GLA:D at Personal Best

What is 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 then brought to Australia in 2016 to help Australians with hip or knee osteoarthritis. 

What does GLA:D involve?

• An initial appointment to explain the program and measure your current functional ability.
• Two education sessions which teach you about Osteoarthritis (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 to re-measure your functional ability.

Why do GLA:D?

Osteoarthritis is the most common lifestyle disease in individuals 65 years 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. 

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. 

What should I do next?

GLA:D Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip an/ or knee pain or symptoms of OA, regardless of severity. To get started call our helpful front desk team today on 6056 6616.

If you would like to join our class, please call Mary on 6056 6616 to arrange an Assessment prior to starting.