HealthInfo Canterbury
Mobility action programme for osteoarthritis
Hōtaka kori mo ngā tangata kaikōiwi
Keeping active is one of the best things you can do to manage your osteoarthritis. It also helps with many other health conditions.
But keeping active when you're in pain can be tricky.
The mobility action programme (MAP) is a free eight-week programme for people with osteoarthritis that affects their hip or knee. It's been shown to help people move more easily and be able to do more in their everyday lives.
Mobility action programmes start regularly throughout the year and are held during the day or evening at various places in Canterbury. Each weekly session lasts two hours and includes:
- an interactive education session
- a five-to-10 minute break
- physical activity – a short theory session followed by a practical session.
A physiotherapist or an exercise professional who is an expert on osteoarthritis runs the physical activity and education sessions.
Te Whatu Ora Waitaha funds MAP so there's no cost for you to attend.
Online exercise videos are also available.
Physical activity
The MAP team will support you by prescribing exercises that are best for you, enabling you to increase your physical activity levels.
When you do the exercises, you should wear clothes that are loose and comfortable. You should wear flat-soled shoes that are enclosed and supportive.
At the end of the programme, the team will suggest options for on-going support in maintaining your physical activity levels. This will help you keep up the good work you've started.
Education about managing osteoarthritis
The mobility action programme covers a different topic each week. Topics include:
- pain science and how and why we hurt. Understanding pain can help you have less pain and do more
- medications and complementary treatments to help manage osteoarthritis
- eating well
- wellbeing and mental fitness.
Enrolling in MAP
Ask your general practice team or an allied health professional such as your chiropractor, dietitian, occupational therapist, osteopath, physiotherapist or podiatrist if the mobility action programme is right for you. They can refer you to the MAP coordinator who will contact you to enrol you in a programme.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed February 2021. Last updated August 2023.
Photograph reproduced with permission from Ara Institute of Canterbury
Review key: HIOST-35589
