RELOAD Program: Take control of your arthritis
Told to "just rest it" or "wait until it's bad enough for a replacement"?
Living with osteoarthritis can feel like your world is quietly shrinking — and like no one’s given you a real plan. If any of this rings true, you’re in the right place.
- Stiff and sore first thing in the morning, or after sitting
- Stairs, hills and getting out of a chair have become a negotiation
- You’ve given up the walks, golf, tennis or gardening you love
- You’re relying on painkillers and hoping it doesn’t get worse
- You’ve been told surgery is “inevitable” — but you’re not ready
- You want to exercise, but you’re scared of doing more damage
Here's the part most people are never told:
Rest and avoidance actually speed up the decline.
When you stop moving, the muscles that support and protect your joint weaken — so the joint has to do more, and it hurts more. The good news is that this is reversible, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Exercise is first-line treatment for arthritis — not a last resort
Australian and international clinical guidelines agree: education and the right exercise are the foundation of osteoarthritis care — recommended before injections or surgery. The catch is that it has to be the right exercise, dosed correctly for your joint and progressed as you improve. That’s exactly what an exercise physiologist does.
Four points:
- Built around you — Every program starts with a full assessment. Nothing is generic; your exercises are matched to your joint, your pain and your goals.
- Led by the experts in movement — Accredited Exercise Physiologists are university-qualified allied health professionals who specialise in exercise for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis.
- Progressive & safe — We start where you are and build gradually. You’ll be supervised every step, so you can push forward with confidence, not fear.
- Skills you keep for life — You’ll finish knowing exactly how to manage your osteoarthritis yourself, so the results last long after the program ends.
How It Works
A program built around your joint, your goals, and where you’re starting from.
- Assessment: Comprehensive initial assessment — We take the time to understand your history, test your strength and movement, and map out your goals, so we know exactly where to start and what success looks like for you.
- Education: Clear, plain-language education on what osteoarthritis is, what’s actually happening in the joint, and why exercise helps — not just a hand-out.
- Exercise therapy: A progressive, supervised exercise program that starts where you are and builds — never a generic sheet of exercises to do alone.
- Ongoing review: Regular check-ins to track pain, function and progress, and adjust the program as you improve.
Benefits
Real, everyday results — not just numbers on a chart
- Less pain, day to day — Move through your day with more comfort and fewer flare-ups.
- Confidence on stairs & walks — Get up, get going and keep up, without bracing for it.
- Stronger, more stable joints — Build the muscle that supports and protects the joint.
- Less reliance on painkillers — Many people reduce their medication as strength returns.
- Delay — or avoid — surgery. Give yourself a genuine alternative to the waitlist.
- Back to what you love — Walking, golf, gardening, playing with the grandkids.
Frequently Asked Questions
At our allied health clinic, we are committed to offering valuable educational resources and addressing your most common questions to support your journey to better health and wellness.
Is it safe to exercise?
100%. No matter how severe your osteoarthritis is, you will benefit from exercising. Our practitioners tailor the exercises to your specific level and give individualised advice to meet your needs.
Will I need surgery?
Do I need a referral ?
No, however a consultation with a primary care provider and/or specialist is recommended to understand all treatment options.
What benefits come with enrolling in the RELOAD program?
This is a common query we receive. Here’s a brief rundown of what you can expect:
- Customised exercise plans focusing on enhancing functional capabilities and reducing discomfort.
- A series of 24 personalised exercise sessions, available asc small group classes
- An initial in-depth evaluation to precisely ascertain your level of functioning, utilising our specialised Osteoarthritis function criteria.
- Periodic review assessments at 6 and 12 weeks to monitor progress.
- Complete access to your exercise regimen through our software, along with ongoing support during your program.
- Comprehensive educational resources, including the Rebound RELOAD Program guide, bi-weekly educational emails, and online content.
Why is the program designed to last 12 weeks?
The reason for this 12-week duration is our commitment to fostering genuine, lasting improvements in your joint function. Achieving this involves enhancing your movement patterns, establishing healthier movement habits and conditioning your muscles.
To accomplish these goals, it’s essential to have a comprehensive program in place. Additionally, this timeframe allows us to make necessary adjustments as you advance through the program.
The essence of the Rebound RELOAD program is to guide you in learning and adopting new habits, a process that naturally requires time.
This is also the timeframes that research suggests is the optimal amount of time to see benefits.
What does the initial assessment involve?
An initial in-depth evaluation to precisely ascertain your level of functioning, utilising our specialised Osteoarthritis function criteria.
Will I receive individual attention in the program?
Yes, the program includes 24 customised exercise sessions, which can be conducted either in small groups or one-on-one, ensuring personalised attention.
How is progress tracked and monitored?
Progress is monitored through regular review assessments at 6, and 12 weeks, along with ongoing support and adjustments to the exercise plan as needed.
What if I have specific concerns or pain during the program?
If you experience any issues or pain, our team of Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists are available to provide guidance and make necessary modifications to your program.
What happens after the 12-week program ends?
Post-program, we offer guidance on maintaining and building upon the progress you’ve made. Additional support and advanced programs may also be available for continued improvement.
Who is the Program For?
This program is a great fit if you…
- Have diagnosed (or suspected) knee or hip osteoarthritis
- Have ongoing joint pain or stiffness limiting daily life
- Want to avoid or delay joint replacement surgery
- Are on a surgical waitlist and want to prepare (prehab)
- Have had surgery and want to rebuild safely
- Haven’t exercised in a while and want expert guidance
Not sure if it’s right for you? That’s exactly what the initial assessment is for — no commitment, just a clear answer.
Your joints won't get better by waiting. Let's get you moving.
Book a no-obligation initial assessment and walk away with a clear, expert plan for your knee or hip osteoarthritis — whether or not you go ahead with the full program.