TAP General Information

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.

The Arthritis Program is located at the Tannery Mall, 465 Davis Drive, Suite 403

Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed on statutory holidays

More information:
Phone (905)895-4521 extension 2345

The Arthritis Program: A Regional Program….. A National Resource

Education and treatment programs offered by TAP include:

Inflammatory arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Juvenile arthritis
Osteoporosis
Fibromyalgia

Through the combined expertise of a professional health care team, individuals learn how to manage their illness and reduce the impact of symptoms on their lives. Members of the team include:

• Dietitian
• Kinesiologists
• Occupational therapists
• Pharmacists
• Physical therapists
• Rehabilitation assistant
• Rheumatologists (doctors who specialize in treating arthritis)
• Social worker

Clerical staff and several dedicated volunteers to support the team.

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia produces widespread pain that affects women more often than men. Symptoms include generalized aching, poor sleep, stiffness upon waking and fatigue throughout the day.

TAP offers assessment, education, treatment and exercise classes to individuals with fibromyalgia. During this interactive program, information is provided on self management of symptoms and how individuals can regain control over their lives. Patients are then invited to attend education and exercise classes that are offered by members of the team on a variety of topics.

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 web site at www.newmarket.ca/en.

Chronic Disease Management Programs

For information on resources available to you during your hospital visit or stay (for example: parking, what to bring, discharge times and other helpful information) please click on Patients and Visitors.

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