Other Arthritis & Community Services
The Mary Pack Arthritis Program is not the only provider of arthritis services in British Columbia. Other services are available in the public and private health care system
Hospital services
- Require a doctor’s referral
- Are covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP)
- Usually have the expertise to deal with complex types of arthritis (e.g., inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis)
To find services for osteoarthritis please visit:
To find a rheumatologist please visit:
Private practice providers
- Do not require a doctor’s referral
- May be covered by Extended Health Benefits or are paid for out of pocket
- Generally have short or no wait times to receive service
- Usually have the expertise to treat common types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritisOsteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease that affects the cartilage. It is the most common type of arthritis, especially among older people. It can also be called degenerative joint disease. Complex osteoarthritis is when osteoarthritis affects two or more joints., or soft tissue conditions like tendonitisInflammation or irritation of a tendon, a thick cord that attaches bone to muscle., frozen shoulderFrozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Over time, the shoulder becomes very hard to move., etc.
- Have the expertise to provide treatment for soft tissue conditions (such as tendonitis or frozen shoulder) and common conditions such as back pain
- Have the expertise to treat people after they have had joint replacement surgery
To find private practitioners near you please visit these links
- PABC – to find Physical Therapists
- CAOT – to find Occupational Therapists
- HealthLink BC – to find arthritis services
Treatment for conditions not related to arthritis
Do you have a condition such as fibromyalgia or chronic pain?
Please visit:
People who live on Vancouver Island can access self-management chronic pain programs through the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA):
Do you have osteoporosis not related to inflammatory arthritis? For resources on falls prevention, vitamin D and calcium and other seniors care please visit:
For general exercise and coaching for active living for seniors:
For information about health services near you or to talk to a health professional visit HealthLink BC or call 811
Other Helpful Arthritis Resources
The Arthritis Society
The Arthritis Society provides a wide range of resources and services to support people with arthritis in British Columbia and the Yukon Territories. This includes arthritis learning centres; community groups; disease-specific support groups; arthritis workshops, public forums, and presentations; and telephone support.
Arthritis Consumer Experts
Arthritis Consumer Experts is Canada’s largest patient-led organization that provides free, science-based information and education programs in both official languages to people with arthritis. ACE provides Canadians with arthritis the current news on research and disease and treatment information to help them take control of their disease, and change their arthritis experience for the better.
ArthritisBC+Me
The ArthritisBC+Me portal is designed to help BC patients learn about the arthritis programs and resources best suited to their needs in the province and make connections with others in the BC arthritis community. Powered by community partners and funded by committed sponsors, the ArthritisBC+Me portal enables BC patients to stay informed about the latest news and research about arthritis prevention and treatment options.
Arthritis Research Canada
Participate in research
- Participating in research can provide access to treatments or interventions that would not otherwise be available
- Participate in educational events to hear what researchers in BC have learned
