks or
a meal.
NEW Group: 1st Wed, 6-8pm,
Mandurah
Venue TBA - call for details.
3rd Wed, 7-9pm, Mille Café,
Inglewood
4th Wed, 6:30-8:30pm,
C15 Espresso, Applecross.
Albany Arthritis Support Group
Meets on the 4th Thurs of the
month.
Meeting at 1pm - Speaker at
1:45pm.
Mandurah Scleroderma
Support Group
Meets on the 3rd Tues, bi-monthly
from 10am-12pm in Feb, Apr, Jun,
Aug, Oct, Dec.
Various venues around Mandurah,
call for details.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Exercise Group
Meets every Monday evening for a
hydrotherapy and gym exercise
program at Royal Perth Hospital in
Shenton Park.
Bassendean Arthritis Group
Meets every Tuesday, 1:30-2:30pm
for gentle exercise. Bassendean
Community Centre (Main Hall),
48 Old Perth Road.
Lotteries House, 211 North Road,
Albany.
Arthritis Today | Winter 2014
31
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These booklets provide valuable information
about how to better manage your condition
so you can lead an active and healthy life.
To receive your FREE copy, please call us on
(08) 9388 2199 or visit our website www.arthritiswa.org.au
*Booklets can only be posted within Australia
32