GLA:D Program

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. Our GLA:D trained Physiotherapist Jessica Mosely will host the GLA:D program. 

What does GLA:D® involve?

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

Eligible participants may be able to use Medicare funding to cover partial costs of assessments and some people may be eligible to claim on their Private health.

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The GLA:D Australia program consists of :

  • An initial appointment to explain the program and measure your current functional ability
  • Two FREE 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 clinician 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.

Research and GLA:D Program

Research from the GLA:D® program in Australia (GLA:D® Australia Annual Report 2023) found an average reduction in pain of 23% (hip) and 31% (knee), improved quality of life by 24% (hip) and 38% (knee), and reduced usage of pain medication by 46% (hip) and 50% (knee) at 12 months after the program.  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.

GLA:D Frequently Asked Questions

GLA:D Program

Our next GLA:D program is starting on October 7th 2024!
Email for registration details