The Columbia Arthritis Center

Last Updated: July 1, 2003

The Columbia Arthritis Center at 2025 East Newport Avenue in Milwaukee continues the “tradition of teamwork” which began at Columbia Hospital in 1969 to treat individuals with any of the 100 or more forms of arthritis.

A specialized team of rheumatologists, nurses, therapists, dietitians, surgeons and others have developed their skills and expertise so they can improve the quality of life for persons with arthritis. There is an emphasis on education to help patients adjust their lifestyle and manage their disease.

Services available through the Columbia Arthritis Center
There are many forms of arthritis and it is important to know what kind you have. Some kinds of arthritis are best treated by a rheumatologist (a physician who specializes in the care of people with arthritis and rheumatic diseases). The Columbia Arthritis Center has eight rheumatologists on staff.

The Arthritis Day Treatment Program is a unique outpatient program designed to meet the needs of people with all forms of arthritis. The program is scheduled as a one-day visit which may last three to six hours depending on the individual’s needs. If necessary, follow-up visits can be scheduled several weeks or months following the initial visit. The Arthritis Day Treatment Program is a highly coordinated service. The services may include:

Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Nutritional therapy
Instruction on medications and disease process
Consultations with physician specialists
Special X-rays, bone scans
Laboratory studies
Epidural back injections

Support groups for people with similar problems are regularly scheduled and educational courses are also offered. The Columbia Arthritis Center and the Arthritis Foundation-Wisconsin Chapter work together to provide these programs. Call for information on dates and times.

The Joint Communique is published quarterly by the Columbia Arthritis Center and contains helpful information and articles. Call for your free copy and to get your name on the mailing list.

Exercise programs are available through the Columbia Arthritis Center. These classes are:

FLEX: The goal of the Fibromyalgia Low-Impact Exercise program is to increase physical fitness for people with fibromyalgia. FLEX classes consist of gentle warm-up exercises followed by low-impact aerobics and finishes with a cool down period. This class meets twice weekly for one hour for eight weeks. At the end of the series, participants find that their endurance and fitness level have increased.

PACE: People with Arthritis Can Exercise is sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation and the Columbia Arthritis Center. PACE is an exercise program specifically designed for people with arthritis. During the eight-week program, participants go through a series of gentle movements and exercises designed to increase mobility and range of motion and build overall stamina.

SPLASH BACK!: Splash Back! is a water exercise program designed for those persons whose mobility is affected by the pain and stiffness of arthritis. The program consists of 45 minutes of gentle stretching and mobility exercises. The class is held in Columbia’s warm water therapeutic pool and led by a trained instructor. The sessions meet twice weekly for eight weeks.

To receive more information about Columbia Arthritis Center, please call (414) 961-3594.

We Have Answers Do you have medical questions or need help finding a doctor? The experts at Columbia St. Mary's and Advanced Healthcare can help. Click here.