What is the PEAK program?
PEAK stands for Physiotherapy Exercise and physical Activity for Knee osteoarthritis. It is an evidence-based management program for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The program was created by Professor Rana Hinman and Professor Kim Bennell - both physiotherapists and researchers from the University of Melbourne.
The PEAK program incorporates education, strengthening exercises, and physical activity interventions delivered during five consultations over three months. The program is delivered by physiotherapists in Australia and around the world.
Who is the PEAK program for?
The PEAK program is for individuals with knee osteoarthritis who fulfil the following inclusion/exclusion criteria.
Inclusion criteria:
- be 45 years old or older
- have activity-related knee joint pain
- have morning knee stiffness ≤ 30 mins
- Successfully pass the pre-exercise screening questions.
Exclusion criteria:
- inability to speak English
- on the waiting list for/planning knee/hip surgery in the next 12 months
- having a previous arthroplasty on the affected knee
- recent knee surgery (past 6 months)
- having undertaken physiotherapy or doing strengthening exercise for knee in the past 6 months
- self-reported inflammatory arthritis (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)
- any neurological condition affecting lower limbs and/or any unstable/uncontrolled cardiovascular condition
Clearance to participate from a general practitioner will be required for anyone who has reported a fall (past 12 months), is housebound due to immobility, or fails to pass the pre-exercise screening questions.
How is the PEAK program delivered?
The PEAK program can be delivered online through tele-health consults via Zoom, or through face-to-face sessions in person at any of our three clinics – Ringwood, Knoxfield, or Yarra Valley.
What does the program involve?
The PEAK program consists of 5 consultations with a trained physiotherapist over the course of 10 weeks. During the consultations, your physiotherapist will assess your current level of function, provide you with education about your condition, monitor and progress a targeted exercise program, and support you throughout your journey. These consultations can be delivered online or in person.
In addition to the consultations, you will also have access to online resources. These resources include videos and a booklet of the exercises, a comprehensive educational booklet about knee osteoarthritis, and a logbook to keep track of your progression.
How is the PEAK program different to GLA:D?
PEAK and GLA:D are both excellent programs based on the best available research for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Both programs result in excellent outcomes but the main differences between the two programs are:
- Delivery of the program
PEAK can be delivered via tele-health and therefore can be done from home without ever having to attend the clinic. GLA:D on the other hand involves 2 in-person exercise sessions per week for 6 weeks. Therefore, if it is difficult for you to attend the clinic (due to work, life commitments, travel, etc.) PEAK may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, some individuals feel more motivated when attending an in-person program rather than doing it on their own.
- Number of sessions involved
PEAK consists of 5 sessions over the course of 10 weeks. GLA:D consists of 2 exercise sessions per week over the course of 6 weeks, and an additional 2 educational sessions. Depending on your time commitments, one program may be more suitable than the other.
- Knee or hip osteoarthritis
The PEAK program is only suited to knee osteoarthritis, whereas GLA:D is designed for both hip and knee osteoarthritis.
What is the evidence behind the PEAK program?
It is well documented in clinical guidelines that physical activity and exercise should be undertaken in all individuals with knee osteoarthritis. The PEAK program is based on these principles and further research by the program’s creators Rana Hinman and Kim Bennell. In their research, Rana and Kim found that individuals who undertook the program showed improvements in pain and function for at least 6 months.
Can I use my Private Health Insurance for the PEAK program?
Yes. If you have extras cover for physiotherapy you can claim each session as you go. The rebate amount will vary depending on your private insurance provider.
Do I need a medical clearance to participate?
You will need a medical clearance from your general practitioner if you have had a fall in the past 12 months, are housebound due to immobility, or fail to pass the pre-exercise screening questions.
Our PEAK Accredited Physiotherapists
Laura graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences/ Master of Physiotherapy in 2015. She completed her post graduate Masters degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in 2022. Laura additionally has a Bachelor degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Deakin University.
Laura has a special interest in acute and chronic lower back pain presentations. She also enjoys treating hip and knee pain, particularly assessing the biomechanical relationship of these regions and correcting movement dysfunction of lower limb conditions. Following the birth of her son in 2023, Laura has further developed an appreciation for the demands of pregnancy and enjoys supporting women both pre and post-natally.
Clinical Interests
- Acute & chronic low back pain
- Hip & knee pain
- Pre/Post Natal Musculoskeletal Care
- Clinical Pilates
- Biomechanics & Corrective Exercise Therapy
In 2018, Maddie successfully completed her studies at La Trobe University, and she is currently pursuing her Masters of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at the same institution. Additionally, she has received training in pilates through the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) and consistently incorporates movement principles into her treatment approaches.
Throughout her career, Maddie has been dedicated to working in private practice, prioritizing patient-centered care. Her focus is on ensuring her clients achieve their maximum potential during their rehabilitation process.
Maddie possesses a particular passion for women’s health and specializes in treating spinal conditions, with a particular emphasis on neck pain, cervicogenic headaches, and thoracic (upper back) pain. Her expertise also extends to effectively managing vertigo and handling complex cases involving underlying health conditions.
Beyond her professional life, Maddie enjoys engaging in various activities. She relishes socializing, camping, hiking, and playing netball. Additionally, she has a love for baking. To stay active, Maddie frequents the gym and enjoys long walks with her groodle, Otis.
Clinical interests:
- Spinal conditions
- Neck and Lumbar pain
- Women’s health Neck pain
- Cervicogenic headaches
- Mid back pain
- Vertigo
- Clinical Pilates
Julia graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Physiotherapy Practice.
Julia is passionate about working with people of all ages to help them improve their confidence and achieve their goals. She uses a combination of manual therapy, education, and evidence-based treatments to gain the best outcomes for her patients.
She has worked with multiple sports teams across the VFL, VAFA and NPL Leagues. She has also completed a variety of courses, including the ASCA Level 1 Strength and Conditioning, APPI Level 1 Matwork Pilates, and APPI Level 1 Equipment Pilates.
Outside of work, Julia enjoys good food, keeping fit at the gym, and spending time with family and friends.
Clinical interests:
- Neck pain
- Low back pain
- Shoulder, elbow, and hand injuries
- Sports Injuries
- Clinical Pilates
- Hydrotherapy
Tonya completed her undergraduate degree at Monash University and her Master’s degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at La Trobe University in 2022. Throughout her physiotherapy career, she has worked in both private practice and the public hospital setting, treating patients across the continuum of care from acute injuries to post-operative rehabilitation. Her particular interest is in low back pain.
Prior to studying physiotherapy, Tonya completed an honours degree in Contemporary Dance at London Contemporary Dance School, performing thereafter as a professional ballet dancer. She also ran her own Pilates studio in the UK for 6 years and has been a Pilates teacher to physiotherapists with the APPI. As a result, she has had a lasting affinity for dance and performing arts and was fortunate enough to gain work experience with The Australian Ballet during her studies.
Tonya’s main interest outside of physiotherapy is running. She has completed numerous half and a full marathons.
Clinical Interests
- Neck pain
- Thoracic and Low back pain
- Hip and knee pain
- Shoulder conditions.
Special Interests
-
- Functional training
- ACL rehab
- Falls prevention
- Low back pain
- Pre and post-operative rehab
- Vestibular conditions
- Shoulders
- Knee and ankle injuries
To read more about Joshua Jekot click here
Sian holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Masters in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy from Melbourne University.
For the past seven years, Sian has been living and practicing in San Francisco, California. Since living abroad, Sian has worked in a variety of clinical settings including clinical Pilates, Private practice and outpatient orthopaedic rehabilitation. In late 2021, Sian relocated back to Melbourne with her husband and two young daughters.
As a Physiotherapist, Sian has a keen interest in helping people with neck and back pain, headaches, exercise-based rehabilitation, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Growing up, Sian enjoyed many sports including swimming, volleyball, field hockey and tennis. More recently yoga, cycling, and snowboarding/skiing have captivated her time. Combining her love of sport, passion for manual therapy and training in Pilates, Sian is able to design individualized treatment programs and exercise programs that truly focus on your goals and problems.
Clinical interests:
- Women’s Musculoskeletal Health (Carpal Tunnel, Pelvic Instability, De Quervain’s)
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
- Low Back Pain
- Complex injuries
- Exercise Based Rehabilitation
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Hip and knee surgical rehab
- Sports Injuries
- Hydrotherapy
To read more about Lachlan click here
Special Interests
- Women’s Health
- Neck & back pain
- Football injuries
- Post-op rehabilitation
- Clinical pilates
- Functional training
- Falls prevention
To read more about Sarah Goh click here
Clinical Interests
- Chronic & recurring back pain
- Sports injuries
- Shoulder rehabilitation
- Exercise programs incorporating Pilates
- Level 1 Lymphoedema Practitioner
- Certified PINC & STEEL Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist.
To read more about Trish click here
Clinical Interests
- Hip, groin and buttock pain
- Pre and post-operative hip rehabilitation
- Lumbar spine and pelvic pain
- Knee arthritis
- Clinical Pilates
To read more about Leesa click here
Clinical Interests
- Headaches
- Neck Pain and Whiplash
- Lower back pain
- Knee pain
- Gluteal Tendinopathy and bursitis
- Shoulder pain – rotator cuff tears and bursitis
To read more about Andi click here
Clinical Interests
- Hip conditions – impingement, labral tears, dysplasia and post surgery rehab (joint replacement and arthroscopy).
- Shoulder conditions
To read more about Daniel Zwolak click here
Clinical Interests
- Low Back + Neck pain and headaches
- Ankle and knee injuries
- Shoulder and elbow conditions
- Post Surgery Rehabilitation
- Tendon injuries
- CrossFit and sporting injuries
- Anything that hurts, really!
To read more about Grant click here
