GLA:D® Program
What Is GLA:D®?
The GLA:D® Australia 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 remeasure 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.
A little bit more from GLA:D®...
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 brought to Australia in 2016 to help Australians with hip or knee osteoarthritis.
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.
You do not need a referral from your doctor.
Eligible participants (check with your GP) 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.
GLA:D® Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee pain or symptoms of OA, 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.
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.
Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend patient education,
exercise and weight management as first line treatment for everyone with osteoarthritis.
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 from the GLA:D® program in Australia (GLA:D® Australia Annual Report
2023) found an average reduction in pain of 23% (hip) and 31% (knee), improved quality of life by 24% (hip) and 38% (knee), and reduced usage of pain medication by 46% (hip) and
50% (knee) at 12 months following 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.
This program is unique in that the knowledge learned and exercises taught 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.
Are you interested in joining the next intake for the GLA:D® program in Lara or South Geelong?
If the answer is yes, fill out the form below and we will contact you!
Contact Us
South Geelong Clinic
15 Fyans St
South Geelong
VIC 3220
P:
(03) 5221 1877
F:
(03) 5229 8661
E: admin@kardiniaclinic.com.au
Lara Clinic
16 Station Lake Rd
Lara
VIC 3212
P:
(03) 5221 1877
F:
(03) 5229 8661
E: admin@kardiniaclinic.com.au
