TOAST

TOAST is an acronym that we in the physiotherapy team have coined. It stands for Targeting OsteoArthritis with Supported (by research) Treatments.

We are really excited to launch this new programme for our patients who have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee and hip joints.

Over the last 10 years, management of osteoarthritis in these joints in particular has received a lot of importance in the research world and the evidence overwhelmingly supports exercise and education. So much so that, in many parts of the world, programmes based on these concepts have gained acceptance and popularity.

In short, life does not have to stop and you do not have to give up physical activity and become more sedentary when you have been given a diagnosis of osteoarthritis by a medical professional.

In fact, we have a lot of evidence now that participating in regular cardiovascular and strength training exercises can reduce pain, improve function and minimise episodes (flare-ups) of pain. Programmes similar to TOAST have shown great results all over the world and have achieved similar outcomes.

TOAST has been put together by our physiotherapists who have extensive experience in treating people with osteoarthritis.

The programme itself will be delivered in a group setting where a maximum of eight people with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip will be included. You will then have six sessions with the same group of people over a period of eight weeks (the first four will be weekly sessions and the last two will be fortnightly). When you have been referred to the programme, one of our staff members will contact you by telephone to pass on further details about when you will need to attend. They will also go through a questionnaire with you.

This questionnaire is important for us and for you as this will enable us to measure how much your condition is affecting your mobility and other aspects of daily life. You will also be asked to complete this questionnaire at the end of your six sessions as it will allow us to measure how much progress you have made too.

What will the six sessions cover?

The one common theme throughout all six sessions will be supervised exercises. Our physiotherapy staff will supervise you during these sessions and guide you through the exercises. However, there will also be some PowerPoint presentations at the beginning of each of these sessions.

These presentations will cover topics such as pain management, theoretical reasons behind the importance of exercise, advice on weight loss and other relevant topics.

We have also allowed time during all six sessions to answer questions you may have regarding the programme and perhaps even your progress. Despite this being a group programme, we do appreciate that not everyone may have the same questions and concerns.

We have worked hard on making sure that we allow enough space in our gym and have spread out the circuit of exercises so as to keep the environment as COVID-safe as possible. Whilst attending these sessions, we ask that you adhere to the policies we have put in place in this regard.

We look forward to welcoming you to the TOAST programme and taking you through the eight weeks of supervision and guidance which will hopefully improve your osteoarthritis-related pain, mobility and function. We believe passionately that the best way to manage this condition is to educate people, help them get stronger and empower them to keep active, as these factors will play a key role in helping you manage osteoarthritis.

Yours sincerely,

The TOAST team