Body Logic’s GLA:D® Program (Good Life with Arthritis) is an effective treatment for patients with hip and knee pain and is also an alternative to hip or knee surgery!
If you have experienced hip and knee osteoarthritis symptoms, our GLA:D® Program is for you!
The GLA:D® Australia program consists of:
- An initial appointment to explain the program and measure your current functional ability with one of our qualified clinicians.
- The program may require attendance of a free education session, 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 (the weekly sessions are done with the supervision of a qualified clinician and have been developed to improve muscle control of the joint which leads to reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life).
- 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.
GLA:D® Australia is a not-for-profit initiative led by La Trobe University and is an education & exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
What does GLA:D® involve?
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.
• A first appointment 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
GLA:D® Australia is run in private, public, and hospital physiotherapy clinics. The cost of the program can vary depending on location and size of the group. Please discuss this with the provider listed below. You do not need a referral from your Doctor, however you may be eligible for a rebate from Medicare for some of the cost of the program, if deemed appropriate by your GP.
Can I 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.
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.
You may not be able to participate in the GLA:D® Australia program if:
• You have other reasons for your hip and/or knee pain, including; tumor, inflammatory joint disease, result of hip fracture, soft tissue or connective tissue problems
• You have other symptoms that are more pronounced than the osteoarthritis problems (for example chronic generalized pain or fibromyalgia)
• You are unable to understand and communicate in English
OA Treatment in Australia:
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 often focuses on surgery. However, many patients do not need surgery, and the GLA:D® Australia program offers what should be the first treatment for all people with osteoarthritis – appropriate education and exercise of sufficient dose and quality.
Background of the GLA:D® Program
Research from the GLA:D® program in Denmark found symptom progression reduces by 32%.
Other outcomes include a 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.
This program is unique in that the education and exercises provided can be applied to everyday activities. By strengthening and correcting daily movement patterns, participants will train their bodies to move properly, prevent symptom progression and reduce pain.
GLA:D® Group Exercise Classes
Participants enrolled in the GLA:D® program will complete their exercise sessions within dedicated GLA:D® group classes.
These classes are separate from our Exercise for Health group classes, ensuring the program is delivered in line with the GLA:D® protocol and research guidelines. Each session is structured to progress strength, movement, and function in a safe and controlled environment specific to hip and knee osteoarthritis management.
Being part of a GLA:D®-specific group also provides education, support, and shared experience with others managing similar conditions, which is a key component of the program’s success.
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