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Osteoarthritis Clinic

Stay active, manage pain, and delay surgery - evidence-based osteoarthritis management helping you maintain the lifestyle you love.

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Dr Kimberley Wells is a FACSEP-qualified Sport & Exercise Medicine Physician providing evidence-based osteoarthritis management on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. She treats knee osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis, shoulder osteoarthritis, ankle osteoarthritis, and hand and finger arthritis including CMC joint arthritis. Treatments include exercise prescription, education, activity modification, weight management, corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation, PRP therapy, physiotherapy coordination, and pre-surgical optimisation for joint replacement. Located at SportsMed Sunshine Coast, Kawana.

You Don't Have to Stop

Osteoarthritis doesn't mean giving up the activities you love. With the right management plan - combining exercise, lifestyle modifications, and targeted treatments - many people can significantly reduce pain, improve function, and stay active.

Evidence-Based OA Management

  • Exercise prescription - A very effective treatment for osteoarthritis. Tailored programs that strengthen muscles around the affected joint and improve joint function.
  • Education - Understanding your condition, what the imaging means (and doesn't mean), and what you can do to manage it effectively.
  • Activity modification - Adjusting how you load the joint rather than avoiding activity entirely.
  • Weight management - Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce pain in weight-bearing joints.
  • Injection therapies - Corticosteroid, viscosupplementation, and PRP therapy in selected cases.
  • Physiotherapy coordination - Working with your physiotherapist for progressive, structured rehabilitation.
  • Pre-surgical optimisation - When joint replacement becomes the right decision, pre-operative conditioning improves surgical outcomes and recovery.

Joints Treated

  • Knee - The most common site. Comprehensive management can delay or avoid knee replacement for years.
  • Hip - Focus on maintaining range of motion, strengthening, and pain control.
  • Shoulder - Including glenohumeral and AC joint osteoarthritis.
  • Ankle - Often post-traumatic, following previous fractures or sprains.
  • Hand and fingers - Including base of thumb (CMC joint) arthritis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a GP referral to see Dr Wells?

A GP referral is not required but is recommended. Dr Wells has access to top-tier Medicare rebate rates (MBS A4), so with a referral your rebate is maximised, with approximately $150 rebate back to you on an initial consultation. Without a referral, the full specialist fee applies with no Medicare rebate. See the FAQ page for more detail.

Does private health insurance cover the consultation?

Private health insurance does not cover specialist medical consultations. However, Dr Wells has access to top-tier Medicare rebate rates (MBS A4), so with a valid GP referral your rebate is maximised, with approximately $150 rebate back to you on an initial consultation. Dr Wells can also refer for Medicare-rebateable MRI scans. See the FAQ page for more detail.

How long will I wait for an appointment?

Routine appointments are typically available within 1-2 weeks. Urgent referrals - such as acute knee injuries or concussion - are prioritised and can often be seen sooner. Contact the clinic on (07) 5415 0428 for urgent bookings.

Ready to Manage Your Arthritis?

Book a consultation to get specialist assessment and an evidence-based plan to keep you active and pain-free for longer

Book Appointment Call (07) 5415 0428
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