The best first treatment for knee & hip arthritis led by a qualified physio
GLA:D®, (or “Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark”), is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark that helps people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms have less pain and improve function so they can do all the things they want to do.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common lifestyle disease in individuals 65 years of age and older, but can also affect individuals as young as 30 years of age. Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend education, exercise and weight loss as first-line treatment for helping you manage your osteoarthritis.
In Australia, treatment for OA usually focuses on surgery, however, the GLA:D Australia program offers a safer alternative that is well worth trying before exploring surgical options and has shown excellent results both from a participant’s perspective and research data.
Contact us to book your appointment.
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How the program works
This education and exercise program reflects the latest evidence in osteoarthritis (OA) research. It also includes feedback from people with OA and physiotherapists on what works in the real world to help you manage OA symptoms.
GLA:D Australia training consists of:
- An Initial appointment explaining the program and collecting data on your current functional ability
- 2 x education sessions that teach you about OA, how the GLA:D™ Australia exercises improve joint stability, and how to retain this improved joint stability outside of the program for long-term results
- Group neuromuscular (brain muscle) training sessions twice a week for six weeks to improve muscle control of the joint which leads to a reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life
Traditionally, education and group exercise have been conducted in a face-to-face environment, however, research has shown that education and exercise prescription via telehealth for patients with knee osteoarthritis is as effective, with high patient satisfaction.
You can book a telehealth appointment by contacting our clinic.
Who is it for?
GLA:D™ Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity.
Your physio can prescribe the correct exercises at the right dosage to ensure your pain and function improve over time, not worsen.
We recommend you participate in the GLA:D™ Australia program if you have a hip or knee joint problem that resulted in visiting a health care provider.
You may not be able to participate in the GLA:D™ Australia program if:
- You have other reasons for your hip and/or knee pain, including; tumor, inflammatory joint disease, result of hip fracture, soft tissue or connective tissue problems
- You have other symptoms that are more pronounced than the osteoarthritis problems (for example chronic generalised pain or fibromyalgia)
- You are unable to understand and communicate in English
For information on health fund rebates, and care programs, please head to our FAQs page.
The Benefits
Research from the GLA:D® program in Denmark found symptom progression reduced by 32%. Other outcomes include:
- Strengthened and corrected daily movement patterns
- Less pain and symptom progression
- Reduced use of joint related pain killers
- Increased levels of physical activity
This program is unique in that the education and exercises provided can be applied to everyday activities.
