Living with Osteoarthritis? You’re not alone.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 2.2 million Australians. It’s something we hear about often—“wear and tear” of the joints—but if you’ve recently been diagnosed, it can feel anything but ordinary.
Whether you’re feeling stiff in the morning, struggling to walk up stairs, or noticing your knees or hips aren’t what they used to be, you’re not imagining it. OA can be frustrating and sometimes even scary. But here’s the good news: movement, when done right, can be one of the most effective and empowering treatments available.
That’s where Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) come in.
What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist?
AEPs are university-trained allied health professionals who specialise in prescribing movement as medicine. We don’t just help you exercise—we work with you to design a safe, tailored plan that helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and give you back control over your body.
Unlike personal trainers, AEPs are qualified to manage chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. And unlike physiotherapists, who often focus on short-term rehab or acute injuries, AEPs are all about long-term function, strength, and movement for life.
At EP360, we’re all about helping you go from “I’m not sure I can do that” to “I didn’t think I’d be able to do this again.”
Why exercise works for OA
For years, the common belief was that people with OA should rest to protect their joints. But research now tells us the opposite: appropriate, guided movement is one of the best things you can do to manage OA.
According to guidelines from the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI), exercise is a “core treatment” for OA—meaning it should be the first line of care for anyone with knee, hip, or hand OA, no matter how mild or severe their symptoms.
Here’s how exercise helps:
- Strengthens muscles around joints, providing better support and reducing stress on the joint itself
- Stimulates the brain’s natural pain-relief pathways, helping reduce pain sensitivity
- Improves circulation and joint lubrication, which helps with stiffness and range of motion
- Builds functional strength so everyday activities—walking, stairs, lifting—feel easier and less painful
You can read more about how exercise helps in this article: Exercise for Osteoarthritis
What the research says
Let’s ground this in real evidence:
- A major review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that exercise therapy has effects on pain and function comparable to NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory medications), without the side effects.
- Another systematic review from the Cochrane Library concluded that land-based exercise programs significantly reduce pain and improve physical function in people with knee OA.
- A 2023 study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research showed that neuromuscular exercise targeting coordination and control (not just strength) improved outcomes for people with knee OA.
In short? The science supports it. But more importantly, so do our clients.
Why seeing an AEP matters (especially if you’re nervous)
A lot of people living with OA are told to “just exercise more.” That’s often easier said than done.
If your knee hurts every time you walk more than 10 minutes, or you’ve lost confidence after a fall, the idea of joining a gym—or even walking around the block—can be intimidating. And that’s where working with an AEP makes all the difference.
We provide:
- Personalised programs that match your ability, condition, and goals
- Support and supervision to make sure you’re doing things safely
- Confidence through small wins and long-term progress
- Realistic pacing that doesn’t push too hard, but also doesn’t let you get stuck
You don’t need to be fit to start. You just need to start.
Common areas we help with
At EP360, we work with clients who have:
- Knee OA: Our team guides you through strengthening and mobility strategies that reduce pain and improve walking, standing, and stair use. Read more in our guide: Knee Osteoarthritis and Exercise
- Hip OA: From walking endurance to balance and posture, we help restore comfort and confidence in daily life. More on that here: Hip Osteoarthritis
- Early-stage or pre-diagnosis symptoms: Maybe your GP has mentioned “mild arthritis” or “wear and tear.” Now is actually the perfect time to intervene. Read more on early OA signs and treatments: Osteoarthritis Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
What to expect in an EP360 session
- We begin with an assessment. We get to know your history, symptoms, goals, and what movement currently looks like for you.
- We design a plan. Your program might include strength work, mobility drills, aerobic conditioning, or balance—depending on what will help you most.
- We guide you through it—safely. All sessions are supervised by an AEP who keeps a close eye on technique and progress.
- We review and adapt. As you improve, your plan evolves.
All of this happens in a supportive, welcoming environment—no judgment, no pressure. Just real help, with real results.
How EP360 is different
We’re not a physio clinic or a big commercial gym. We’re the bridge between rehab and real strength—between knowing you should exercise and actually doing it, safely and consistently.
At EP360, you’ll find:
- AEPs who genuinely care and listen
- Clinics located in Five Dock and St Peters—close, convenient, and community-focused, and operating out of Club Lime gyms for access to professional grade equipment.
- Medicare, NDIS, DVA, and health fund coverage available
- Group classes for over 50s (like our COTA programs), if you thrive with a bit of social support
- A place to regain independence, confidence, and function—without feeling rushed, lost, or judged
When should you start?
If you’ve been recently diagnosed with OA—or even if you just suspect it—it’s worth a conversation. You don’t need a referral to see us, and it’s never “too early” or “too mild” to start working on strength and movement.
You deserve to feel better in your body.
A final word
OA doesn’t have to mean giving up the things you love. It’s about learning to move differently—not less. With the right support, guidance, and a bit of patience, it’s absolutely possible to reduce pain, stay active, and take back control.
And that’s what we’re here for.
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🧾 To get started booking an appointment with one of our team, get in touch today.
📍 We’re local to Five Dock and St Peters—easy to access, easy to talk to.
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