OsteoArthritis Service Integration System (OASIS)
Related topics: Arthritis Education Neuro-muscular-skeletal conditions Nutrition & Dietitian services Physical therapy & rehabilitation Public education services
OASIS is an education program that helps people with arthritis self-manage their condition.
What to expect
OASIS classes cover various topics that will help you manage your arthritis well. Although osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, OASIS classes provide helpful information for other types of arthritis too, on topics such as exercise, pain management, healthy eating, stress management and more.
OASIS classes are free and do not require a referral from a healthcare provider.
If you would like to attend a class, please see OASIS classes and registration for current class descriptions, schedules and registration information.
Class schedule and registration
OASIS classes are offered via webinars and in-person at VCH locations. Click the links below to view the current schedules and register for the classes.
Class descriptions
Click to open and read descriptions of the OASIS classes.
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Core classes
Managing Hip & Knee Arthritis
Learn about osteoarthritis in these commonly affected joints, ways of managing your arthritis without surgery, and what happens if you need joint replacement surgery.
Pain Management
Learn evidence-based strategies to manage arthritic pain so that you can exercise, rest and have a function-centred life.
Exercise & Arthritis
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, Supplements & Arthritis
Learn about the impact of diet on arthritis, nutrients and supplements that can help and strategies for healthy eating.
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More classes
Hand Arthritis / Foot & Ankle Arthritis / Shoulder Arthritis / Spine Osteoarthritis
Individual classes for each of these joints focus on specific strategies for management, including joint protection, exercise and pain management.
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.
Curious About Cannabis
Learn how and why cannabis can help with pain and how to access cannabis for medical purposes.
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 pre-requisite: Pain Management and/or Sleep & Stress Management)
Mindful Eating for Better Health, Part 1 & 2
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.
Working from Home with Arthritis — Ergonomic Tips
Learn ways to set up your workstation when you have arthritis and how you can improve your workstation and work habits to minimize your risk of injury.
Gardening & Arthritis
Learn strategies that will keep you gardening with arthritis, including joint protection, pacing, helpful gardening gadgets, and garden layout.
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! (Virtual session -- Walking More Comfortably)
Ask Anything about Arthritis
Small group meetings (recommended after attending at least one other OASIS session). Interactive small group sessions to answer your questions and discuss osteoarthritis and self-management. Come ready to participate in the group discussion!
Do you have inflammatory arthritis? Learn more about managing inflammatory arthritis at classes offered by the Mary Pack Arthritis Program.
Resources to manage osteoarthritis
Find resources on topics such as exercise, pain management, joint protection, and more to support people living with osteoarthritis.
For health-care providers
Refer your patients to OASIS education by directing them to this page where they can self-register for an upcoming session.
- If you have specific classes that you would like your patient to attend or would like your patient to have a takeaway with the OASIS contact information, you may choose to print the OASIS referral form and give to your patient.
- If you would like OASIS to follow up with your patient, please fax the referral form to OASIS, and we will initiate contact with your patient.
Joint replacement surgery consultation
Referrals for joint replacement surgery consultation should be sent to your local orthopedic central intake office (Vancouver, Richmond or North Vancouver), which is part of the Hip & Knee Arthritis Surgical Assessment Program (ASAP).
Contact information
Email: oasis@vch.ca
Phone: (604) 875-4544
Fax: (604) 875-4321