The Arthritis Program (TAP) is an award winning interprofessional program committed to delivering the highest standards in arthritis care. The TAP program delivers a team based approach to the assessment, treatment and education of individuals of all ages who are diagnosed or experiencing symptoms of arthritis. There are over 130 different types of arthritis.
TAP is committed to research as well, and is currently successfully involved in many areas of leading edge arthritis research.
Location:
The Arthritis Program is located at the Tannery Mall, 465 Davis Drive, Suite 403, Newmarket ON.
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed on statutory holidays
For more information, call 905-895-4521, ext. 2345.
The Arthritis Program: A Regional Program….. A National Resource
Education and treatment programs offered by TAP include:
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Inflammatory Arthritis
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Osteoarthritis
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Juvenile Arthritis
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Osteoporosis
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Fibromyalgia
Through the combined expertise of a professional healthcare team, individuals learn how to successfully self-manage their illness and reduce the impact of symptoms on their lives. Members of the team include:
- Dietitian
- Kinesiologists
- Occupational therapists
- Pharmacists
- Physical therapists
- Rheumatologists (doctors who specialize in treating arthritis)
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Social worker
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Clerical Staff
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Volunteers
Inflammatory Arthritis
Inflammatory Arthritis is a complex disease that can affect many joints as well as systems of the body. If left untreated, damage to the joints may occur quickly. There are many types of inflammatory arthritis including: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus and Psoriatic Arthritis and many more. Common symptoms may include joint swelling, pain, stiffness and general fatigue.
The Inflammatory Arthritis program is designed to increase the patient’s understanding of their disease and to work with the team to help bring the disease into remission. Individual assessments are completed to determine the treatment needs. Treatment may include: two consecutive weeks of daily treatment, education and comprehensive rehabilitation provided to individuals with inflammatory arthritis and their family.
Patients also receive regular monitoring assessments with a pharmacist, physical therapist and occupational therapist. Rheumatologists are closely linked with the program and offer their expertise to team members and patients as part of the two week program as well as individually on an as needed basis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA), or “wear and tear” arthritis as it is often called, is a breakdown or wearing out of the cartilage that provides a cushioning effect at the end of each bone. Symptoms may be gradual and include pain and stiffness in such joints as the hips, and knees. Osteoarthritis can also occur in the spine, at the end of the fingers, and at the base of the thumbs. TAP offers a two-part series of education and treatment classes to individuals with osteoarthritis.
The overall purpose of the series is to increase the patient’s knowledge of their disease and to help them improve their quality of life. Part one of the program consists of education sessions to discuss the disease, exercise, weight control, lifestyle changes and medication. Part two consists of a series of gradually intensified exercise sessions and the development of a tailored home program for each patient. Participants will also work with members of the team to determine an individualized treatment program. Family members are welcome to attend!
Juvenile Arthritis
TAP’s Juvenile Arthritis program is designed for children 18 years of age and under. The program provides assessment and treatment and as required, works as a liaison with the Hospital for Sick Children, and the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. TAP works with local paediatricians, community agencies and schools to ensure that the child with arthritis can excel in their everyday activities.
Treatment may include: exercises in a therapeutic pool and most importantly, joint movement through fun activities. Children are monitored and treated throughout the progression of their disease. As treatments can vary, the program educates parents on how to provide daily care for their child and how to recognize when the skills of a health care professional are required. In addition to a strong belief in education, the program’s staff also encourages interaction amongst families that have children living with juvenile arthritis.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a silent, painless disease where, over time, a bone becomes fragile due to bone loss and strength. If undetected and untreated, it can gradually result in the bone breaking and a variety of complications.
TAP offers education classes for individuals with osteoporosis and osteopenia. These classes are designed to teach individuals how to maximize their function through exercise, diet, lifestyle changes and medication. The service is designed to increase a participant’s knowledge and improve bone quality and mass.
Participants are invited to attend a workshop that includes lectures and demonstrations by members of the treatment team. Family members are welcome to attend.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia (FM) produces widespread pain that affects women more often than men. Symptoms may include but are not limited to generalized aching, poor sleep, stiffness upon waking and fatigue throughout the day. TAP offers assessment and education to individuals with fibromyalgia through a 7 week education program. This education program offers information on self management of symptoms and strategies on how individuals can successfully reach their personal goals. Individuals attending the Fibromyalgia Education Program learn about a number of topics through interactive sessions with a team of professionals including: a rheumatologist, pharmacist, social worker, occupational therapist, physiotherapist and kinesiologist. Topics covered in the program include: medication options, exercise theory and techniques, lifestyle management, as well as problem solving skills to attain empowerment, self-management and increased emotional well-being. Each of the program sessions includes an exercise component where exercises are demonstrated and practiced to ensure that participants know the right way and methods to complete their exercise. The Fibromyalgia Education Porgram is geared to assist patients attain the knowledge and support to help them minimize both the symptoms and the impact of FM.
Community Partnerships
TAP is involved with a number of community partnerships for individuals with arthritis and other chronic diseases to participate in exercise programs. These partnerships are run in collaboration with Newmarket Parks and Recreation at community and recreation centres in and around the Newmarket area. Registration for these programs is through the Parks and Recreation guide.
For more information about the these great partnerships, please refer to the latest issue of the Parks and Recreation guide or see the website at
www.newmarket.ca/en.
Chronic Disease Management Programs Patients of The Arthritis Program can also take advantage of
wellness programs that are offered through our Chronic Diseases Programs. These groups include: stress management and support, healthy eating and weight loss and smoking cessation and exercise.
TAP in the News
Osteoporosis Virtual Classroom (October 2012)
Research at TAP
Our very successful student projects have been highlighted for the great work that was done in a York University publication.
Canadian Arthritis Cohort (CATCH)