Managing Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis in Canada: Physiotherapists Leading the Way

Overview

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and knee is a leading cause of pain, disability, and reduced quality of life for older adults in Canada and globally. This course provides a comprehensive review of hip and knee OA pathology, diagnosis, and evidence-based management, with a focus on the pivotal role of physiotherapists in improving patient outcomes.

You will explore the latest evidence on assessment, conservative treatment options, exercise prescription, and realistic expectations for patients throughout the OA continuum, from early management to preparation for and recovery after joint replacement surgery. Special emphasis is placed on the GoodLife with OsteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®) program, including 12-month real-world follow-up data on pain relief, reduced medication use, improved physical activity, and quality of life.

The session also features a valuable lived experience perspective from someone living with hip and knee OA, highlighting practical insights into how physiotherapy can make a meaningful difference.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the pathophysiology and clinical features of hip and knee osteoarthritis.

2. Apply current diagnostic criteria and assessment strategies to differentiate OA from other musculoskeletal conditions.

3. Explain evidence-based non-surgical management options for hip and knee OA, including therapeutic exercise and education.

4. Understand the components and outcomes of the GLA:D® program and its relevance to physiotherapy practice in Canada.

5. Counsel patients on realistic expectations for OA progression, activity modification, and joint replacement surgery.

6. Integrate patient-centred care principles, including how to support quality of life and long-term function.

Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants

• Rehabilitation clinicians working with older adults

• Primary care and musculoskeletal healthcare providers

• Students and trainees seeking updated, evidence-based approaches to osteoarthritis care

• Clinicians supporting people with chronic hip and knee pain

No advanced specialty training is required — this course provides practical insights suitable for clinicians across practice settings.

About the Presenter

Rhona McGlasson, PT, MBA

Rhona is the Executive Director of Bone and Joint Canada (BJC), which has a mandate to help implement best practices in bone and joint health across Canada. Under her leadership, BJC has been successful in building the knowledge translation network for orthopedic care across the country, including the development and implementation of National Toolkits for hip and knee replacements and hip fracture. She worked closely with the researchers from Denmark to bring the GLA:D® Programme to Canada in 2016 and is leading the implementation across the country. She has used her knowledge and experience to effectively launch GLA:D® Canada in all the provinces and territories.

Rhona received her physiotherapy degree from the University of Greenwich in London and her MBA from the Edinburgh business school.  

Why This Course Matters

Hip and knee osteoarthritis is highly prevalent and has a significant impact on individual mobility, independence, and overall well-being. Despite its frequency, many individuals with OA receive inconsistent care or miss opportunities for early, effective intervention. Physiotherapists are uniquely positioned to lead non-surgical management through education, tailored exercise, and functional support.

This course highlights evidence-based strategies — including the internationally recognized GLA:D® program — that have been shown to improve pain, physical activity levels, and medication reliance over time. Learning these strategies equips clinicians to better support patients throughout their OA journey, enhancing outcomes and quality of life.

Incorporating a patient perspective also reinforces the importance of empathy, communication, and individualized care planning — essential skills for modern rehabilitation professionals.