GLA:D®, Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark, is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
Research from the GLA:D® program in Australia shows an average pain reduction of 36%, reduced analgesic consumption, reduction in perceived need for surgery, and clinically meaningful improvement in joint confidence.
Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight loss as the first line of treatment for osteoarthritis.
The GLA:D Australia program offers a safe, evidence-based first line treatment plan as an alternative to early surgery.
What does GLA:D involve?
- Pre-GLA:D 45-minute individual session with a GLA:D trained Physiotherapist
- 12x supervised 60-minute exercise sessions over 6 weeks with a GLA:D trained Physiotherapist
- 2x 60-minute education sessions with a GLA:D trained Physiotherapist
- Post-GLA:D 45-minute individual session with a GLA:D trained Physiotherapist
Outcomes of GLA:D*
- Less pain
- Improved quality of life
- Reduced use of joint related pain medication
- Increased physical activity.
*Outcomes from participants 12 months after they completed the GLA:D program in Denmark, Canada and Australia. Research from the GLA:D program in Denmark found symptom progression reduces by 32%. GLA:D participants also reported high levels of satisfaction with the program and increased levels of physical activity 12 months after starting the program.
Who can participate in GLA:D?
GLA:D Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity.
As well as providing the treatment framework for osteoarthritis, GLA:D® Australia collects research data from participants. This data is de-identified, which means that it can’t be used to identify participants. We ask you to complete questionnaires with information about your health and your experiences with osteoarthritis before you start, then at 3 months and again at 12 months. Your physiotherapist will also undertake some progression tests.
The GLA:D® Australia team will use this information to work towards improving access to the best possible care for people with osteoarthritis.
GLA:D Trained Physiotherapists
| Lisa Mains BSc (Hons), MPhty, APAM Senior Associate | Lucy Thomas B Phty (Hons), APAM Associate |
Edgecliff Physiotherapy acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, the Gadigal of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.