Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark
Best first treatment for hip and knee Osteoarthritis
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.
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.
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.
Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight management as first line treatment for everyone with osteoarthritis.
For more information about GLA:D Australia
please visit: https://gladaustralia.com.au/faq-for-people-with-oa/
GLA:D® is available at JointMotion Physiotherapy
What does GLA:D Involve?
Initial Assessment
- An initial appointment to explain the program and measure your current functional ability
Education
- Two education sessions which teach you about OA, its risk factors, treatment options, and self-management strategies.
Exercise Sessions
- Group exercise sessions 2x per week for 6 weeks to improve your control of the joint, your confidence in the joint and your strength.
Review Assessment and Referrer Report
- A review at 3-months with your clinician to discuss progress and goals, and re-measure your functional ability
- A report of your progress sent to your referring GP or surgeon
Completion of a questionnaires on registration with the program, and then again at 3 and 12 months after registration allow measurement of areas such as pain, function, quality of life and medication use. This collected information is managed by GLA:D Australia and will be kept confidential.