The Growing Musculoskeletal Health Crisis in WA — and How We Can Reduce Its Impact
By Traci Mitchell (Physiotherapist)
Recently I attended the launch of a report from Monash and Curtin Universities which forecasts the burden of musculoskeletal conditions in Western Australia over the next 20 years. The infographic below is a summary from the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Foundation of WA.
The Takeaway: A Musculoskeletal Health Crisis in WA
At a Glance: lots and lots more people will be living with arthritis, osteoporosis and long-term back problems in WA.
It was a confronting picture that highlights why we need to start preparing now. It was also encouraging to hear from both experts and people living with these conditions about what we can do to tackle this growing challenge here in our own state.
Why Musculoskeletal Conditions Matter to All of Us
We already know that conditions affecting bones and joints are very common. Every person reading this will probably know someone impacted by them daily — or perhaps you are living with one yourself.
What’s concerning is that the numbers are only expected to increase, particularly among women. Arthritis is projected to affect women 47% more than men, while osteoporosis is expected to impact women at a staggering 392% higher rate.
This is a key reason why the data points to a growing musculoskeletal health crisis in WA.
The Cost to Individuals and the Health System
The projected health expenditure for musculoskeletal conditions in Western Australia is around $2.25 billion — and that figure doesn’t include out-of-pocket costs.
Many people living with arthritis, osteoporosis or persistent back pain:
- See multiple health professionals
- Experience long wait times for specialist care
- Juggle ongoing appointments and treatments
It’s hoped that the findings from this report will prompt changes to our health system, including increased funding, better access to care, and more research into effective treatments.
Prevention: The Most Powerful Tool We Have
One of the most encouraging messages from the report is that a significant portion of the cost and burden of musculoskeletal conditions can be reduced with good quality preventative care.
While it may not sound exciting, the evidence is clear:
- Regular exercise
- A nutritious diet
- Healthy sleep habits
- Quitting smoking
All play a major role in reducing the risk of developing musculoskeletal problems in the first place.
Managing Musculoskeletal Conditions Without Overmedicalising
There is also a lot that can already be done to manage musculoskeletal conditions effectively after diagnosis – often without more scans, invasive procedures or hospital visits.
Physiotherapists are musculoskeletal experts who can provide practical, evidence-based support and empower people to self-manage long-term conditions.
Physiotherapy can help by:
- Providing exercise programs that reduce pain and improve function in osteoarthritis, potentially delaying or avoiding joint replacement surgery
- Safely prescribing strength and impact-based exercise to improve bone density in people with osteoporosis
- Treating lower back pain and teaching proven strategies to reduce flare-ups and prevent recurrence
Moving Forward Together as a Community
Yes – the numbers are big, and the challenges ahead are real. But the good news is that there is a lot we can do, both as individuals and as a community.
Simple, everyday habits that keep our bodies strong and moving well can significantly ease the future burden of this musculoskeletal health crisis in WA. And when problems do arise, there is already excellent support available.
Physiotherapists are here to help you:
- Understand what’s happening in your body
- Manage pain with confidence
- Build strength and resilience
- Keep doing the things you love
If we start paying attention to musculoskeletal health now, we can make a real difference — not only in how our state handles this growing issue, but in how each of us lives and moves in the years ahead.
Book an appointment with one of our experienced Physiotherapists to help you get on track today.