GLA:D®, or Good Life with Arthritis: 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 physiotherapists on what works in the real world to help patients manage OA symptoms. GLA:D® Australia training consists of:
- A first appointment with one of our GLA:D® trained physiotherapists explaining the program and collecting data on your current functional ability
- Two education sessions which 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
- Group neuromuscular training sessions twice a week for six weeks to improve muscle control of the joint which leads to reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life (this is rebateable through your private health fund)
GLA:D® Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity. 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.
OA 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 loss as first line treatment for osteoarthritis. In Australia, treatment usually focuses on surgery and the GLA:D® Australia program offers a safe alternative that may avoid the need for surgery.
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 less people on sick leave. GLA:D® participants also reported high levels of satisfaction with the program and increased levels of physical activity 12 months after starting the program.
We will be commencing our GLA:D® program at Pro Health Care this month at our Hope Valley site. We will soon commence our GLA:D® program at our Kidman Park and Mitcham sites beginning in July 2021.
Please contact our practice to discuss pricing and program running times. You do not need a doctor’s referral, however you may be eligible for a rebate from Medicare for some of the cost of the program (at the GP’s discretion). The supervised group exercise session may be rebatable through your private health fund.
Pro Physio SA