GLA:D® is an education-and-exercise program for hip or knee osteoarthritis, developed by researchers in Denmark and run at First Choice Spinal & Sports Physiotherapy's Lawson and Warrimoo clinics in the Blue Mountains by GLA:D-trained physiotherapists. No referral is needed, and health-fund rebates can be claimed via HICAPS.
Whether you're managing osteoarthritis symptoms or have had a hip or knee problem that led you to a healthcare provider, GLA:D gives you a structured, research-based way to move better and feel more confident in your joints. It's led by APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Jason Wheeler, with unhurried appointments and a plan tailored to you.
To book into the GLA:D program, or for more information, call us on 0490 326 311.
GLA:D® is for anyone who experiences hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity — and it's also applied to chronic low back pain. It caters for anyone who has had a hip or knee joint problem that's led them to a healthcare provider.
This program is for anyone who experiences hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity — and it's also applied to chronic low back pain. Symptoms can include:
It caters for anyone who has had a hip or knee joint problem that's led them to a healthcare provider.
GLA:D® is built on the best available evidence for hip and knee osteoarthritis: education, supervised neuromuscular exercise, and long-term monitoring — delivered at our Lawson and Warrimoo clinics by GLA:D-trained physiotherapists.
Two 1-hour education sessions: (1) what osteoarthritis is — its risk factors, symptoms and treatment; (2) exercise, daily activities, coping and self-help tools.
Neuromuscular exercises (NEMEX) in a small class, each graded to your ability and adjusted so pain and discomfort aren't excessive during or after exercise.
Classes are supervised and run by physiotherapists trained in the GLA:D program, so your initial exercises are done under expert instruction.
Exercises can be performed at home or while travelling with minimal equipment, supported by exercise sheets and log books.
You complete a baseline questionnaire and again at 3 and 12 months, and we support you to keep exercising well beyond the program.
A lot of what people believe about osteoarthritis can hold them back from moving. Here are four common myths about hip and knee OA — and what the research actually shows.
Myth: the degree of OA predicts pain and disability.
Scans are poorly related to pain and disability.
Myth: pain equals joint damage.
Pain does not equal damage and isn't a reliable indicator of joint condition.
Myth: exercise is dangerous for an OA joint.
Exercise is safe and actually helps people with OA.
Myth: rest is best for OA.
Rest and avoiding movement makes pain worse.
Quick answers on referrals, rebates and session length for the GLA:D hip and knee program at our Lawson and Warrimoo clinics. Still unsure? Call us on 0490 326 311.
No referral is required for GLA:D.
Yes. The amount varies between funds and can be claimed at your session using a HICAPS terminal.
The group exercise sessions run for around 45 minutes; the two individual education sessions run for about 60 minutes.
GLA:D® for hip and knee pain runs at our Lawson and Warrimoo clinics in the Blue Mountains, with no referral needed and rebates claimable via HICAPS. Book directly to get started.
To book into the GLA:D program, or for more information, get in touch or call us on 0490 326 311.