Doutta Galla Community Health
Skip Links

Mission Statement

Doutta Galla provides high quality, culturally appropriate and accessible primary, community and mental health services with a particular focus on the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in the cities of Melbourne and Moonee Valley.
text smaller
text bigger
  • AboriginalArabicCantonese - traditional ChineseGreekItalianMalteseMandarin - simplified ChineseSomaliTurkishVietnamese
Femur

Arthritis

Arthritis occurs when joints or muscles become painful, stiff and swollen. Common types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis and fibromyalgia. Exercise, medication and supportive therapies can help manage symptoms.

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose their strength and density. They become fragile, weak and brittle causing them to fracture (break) more easily. Osteoporosis particularly affects women in their middle and later years, although some men are also affected. Activity and a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help prevent osteoporosis.

Osteoarthritis

1. Taking Control Of Your Osteoarthritis
Thirty-two page A4 size, 2011 edition. Gives a definition, talks about working with health professionals, treatment. Includes a glossary of terms, clear headings, pictures of a mixture of ethnicities. However, this booklet uses medical jargon and words aimed at a high literacy level. There are large bodies of text.
Download Taking Control of your Osteoarthritis booklet [PDF 669KB]

Rheumatoid arthritis

2. Taking Control Of Your Rheumatoid Arthritis
Twenty-eight page A4 size, 2011 edition. Gives definition, effects, working with health professionals, eating and medication. Uses medical and jargon aimed at a high literacy level. Little representation of the non-Anglosaxon community.
Download Taking Control of Your Rheumatoid Arthritis booklet [PDF 684KB]

 10 steps for living well with arthritis

3. 10 Steps For Living Well With Arthritis
Thirty-eight page A4 size, 2011 edition. Discusses different types of arthritis, working with health professionals, treatment options, pain management. Text heavy, uses medical jargon and complex words. This is useful for people who are literate and motivated.
Download 10 Steps For Living Well with Arthritis booklet [PDF 886KB]

Food packaging

4. Food Packaging Guide For People With Arthritis
Twenty-four page A5 booklet, 2007 edition.Some pictures can be interpreted without reading the text. Uses dot points which can be easy to read.
Go to Arthritis Queensland website to Download Food Packaging Guide For People with Arthritis booklet
Twenty page brochure, 2004. Text heavy, uses medical jargon and complex words which mean that it is a document for someone who is highly literate.
Download Back pain booklet from Arthritis Queensland [PDF 166KB]

What is arthritis?

5. What Is Arthritis?
Two pages, text-heavy, best understood by people at a high literacy level.
Download what is arthritis information sheet [PDF 1670KB]
For Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Italian and Vietnamese translated informationGo to Arthritis Victoria website under 'Translated Information' heading

Arthritis key links

1. Go to Arthritis Australia website for National and International websites
This lists relevant national and international websites.
2. Go to Arthritis Victoria website for Fact sheets and booklets
Provides fact sheets and booklets on most arthritis-related topics. Most of the fact sheets are generally at a high literacy level.
3.Go to PRINTO website for Juvenile arthritis information
Research related to juvenile arthritis.
4. Go to Royal Children's Hospital website for Resources for children
Resources for children and their families published by the Royal Childrens Hospital.
5. Go to HealthiNation website for Videos about coping with arthritis
This site is recommended by Arthritis Australia. It has an explanatory video about arthritis, coping with arthritis and treatment.
6. Go to My Dr website for Rheumatoid arthritis graphics
Includes an interactive graphic about rheumatoid arthritis and how it affects the joints.
7. Go to My Dr website for Types of arthritis
Explains 14 arthritis conditions.

Referral options

1. Referral to physiotherapy or exercise physiologist
Lifestyle change; strength-building; pain relief techniques
Internal referral to Doutta Galla Community Health (DGCH)
Alternative: Go to Better Health Channel website to locate local provider
2. Referral to DGCH OT or for a private provider Go to Occupational Therapy Australia website and search under 'find an OT'
3. Referral to counseling
Lifestyle change; grief counseling; possible issues of depression. Internal referral to DGCH counseling service
4. Go to Arthritis Australia website
Specific information on different arthritis conditions; Information sheets (including different languages)
(requires high level literacy, and computer access)
5. Go to Arthritis Victoria website Specific information on different arthritis conditions;
Managing your condition;Courses and event calendar (eg Tai Chi for Arthritis; Better Health Self Management training)(*requires good literacy, and computer access)
6. Independent Living Centre
Introduction to adaptive equipment and technology.
Opportunity to try or have demonstrated equipment
Information on different adaptive equipment and suppliers.
705 Geelong Road, Brooklyn
Victoria 3025 Australia

  • Arthritis Victoria for education, information and support groups
  • Better Health Channel for further information about the condition
  • Life style change – to increase exercise and strength
  • Referral to Dietitian for nutrition assessment for weight management,
  • Referral to physiotherapist at Doutta Galla Community Health (DGCH) for exercise / strength training / treatment
  • Referral to the DGCH General Counselling Team
  • Referral for hydrotherapy at DGCH
  • Referral to podiatrist for footwear
  • Referral to DGCH Better Self Management Program
  • Referral to DGCH support groups e.g walking groups, strength training
  • Referral to GP for pain management or pain management clinic
  • Referral to Neighborhood house program for stress management
Powered by