Kneehab is an exercise program developed at The Body Refinery that focuses on exercises for those with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee or hip. Exercises given are individualised and aimed at strengthening the muscles surrounding the OA-affected joint, improving the load through the joint, and improving the alignment of the joint and awareness of the joint. By building strength awareness and load distribution around the joint, participants develop greater capacity to reduce their pain, stay active, and improve their overall quality of life.
What is Kneehab?
Why is it call Kneehab?
50% of people over the age of 65 have osteoarthritis of the knee and 10% of this age group have osteoarthritis of the hip. Suitable exercise has been proven to benefit the management of both hip and knee osteoarthritis.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a common disease, which affects joints, specifically the articular cartilage (the cartilage covering the ends of the bones). OA-affected articular cartilage becomes thin and fragile, which can be due to:
- healthy cartilage being exposed to heavy loads over a long period of time (for example, very heavy labour over several years)
- unhealthy cartilage that cannot handle normal loads.
How The Body Refinery can help you?
The Body Refinery’s Kneehab classes are 60 minutes long and have a maximum of 5 participants. Each session is led by one of our physiotherapists.
No referral is required to commence the program, as Physiotherapists are primary practitioners in the Australian Health System. However, an initial consultation with one of our physiotherapists is required prior to commencing the program. Your physiotherapist will assess you and whether Kneehab is appropriate for you, or will recommend other rehabilitation options.
Appointments can be made by calling our New Farm studio on 3358 3915.
Other programs we run include:
- PD Warrior (which fights the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease)
- Balance & Strength
- Better Bones
