Reduce pain, increase activity and avoid surgery.
GLA:D The best first treatment for hip and knee arthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common lifestyle disease in individuals 65 year of age and older. It can also affect individuals as young as 30 years of age.
Education, exercise and weight loss are recommended as the current national and international treatment for osteoarthritis.
This program provides education and exercises that can be applied to everyday activities. By strengthening and correcting daily movement patterns, you will train your body to move properly, prevent symptom progression and reduce pain.
The GLA:D® Program
The GLA:D program is for adults who have hip or knee osteoarthritis. It has been developed and extensively researched in several countries including Australia. Our physiotherapists have undergone specific training in order to be qualified providers of this program in Australia.
GLA:D Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity.
Research from the GLA:D program in Denmark found symptom progression reduces by 32%. Other outcomes include less pain, reduced use of joint related pain killers, and fewer people on sick leave.
Participants also report high levels of satisfaction with the program and increased levels of physical activity 12 months after starting the program.
GLA:D Australia training consists of:
An initial appointment explaining the program and collecting data on your current functional ability.
The education session will teach you about osteoarthritis (OA), how the GLA:D Australia exercises improve joint stability, and how to retain this improved joint stability outside of the program. This education and exercise program reflects the latest evidence in OA research. It also includes feedback from people with OA and trainers on what works in the real world to help patients manage OA symptoms.
Six week exercise based program in small groups supervised by your Physio to improve muscle control of the joint which leads to a reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life.
Weekly group exercise times
Check out our SquareOne app (free) for the latest class timetable.
An example can be found here (December 2023)
Bridgepoint: Monday 10am, Monday 6pm, Tuesday 10.30am, Thursday 2pm, Friday 12pm.
Balgowlah: Monday 1.30pm, Thursday 2pm.
FAQ’s
When does your next GLA:D program start?
Education Sessions:
Our next education session will be taking place in 2024.
Check out our events page.
What is GLA:D?
The GLA:D program is for adults who have hip or knee osteoarthritis. It has been developed and extensively researched in several countries including Australia. Our physiotherapists have undergone specific training in order to be qualified providers of this program in Australia.
Do I need a referral?
As with other physio visits, you do not need a referral. If you have serious medical conditions you should discuss exercise with your doctor before starting the program. Your GP may also be able to advise you if you are eligible for an EPC referral under Medicare.
Where are the exercises held?
All exercise sessions will be held at our Bridgepoint and Balgowalah practices.
How long is it?
The program involves an education session, an assessment, 6 weeks of twice-weekly classes, and a follow-up visit. The entire program will span 8-12 weeks depending on when you start.
What types of changes will I see?
The majority of participants notice less joint pain, reduced need for pain medication, and a better ability to do everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs.
Are there risks?
A little bit of muscle soreness is expected whenever starting a new activity. This is short term. The exercises will be designed to be safe and minimise the risk of falls and other injuries.
My legs are very bad. I don’t think I can do exercise.
Most people find that aches and pains associated with arthritis, weakness or old injuries actually improve with regular exercise. Your physio will make sure that the exercise program is at a level appropriate for you.
What happens at the end of the program?
Being active is an important part of everyday life, and this exercise program is intended to assist participants toward being active at least 150 minutes per week. Some people will find they are able to meet this goal on their own at the end of the program, while others may choose to continue progressing their exercises with a physiotherapist. Participants will be offered the opportunity to continue attending classes beyond the initial program.
Can I claim part of the cost from my Private Health Fund?
If you have coverage for Physiotherapy services, you should be able to claim a rebate from your health find towards the cost of the GLA:D appointments and classes.
What does it cost?
Looking for a total solution we have a GLA:D bundle for you
For $640 you will receive (you will save $202):
- Education session
- An initial assessment with a physio
- SquareOne Bag with all the GLA:D exercise essentials including sliders, bands and exercises
- 12 classes (2 classes a week for 6 weeks is the recommendation)
- Follow up consultation
This is a saving of $202, and has to be paid in advance or at the time of assessment.
Would you like to take up this offer?
Call us 99683424 or email us
