In 2024 The Arthritis Movement piloted a new product, the ‘Pain Pack’ – a box of non-pharmacological products and services for combatting chronic arthritic pain. The pack has been provided free of charge to over 1,000 people with the support of generous organisations and foundations and the results have been outstanding. Our next target is ...
The Arthritis Movement
Non-Pharmacological Pain Packs for Arthritis
GOAL
$20,000
Australia > National / Multi-state > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Health/wellbeing and medical research
- Individual/family services and support
Target Population
- People with a disability, illness or disease
- Seniors (65+)
The Arthritis Movement
The Arthritis Movement is committed to improving the lives of those affected by arthritis through innovative care, strong community support, and dedicated advocacy.
Our Mission & Vision:
The Arthritis Movement strives to help individuals live life to the fullest by providing education, resources, and programs that enhance self-management. We support research and innovation to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure arthritis, working toward a future free from the disease.
Our Approach:
- Striding Forward: We lead with advanced health services and research-driven solutions that empower people to manage their arthritis effectively.
- Stronger Together: Collaboration is key—we bring together communities, healthcare professionals, and supporters to ensure no one faces arthritis alone.
- Active Advocacy: We push for improved care, funding, and awareness to create a better future for those affected.
Our Key Focus Areas:
We prioritise disease prevention, condition management, support services, and research aimed at improving quality of life. Our values—collaboration, sustainability, innovation, and outcome-focused strategies—guide our work.
Who We Help & How:
We provide support to anyone affected by arthritis, from the newly diagnosed to long-term sufferers. Through specialised education programs and health services focusing on lifestyle, nutrition, and gentle exercise, we help people maintain joint function, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life.
Key services include: Community Education, Online Services, Peer Mentoring, Arthritis Youth Camps and much more…
Project Summary
In 2024 The Arthritis Movement piloted a new product, the ‘Pain Pack’ – a box of non-pharmacological products and services for combatting chronic arthritic pain. The pack has been provided free of charge to over 1,000 people with the support of generous organisations and foundations and the results have been outstanding. Our next target is 10,000 packs.
The Pain Pack idea arose from the demand for a comprehensive resource for people with osteoarthritis, struggling with pain or relying on pain medication due to a lack of awareness about available self-management strategies. This concept, built around getting tools, products and information into people’s hands, when and where it was most needed, was validated through a co-design process with pain specialists and individuals living with arthritis. The urgency for immediate action was evident, with a focus on providing evidence-based solutions to address chronic pain.
What’s in the pack?
The Pack includes appropriate health information, products, services, tools and vouchers to highlight various self-management strategies to mitigate chronic arthritic pain including:
-Thermotherapy options (topical heat cream and heat/cold pack)
– Physical exercise and joint strengthening (resistance bands and finger strengthening)
– Nutrition (anti-inflammatory plant seeds and recipes)
– Mindfulness (mindfulness programs and helpful apps)
– Assistive technology (jar opener and assistive aids)
– Other useful discounted products
Project Outcomes
Overall Impact
- The Pain Pack program has had a meaningful and lasting effect on consumers’ pain management and lifestyle behaviours:
- It fostered awareness, education, and self-efficacy in managing chronic pain.
- Showed strong initial emotional impact, mid-term behaviour change, and long-term lifestyle integration.
- Consumers are more confident in their ability to manage arthritis and are reporting real-life improvements.
Impact on our community
The surveys measure:
- Behavioural change
- Efficacy of information and education
- Thermotherapy
- Physical exercise and joint strengthening
- Nutrition
- Mindfulness
- Assistive technology
After 2 weeks
- Positive Reception: 99% felt positively about receiving the pack
- Emotional/psychological benefits:
- Felt supported (60%)
- More knowledgeable (47%)
- Curious to explore (42%)
- Excited (41%)
- Motivated (38%)
Content Effectiveness:
- Majority rated strategies as Effective or Highly Effective in increasing knowledge of pain management.
- 55% were introduced to new strategies they hadn’t previously considered.
- Prompted exploration of self-care and new approaches.
After 8-Weeks
- Sustained Behaviour Change:
- 65% now believe their pain can be changed.
- 76% are engaging in one or more strategies at least 3 times per week.
- Continued curiosity and self-management observed.
After 6-Months
- Long-Term Impact:
- 85% have maintained strategies introduced in the pack.
- Most Maintained Strategies:
- Walking, pacing, thermotherapy (heat/cold), dietary changes/weight management.
- Least Maintained Strategies:
- Use of assistive aids, Tai Chi and Yoga.
- 69% noticed improvements in health and wellbeing.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $500,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Windsor RSL | $10,000 |
| Arcare Foundation | $30,000 |
| South East Primary Health Network (PHN) | $30,000 |
| Funding Gap | $20,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Paid & Other Advertising | $2,400 |
| Fulfillment Costs (Northside Enterprises - Northside Admin and Handling fee | $4,000 |
| Sticker and tissue paper ($800), Mailing Box ($400), Collating products ($680), Assemble box ($80) | $1,960 |
| Printing Educational Material | $1,200 |
| Australia Post Postage | $4,380 |
| Physical Products - Fisiocrem Topical Heat Cream ($0), Colouring book ($800), Jar opener ($952) | $1,753 |
| Thermotherapy Pack ($1120), Resistance Bands ($2136) Stress Ball ($368) | $3,625 |
| Rocket Seeds ($268), Basil Seeds ($268), Shipping ($145) | $682 |
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