Local health professionals in Geraldton gained fresh insights into managing osteoarthritis thanks to a workshop led by visiting academic Professor Ben Darlow and musculoskeletal physiotherapy specialist based in Pōneke Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand.
Held on Monday 8 September at the WA Centre for Rural Health, the workshop titled “Osteoarthritis: Why understanding beliefs is critical & how to support sense making that empowers healthy lives” attracted around 20 health professionals from various disciplines.
Professor Darlow shared evidence-based strategies to help clients live well with joint problems, challenging common misconceptions about osteoarthritis.
“The best thing you can do for a joint that is sore is to continue to use it and move it and participate in life,” he said.
Key messages from the session included the importance of staying active, even with pain, and the potential for improvement after diagnosis.
Professor Darlow encouraged professionals to support clients in finding ways to make their joints feel and function better - whether through strengthening exercises, physical activity, dietary changes, or better use of medications.
“It’s okay to move with pain,” he explained. “Using your joints improves their health - even if they hurt a bit.”
Associate Professor Ivan Lin from the WA Centre for Rural Health praised the event, saying, “Professor Darlow’s research highlights the value of empowering clients to engage in what matters most to them, reinforcing that osteoarthritis doesn’t have to mean giving up on an active, fulfilling life.”
For more information, contact the WA Centre for Rural Health.