Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark (GLA:D®)

GLA:D® is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. It was brought to Australia in 2016 to help Australians with hip or knee osteoarthritis. This education and exercise program reflects the latest evidence in OA research.

The GLA:D® Australia program consists of:

  • An initial appointment to assess, explain the program and measure your current functional ability

  • 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 physiotherapist 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

Can I participate in GLA:D® Australia?

GLA:D® Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee pain or symptoms of OA, regardless of severity.

Why GLA:D®?

In Australia, treatment usually focuses on medications and surgery. The GLA:D® Australia program offers a safe alternative to medications and surgery 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.

This program is unique in that the education and exercises provided can be applied to everyday activities, ensuring participants develop skills to self-manage their osteoarthritis. By strengthening and improving confidence with exercise, participants develop better capacity to become or stay active, prevent symptom progression, and reduce pain.

 Please call us on (02) 9368 1824 or email us for further information or to book an initial appointment.

Additional information can also be found on the official GLA:D® Australia website.