MPAP Arthritis Health Care Team

You are the most important member of your team. It’s your role to:

• Learn about your arthritis and the many ways it can be managed
• Talk to your team about your needs and treatment goals so together you can find ways of managing your arthritis that fit you
• Learn about the services that can help
• You know your body best and what does – or does not -feel right for you. Share this information with your health-care team

How can the Mary Pack Arthritis team help?

We have a wide variety of health care providers and services to help you manage and treat the physical and emotional impacts of arthritis. Learn about our team of health care professionals below:

A rheumatologist is a doctor who can:

• Diagnose the type of arthritis you have
• Work with you and your family doctor on how best to medically manage your arthritis

Rheumatologists play a specialized role in the Mary Pack Arthritis Program. Most patients with inflammatory arthritis who receive services at one of our clinics will already be under the care of their own rheumatologist. Should you require rheumatology services, your doctor can refer you to a private practice rheumatologist.

• Assesses your day-to-day physical function, strength, mobility, and physical activity
• Teaches you ways to reduce your pain using heat, cold and other strategies
• Prescribes tailored exercise programs and provides additional treatments such as manual therapy appropriate for your condition
• Works with you to improve and maintain joint motion, flexibility, muscle strength, balance and overall activity level

• Assesses your ability to do everyday tasks and activities important to you
• Works with you to find solutions to improve your quality of life and independence
• Suggests equipment or splints/orthotics to help with daily activities and reduce pain
• Suggests changes to home, work or school sites to make tasks easier
• Watch this short video to learn more about how an OT can help

• Provides supportive counselling and education on your condition, medications, treatment options, and community resources
• Teaches you skills such as how to self-inject medications, understand lab values, deal with side effects of medications, talk with your doctor, and how to have a healthy lifestyle
• Gives injection medications or biologics by IV when ordered by your doctor

• Connects you and family members to community resources
• Helps you deal with the practical concerns in life, including housing, financial and family worries
• Helps you adjust to emotional and social changes, including depression, stress, social isolation and reduced sense of purpose in life

Download My Health Care Team (PDF) to help determine which team member(s) best meets your needs.