A non-surgical approach to managing osteoarthritis - 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.
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.
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.
How do I know if GLA:D® is right for me?
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 consultation, your physiotherapist will provide assessment and will discuss your best treatment options with you - including if GLA:D® is right for you.
How effective is GLA:D® for osteoarthritis?
At 12 months following the 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)
Reduced usage of pain medication by 46% (hip) and 50% (knee).
It was also found that less people desired surgery after completing the program.
What if I’ve already been referred to a specialist for a hip/knee replacement?
If you’re considering surgery, exercise can still have a valuable role in strengthening your muscles before your operation to prepare you for your recovery. We recommend booking an appointment to discuss options for exercise with a physiotherapist.
What does it cost to participate?
We offer the GLA:D® program under our usual appointment/group exercise class fees:
Initial consult $99
Follow up consult (3 months post GLA:D completion) $95
Group Physiotherapy Classes - $25/class (2 classes per week for 6 weeks = $300).
Depending on your private health insurance, you may be able to claim the cost of these appointments. Eligible participants may be able to use Medicare funding to cover costs of 1:1 assessments.
More information
GLA:D® Australia is a non-for-profit initiative led by La Trobe University. For more information about the program:
GLA:D® Australia FAQ page for participants: gladaustralia.com.au/faq-for-people-with-oa/
Contact Zoe on 0413178146 to discuss the program further
