GLA:D™ Australia

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What is GLA:D?

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The GLA:D® program (Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark) is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms.

 

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common lifestyle condition affecting individuals 65 year of age and older, but can also affect those as young as 30. Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight loss as first line treatment for osteoarthritis. However in Australia, treatment usually focuses on surgery.

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The GLA:D® program offers a better and safer alternative by providing participants with education and exercises that can be applied to everyday activities. This education and exercise program is based on the latest evidence in OA research and reflects clinical guidelines. By strengthening and correcting everyday movement patterns, individuals will train their bodies to move more smoothly and efficiently, thereby preventing symptom progression and reducing pain scores.

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                                                        Source: www.gladaustralia.com.au

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What does the GLA:D program involve?

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• An initial appointment to explain the program and measure your current functional ability to create your baseline data.

• Two educational sessions which teach you about OA, how the GLA:D® program exercises improve joint stability and how you can retain this improvement long term.

• Group neuromuscular training sessions held twice a week for six weeks to improve muscle control of the joint which leads to reduced symptoms and improved quality of life.

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Who can participate in GLA:D?

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This is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee OA symptoms, regardless of severity. These can include any of the following:

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• Pain when moving or loading the joint. In time, pain can happen at rest or at night.

• Joint stiffness and problems starting your day. 

• Less range of motion.

• Heat and swelling at the joint. 

• Muscle tightness.

• Difficulty moving around.

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The program caters for anyone who has had a hip or knee joint problem that's resulted in them visiting a healthcare provider.