You may have heard of the GLA:D program before…or you may not have. But for most of you who have been told that you have hip or knee arthritis, I’d be surprised if your healthcare professional hadn’t mentioned this wonderful program!
In this post, we’re going to discuss what the GLA:D program actually is, who it is for, and most importantly, how to get started.
What is GLA:D?
GLA:D is an internationally recognised program, strongly backed by science, that helps with the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis.
Designed and developed in Denmark, the GLA:D program has garnered international acclaim for it’s effectiveness in delivering fantastic improvements in pain and function related to hip and knee osteoarthritis. The program itself landed on our shores in 2017 and has been adopted by roughly 1 in 10 physiotherapists in Australia. Most importantly, research has demonstrated that the GLA:D program can meaningfully reduce pain and improve function for most people, and for many with OA, it can delay or avoid the need for joint replacement surgery. How great is that!
But it’s not without effort. Unfortunately, there’s no magic pill that can replace consistency and lifestyle change. But GLA:D is pretty close. The program consists of a minimum of 6 weeks of supervised exercise with a physiotherapist, twice or more per week. In addition to this, you’ll learn a lot more about your body with the accompanying education evenings, designed to put you in control of your pain, rather than the other way around. Holistically, you’re guided through a journey of improved strength and fitness, greater understanding, and therefore more autonomy over your condition.
Who is it for?
GLA:D is specifically for people with hip and knee osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, if it is found that your pain is due to a condition other than osteoarthritis, this program isn’t for you.
For those that aren’t sure if they have osteoarthritis, here are the cardinal signs that your pain might be due to OA (I recommend, if you believe this might be the case, seeing a healthcare professional for an expert opinion and diagnosis):
Must have:
- Use-related pain
- Functional limitations
- Age >40 years
One or more of these:
- Morning stiffness (eases within 30mins)
- “Crunching” (also known as crepitus)
- Restricted movement
- Bony enlargement
You may also be at a higher risk if you fit into these categories:
- Age >40 years
- Sex (woman)
- Overweight
- Prior joint injury
- Manual labour
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of OA
How To Get Started:
Getting started is simple – call us on 7057 2779 or book online.
Your journey will begin with a thorough physical assessment with one of our physios. Following this, and depending on your level of pain and function, we will either get you prepared to join a GLA:D class, or work with you 1:1 to settle your symptoms first. The program will go for at least 6 weeks, but we often see better results in those of you who go for 12+ weeks, as the improvements are greater over time.
Alternatively, book a free discovery call with our team and chat to one of our physios about it. You won’t regret it.
Michael Scardamaglia
Owner, Director & Senior Physiotherapist
B. App. Sci., M. Physio. Practice
GLA:D Accredited Clinician
