Healthfocus Physiotherapy now proudly offers Albury/Wodonga regional residents who are suffering from hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) the chance to join the GLA:D program. You may ask what the GLA:D program actually is? GLA:D, or Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark, is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

 

It involves an education and exercise program that reflects the latest evidence in osteoarthritis research. It also includes feedback from people with OA and trainers on what works in the real world to help patients manage OA symptoms.

GLA:D Australia consists of:

• A first appointment explaining the program and collecting data on your current functional ability

 

• Two education sessions which teach you about OA, how the GLA:D Australia exercises improve joint stability, and how to retain this improved joint stability outside of the program

 

• Group neuromuscular training sessions twice a week for six weeks to improve muscle control of the joint which leads to reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life

 

GLA:D is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity. You may participate in the GLA:D program if you have a hip or knee joint problem that resulted in visiting a health care provider.

You may not be able to participate in the GLA:D™ Australia program if:

• You have other reasons for your hip and/or knee pain, including; tumor, inflammatory joint disease, result of hip fracture, soft tissue or connective tissue problems

 

• You have other symptoms that are more pronounced than the osteoarthritis problems (for example chronic generalized pain or fibromyalgia)

 

• You are unable to understand and communicate in English

 

The most encouraging aspect of this program is the evidence that backs it. The more participants that complete the program throughout Australia will help to reinforce the evidence / benefits of GLA:D. So far, research from the GLA:D program in Denmark found symptom progression reduces by 32%.

 

Other outcomes include: less pain, reduced use of joint related pain killers, and less people on sick leave. GLA:D participants also reported high levels of satisfaction with the program and increased levels of physical activity 12 months after starting the program.

GLA:D Australia is run in the physiotherapy clinics by our specially trained physiotherapists. The cost will vary depending if you are a private, Medicare rebated or DVA client – please direct all pricing related questions to our friendly admin team.

If you have any further questions in regards to the GLA:D program, please don’t hesitate to give our team a call or speak to one of our physiotherapists.