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In-person arthritis classes

Group counselling

Register for FREE in-person classes to help you manage your arthritis. No referral is required. Classes are for both osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis.

What to expect

Classes are taught by a team of healthcare educators from the OASIS Program, consisting of physiotherapists, an occupational therapist, registered nurse, and dietitian.  Class locations are within Vancouver Coastal Health.

Class schedule and registration

Start by attending our "Arthritis basics" classes to learn the most important information about managing arthritis, and then choose additional classes based on your affected joints and interest. See class descriptions below.

Click on a location to see current class schedules and registration information.

Arthritis basics

Develop a solid foundation for managing your osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis. 

  • Managing Hip and Knee Arthritis

    Learn about arthritis in these commonly affected joints, ways of managing your arthritis without surgery, and what happens if you need joint replacement surgery.

  • Arthritis & Exercise

    Learn about the benefits of exercise, the types of exercises you can do to support your joints, and signs that you are doing too much.

  • Nutrition and Arthritis

    Learn about the impact of diet on arthritis, nutrients that can help and strategies for healthy eating.

  • Pain Management for Arthritis

    Learn evidence-based strategies to manage arthritic pain so that you can exercise, rest and have a function-centred life.

Joint specific classes

Get information specific to other joints of the body affected by arthritis.

  • Hand Arthritis

    Learn management strategies for hands/wrists that are affected by arthritis on topics such as joint protection, exercise and pain management.

  • Foot Arthritis

    Learn management strategies for feet/ankles that are affected by arthritis on topics such as joint protection, exercise and pain management.

  • Shoulder Arthritis

    Learn management strategies for shoulders that are affected by arthritis on topics such as joint protection, exercise and pain management.

  • Spine Osteoarthritis

    Learn management strategies for specific joints that are affected by arthritis on topics such as joint protection, exercise and pain management. Note: this class is not for inflammatory arthritis; please check online classes for offerings. 

Beyond the basics

Learn more about healthy eating, and additional ways to manage your pain and/or stress.

  • Sleep & Stress Management

    Learn about the health benefits of sleep, the relationship between sleep and stress, and strategies for improving your sleep and managing your stress.

  • Introduction to Meditation

    Interested in learning meditation skills to help manage pain and stress?  This information and practice session will get you started on your wellness path!  Recommended after completing Pain Management and/or Sleep & Stress Management

  • Curious about Cannabis

    Learn how and why cannabis can help with pain and how to access cannabis for medical purposes.

  • Supplements & Arthritis

    This class focuses on vitamins, minerals, herbs, probiotics, prebiotics, and “natural supplements” for arthritis. Learn about the safety, quality and dosages of supplements, how they interact with medications and side effects. 

  • Mindful Eating (Two-part series)

    Do you struggle with behaviours, thoughts or emotions that affect your eating?  Learn how to improve what you eat by changing your relationship with food and eating.

  • Beverages - What are You Drinking?

    Learn about the healthiness of your beverage choices, how much you should be drinking, and what beverages are good or bad for arthritis. 

Practical Sessions

Learn and practice skills for supporting your joints such as pole walking and specific exercises.

  • Basic Hip and Knee Exercises — Practical Session

    Learn and practice basic exercises for hip and knee movement and strength, with a focus on alignment and control. (Prerequisite: Exercise and Arthritis)

  • Pole Walking for Arthritis

    Learn about the benefits of using poles while walking and practice the correct technique to support your joints. Borrow our walking poles or bring your own! 

Preparing for hip or knee replacement surgery

Information for those who are considering or preparing for hip or knee replacement surgery.

  • Early Preparation for Joint Replacement Surgery

    Learn more about the surgery and ways to prepare for your surgery through exercise, managing your pain effectively and setting up your home.  This class is intended for people who are 3 months or further away from joint replacement surgery.

Classes in Victoria

In-person classes at the Mary Pack Arthritis Centre - Victoria location are offered based on patient demand. When held, these classes will be held at the Victoria Arthritis Centre at 2680 Richmond Road, Victoria, B.C. Please contact Victoria Arthritis Centre for further detail at (250) 598-2277.

For healthcare providers

Direct patients to this website to explore OASIS class offerings and self-register. If you prefer that OASIS initiates contact with your patient, please complete the OASIS referral form and fax it to OASIS. 

Joint replacement surgery consultation 

Complete a referral for the Hip & Knee Arthritis Surgical Assessment Program (ASAP).  

Contact information

Email: oasis@vch.ca
Phone: (604) 875-4544
Fax: (604) 875-4321