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The right health professional can make a real difference to how you live with arthritis. This list can help you find the support you need.
A range of healthcare professionals may be involved in helping you manage your arthritis. Find out what each member of your healthcare team does and how to find them. Get tips on getting the most from a visit to your health professional.
General practitioner
Your General practitioner (GP, local doctor or family doctor) is often your first point of contact. They can refer you to specialists, manage your medications, and coordinate your overall care. Healthdirect’s Find a GP service can help you locate a GP in your area and based on your needs.
Find a GP https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services/guided-search/general-practice
Rheumatologist
A rheumatologist is a doctor who specialises in arthritis and related conditions. They can diagnose your condition, prescribe medications, and help manage your long-term care. The Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) have a tool to help you find a rheumatologist by location, special interest and languages spoken.
Find a Rheumatologist https://rheumatology.org.au/For-Patients/Find-a-Rheumatologist or call (02) 9252 2334
Physiotherapist
A physiotherapist (physio) can help reduce pain, improve movement, and keep your joints working as well as possible. They use exercise, hands-on treatment, and education. The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) have a tool to search for a physio near you
Find a physio today https://choose.physio/find-a-physio or call 1300 306 622
Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist (OT) can help you manage daily tasks that arthritis makes harder – from getting dressed to working and driving. They can also recommend aids and home modifications. Occupational Therapy Australia (OTAUS) helps you to find an OT by location, service type, funding scheme and language.
Find an OT https://otaus.com.au/find-an-ot or call 1300 682 878
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for arthritis. An exercise physiologist can design a safe, tailored program to help you stay strong and mobile. Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) have a directory you can search for qualified allied health professionals.
Find an accredited exercise professional https://www.essa.org.au/Web/Web/Member-location-search.aspx or call (07) 3171 3335
Podiatrist
Arthritis often affects the feet and ankles. A podiatrist can assess your foot health, recommend footwear, and provide treatments to reduce pain and improve mobility. The Australian Podiatry Associarion (ApodA) have a search function to look for a podiatrist near you.
Find a Podiatrist https://www.podiatry.org.au/find-a-podiatrist or call (03) 9416 3111
Dietitian
What you eat can affect inflammation and your overall health. A dietitian can help you build an eating plan that works for your body and your condition. Dietitians Australia have a search tool to Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) to support your health needs.
Find a dietician https://member.dietitiansaustralia.org.au/Portal/Portal/Search-Directories/Find-a-Dietitian.aspx or call 1800 812 942
Psychologist
Arthritis often affects the feet and ankles. A podiatrist can assess your foot health, recommend footwear, and provide treatments to reduce pain and improve mobility. The Australian Podiatry Associarion (ApodA) have a search function to look for a podiatrist near you.
Find a Podiatrist https://www.podiatry.org.au/find-a-podiatrist or call (03) 9416 3111
Orthopaedic Surgeon
An orthopaedic surgeon specialises in bones and joints. They can advise on surgery if other treatments haven’t helped. The Australian Orthopedic Association find-a-surgeon function lists AOA members that have elected to have some of their practice contact details available to the public.
Find a surgeon https://aoa.org.au/for-patients/find-a-surgeon or call (02) 8071 8000
Pharmacist
A pharmacist specialises in medicines and how they work in the body. They can advise on your medications, manage side effects, and check for interactions between different medicines. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s find-a-pharmacy function helps you locate a community pharmacy near you.
Find a pharmacy https://findapharmacy.com.au/ or call 1300 369 772
Healthdirect
Not sure where to start? Healthdirect can help you find a health service near you, any time of day or night. Healthdirect Service Finder is Australia’s most comprehensive directory of healthcare professionals and services.
Service Finder https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services or call 1800 022 222
Page reviewed and updated 15 May 2026