GLA:D

Best first treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis

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. It was then brought to Australia in 2016 to help Australians with hip or knee osteoarthritis.

GLA:D® uses education and exercise to help with daily activities. You will work on strengthening your body, as well as learning to move correctly and manage symptoms to improve pain.

GLA:D FAQ

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.

GLA:D® Australia is run in private, public, and hospital clinics. The cost of the program can vary depending on the location. Please discuss this with your clinician. You do not need a referral from your doctor.

Eligible participants may be able to use Medicare funding to cover costs of assessments and some people may be eligible to access publicly-funded services. Private health claims should be discussed with your insurer.

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.

The GLA:D program

What to expect

The 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 functional ability.
Completion of questionnaires 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.

If you have any further questions please speak to us on 8339 3188 or stirling@pilatesproactive.com.au.

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Physio Treatment Room Adelaide - Physio Pilates Proactive

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.

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.

Research and the GLA:D® Program

Research from the GLA:D® program in Australia (GLA:D® Australia Annual Report 2022) found an average reduction in pain of 23% (hip) and 29% (knee), improved quality of life by 21% (hip) and 35% (knee), and reduced usage of pain medication by 46% (hip) and 49% (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.