GLA:D®
What is GLA:D®?
GLA:D®, from ‘Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark’, is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
This education and exercise program reflects the latest evidence in osteoarthritis (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.
The GLA:D® Australia program consists of:
- An initial appointment to explain the program and measure your current functional ability
- Two education sessions which teach you about OA, its risk factors, treatment options, and self-management strategies.
- Group exercise sessions twice a week for six weeks to improve your control of the joint, your confidence in the joint and your strength
- A review at 3-months with your clinician to discuss progress and goals, and re-measure your functional ability
- Completion of a questionnaire on registration with the program, and then again at 3 and 12 months after registration to measure changes in areas such as pain, function, quality of life, and medication use.
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Osteoarthritis treatment in Australia
Osteoarthritis is the most common lifestyle disease in individuals 65 year of age and older, but can also affect individuals as young as 30 years of age.
Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight management as first line treatment for everyone with osteoarthritis.
In Australia, treatment usually focuses on medications and surgery. The GLA:D® Australia program offers a safe alternative that may reduce your need for medications, avoid the need for surgery, and improve your ability to participate more actively in work and recreational activities.
This program is unique in that the education and exercises provided can be applied to everyday activities, ensuring participants develop skills to self-manage their osteoarthritis. By strengthening and improving confidence with exercise, participants develop better capacity to become or stay active, prevent symptom progression, and reduce pain.
Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight management as first line treatment for everyone with osteoarthritis.
In Australia, treatment usually focuses on medications and surgery. The GLA:D® Australia program offers a safe alternative that may reduce your need for medications, avoid the need for surgery, and improve your ability to participate more actively in work and recreational activities.
This program is unique in that the education and exercises provided can be applied to everyday activities, ensuring participants develop skills to self-manage their osteoarthritis. By strengthening and improving confidence with exercise, participants develop better capacity to become or stay active, prevent symptom progression, and reduce pain.
Research and the GLA:D® Program
Research from the GLA:D® program in Australia (GLA:D® Australia Annual Report 2023) found an average reduction in pain of 23% (hip) and 31% (knee), improved quality of life by 24% (hip) and 38% (knee), and reduced usage of pain medication by 46% (hip) and 50% (knee) at 12 months after the program. It was also found that less people desired surgery after completing the program.
GLA:D® Australia continues to collect information from participants so that it can keep working towards improving access to the best possible care for people with osteoarthritis.
Research from the GLA:D® program in Australia (GLA:D® Australia Annual Report 2023) found an average reduction in pain of 23% (hip) and 31% (knee), improved quality of life by 24% (hip) and 38% (knee), and reduced usage of pain medication by 46% (hip) and 50% (knee) at 12 months after the program. It was also found that less people desired surgery after completing the program.
GLA:D® Australia continues to collect information from participants so that it can keep working towards improving access to the best possible care for people with osteoarthritis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I participate in GLA:D® Australia?
GLA:D® Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee pain or symptoms of OA, regardless of severity.
At your initial appointment we will assess you and discuss your best treatment options as part of the assessment process. If we don’t think GLA:D® is right for you, we can still make you an exercise program for what you need treated (e.g. balance, pain etc). – needs rewording
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
No, you do not need a referral from your doctor to participate in the GLA:D® Program.
What will it cost?
We charge our standard consult fees ($187 for your initial appointment and $139 for your 3-month follow up appointment).
Classes will cost $20/per class (1 hour) which adds up to $240 for the 12 classes.
These appointments and classes can be claimed on most private health funds. Seniors discount applies* so remember to bring your membership cards.
Can I participate in GLA:D® Australia?
GLA:D® Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee pain or symptoms of OA, regardless of severity.
At your initial appointment we will assess you and discuss your best treatment options as part of the assessment process. If we don’t think GLA:D® is right for you, we can still make you an exercise program for what you need treated (e.g. balance, pain etc). – needs rewording
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
No, you do not need a referral from your doctor to participate in the GLA:D® Program.
What will it cost?
We charge our standard consult fees ($187 for your initial appointment and $139 for your 3-month follow up appointment).
Classes will cost $20/per class (1 hour) which adds up to $240 for the 12 classes.
These appointments and classes can be claimed on most private health funds. Seniors discount applies* so remember to bring your membership cards.
For more information on
The GLA:D® Australia program
GLA:D® Australia Website: www.gladaustralia.com.au
GLA:D® Australia – Frequently Asked Questions: gladaustralia.com.au/faq-for-people-with-oa/
GLA:D® Australia – Frequently Asked Questions: gladaustralia.com.au/faq-for-people-with-oa/
We are so grateful to bring this program to the Pilbara.
We are excited to be
Your local GLA:D® Provider:
Karratha Physiotherapy
1/5 Warambie Rd, Karratha, WA 6714
0456 405 342
admin@karrathaphysiotherapy.com.au
www.karrathaphysiotherapy.com.au
Your local GLA:D® Provider:
Karratha Physiotherapy
1/5 Warambie Rd, Karratha, WA 6714
0456 405 342
admin@karrathaphysiotherapy.com.au
www.karrathaphysiotherapy.com.au
