GLA:D Program
A Safe & Effective Alternative
The GLA:D® program (Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark) is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms.
OA is the most common lifestyle condition affecting individuals 65 year of age and older, but can also affect those as young as 30.
Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight loss as first line treatment for osteoarthritis. In Australia however, treatment usually focuses on surgery and the GLA:D Australia program offers a better and safer alternative.
Research from the GLA:D® Denmark found that:
Patient reported symptoms fell by 32%
Less pain and reduced painkiller use
Less sick leave or absenteeism
Increased levels of physical activity 12mths after
High level of program satisfaction
What is involved?
The GLA:D program is an eight week intervention and includes education and exercise, based on the latest evidence in osteoarthritis research. The program is supervised by a certified GLA:D physiotherapist, with the aim to help patients manage their OA symptoms.
GLA:D® Australia training consists of:
An initial appointment with a GLA:D certified physiotherapist explaining the program and collecting baseline data on functional ability.
Two education sessions where you will learn about OA, how the GLA:D intervention improves joint stability and can reduce symptoms, and ongoing post-program management.
Group neuromuscular training sessions which occur twice a week for six weeks to improve muscle control of the joint.
Am I Eligible?
GLA:D® Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity or x-ray reports. You may 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 eligible to participate in the GLA:D® Australia program if you have:
Other sources of knee pain including; tumor, inflammatory joint disease, result of hip fracture, soft tissue or connective tissue problems
Inflammatory conditions that are more pronounced than osteoarthritis problems (for example chronic generalized pain or fibromyalgia)
Are not able to understand English.
