What is GLA:D®?

GLA:D® – “Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark” – is a program of education and exercise designed to help reduce the symptoms of hip and/or knee osteoarthritis. Learn more at https://gladaustralia.com.au/faq-for-people-with-oa/

What does GLA:D® involve?

The GLA:D® Australia program consists of:

• An initial appointment to explain the program and measure your current functional ability

• Two education sessions which teach you about 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 physiotherapist to discuss progress and goals, and re-measure your functional ability

• Completion of a questionnaire on registration with the program, and then again at 3 and 12 months after registration to measure changes in areas such as pain, function, quality of life, and medication use.

Background of 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.

Research from the GLA:D® program in Australia (GLA:D® Australia Annual Report 2020) found an average reduction in pain of 27% (hip) and 33% (knee), improved quality of life by 20% (hip) and 29% (knee), and reduced usage of pain medication by 45% (hip) and 49% (knee). It was also found that less people desired surgery after completing the program. GLA:D® Australia continues to collect information from participants so that it can keep working towards improving access to the best possible care for people with osteoarthritis.