Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)
Date issued: July 2025
For review: July 2027
Ref: C-618/OR/Physiotherapy/Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) Exercise and Education Programme v2
PDF: Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) final July 2025 v2.pdf [pdf] 284KB
Welcome to the OA Exercise and Education Programme
Living with Osteoarthritis (OA) can be challenging, but you're not alone.
Our 5-week OA Exercise and Education Programme is designed to support and empower you with the knowledge, tools and confidence to manage your condition and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.
This programme is delivered in collaboration with Plymouth Active Leisure Limited (Plymouth Life Centre) to provide care closer to the community and provide better access and ability to attend classes.
The programme will take place at Plymouth Life Centre.
Your classes will be delivered by Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registered Physiotherapists and staff from University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (Derriford Hospital) MSK Outpatient Physiotherapy Department.
What You will learn each week
Week 1: Understanding OA and the benefits of exercise
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What is osteoarthritis?
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How exercise supports joint health.
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Building confidence in movement
Week 2: Managing pain and emotions
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How pain affects mood and anxiety
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Psychological support and stress management.
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Relaxation techniques
Week 3: Flare-ups and medication
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Managing flare-ups.
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Pacing strategies.
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Safe medication use
Week 4: Healthy lifestyle choices
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Diet, weight management, and supplements.
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Effects of alcohol and smoking.
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Staying active
Week 5: Your long-term plan
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Goal setting and review.
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Maintaining long-term healthy habits.
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Outcome measures.
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Introduction to the Joy App
Programme details
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Duration: 5 weeks
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Frequency: Twice a week (10 sessions total) (educational and exercise element each session)
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Location: Plymouth Life Centre, 40 Mayflower Drive, Plymouth, PL2 3DG
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Who: Patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis following an initial assessment and referral from a Physiotherapist.
Time:
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Tuesday: Morning (8:30am to 10am) Lunch (11am to 12:30pm) or afternoon (2:30pm to 4pm)
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Thursday: Morning (8:30am to 10am) Lunch (11am to 12:30pm) or afternoon (2:30pm to 4pm)
You can be flexible with picking your days and times (e.g. you could pick Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon) and once you have agreed your dates and times these will be confirmed in writing for your reference should you need it.
On rare occasions we may ask our patients to join a waiting list for this programme, but your Physiotherapist will discuss this with you if this is the case.
Before committing to signing up to this programme, please ensure you are able to attend all 10 sessions
Important reminders for your safety
Please bring the following items if applicable:
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Inhaler: if you have asthma
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GTN spray: if you have angina
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Snack/food: if you have diabetes
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Water: to stay hydrated during the programme
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Suitable/Comfortable clothing and supportive footwear
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Mobility/Sensory aids: as needed (e.g. walking stick, glasses, hearing aid)
What to do next
1. If you are interested in joining the programme, please phone to book within 1 week of receiving this information.
2. If you are not interested in joining the programme, please phone to book back in with your therapist.
3. If we have not heard from you and you have not made an appointment within the next 8 weeks, you will be discharged.
4. Please do not contact the Plymouth Life Centre for appointment queries as they will not be able to assist you.
Call: 01752 432233 Telephone lines open
Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 12:30pm and 1:45pm to 4pm
We look forward to supporting you on your journey to better joint health. Let’s get you moving confidently and comfortably again.
