HIF is partnering with Kieser Australia to offer members access to life-altering treatment programs that assist Australians suffering from chronic hip, knee, and spinal issues. Kieser’s Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis and Spinal programs are aimed at avoiding joint replacement or major spinal surgery, increasing strength, and improving quality of life.
The programs are evidence-based clinical interventions designed to reduce pain, increase function, and delay or even avoid surgery altogether. With rates of surgery and associated costs increasing rapidly in Australia due to an aging and heavier population, Kieser’s physiotherapy-designed strengthening programs offer a proven and cost-effective alternative to surgery.
“We love delivering our hip, knee and spinal programs to those who are on a path towards surgery,” says Kieser CEO, Brett Long. “HIF are a progressive, member-focused fund and we are excited to deliver our world-leading programs to their members across the Eastern seaboard.”
HIF CEO, Justin James added “At HIF we pride ourselves on providing more choice and access to our members when it comes to their health. Kieser provides an opportunity for members to access ongoing treatment that aims to replace the need for intensive joint and spinal surgery.”
“With the number of replacement surgeries predicted to triple over the next 30 years, we see Kieser as a business that is trying to help solve chronic health issues that will impact significant proportion of the population in the future.”
Osteoarthritis and lower back pain are two of the most common chronic conditions in Australia and around the world, placing substantial strain on the healthcare system. In Australia:
- More than 3.9 million people suffer from osteoarthritis.
- Each year, more than 50,000 Australians undergo total knee replacement surgery, mostly due to osteoarthritis, and over 30,000 have total hip replacements.
- The number of hip and knee replacements is predicted to triple by 2046.
- Up to 90% of Australians will suffer from low back pain during their lifetime, and most will experience recurrences.
- Around 20,000 lumbar spine surgeries are conducted each year and are becoming increasingly common, despite limited evidence for some procedures.
Research suggests that more than 1 in 3 people waiting for hip or knee joint replacements may be able to avoid surgery with strengthening exercises. An even greater number may be able to avoid spinal surgery with an appropriate conservative management program.
Kieser is a key Australian healthcare player changing the landscape of conservative musculoskeletal and chronic health interventions. Their physiotherapy-led, exercise-based programs and interventions are targeted, data driven and evidence-based. The founder and leader of the medical exercise industry in Australia, they now have more than 20 clinics and 350 clinicians around Australia and are growing rapidly. Kieser specialises in musculoskeletal conditions and chronic disease management through exercise. Kieser is an example of the future of Australian healthcare.
For more information and to check your eligibility please visit our Kieser webpage.