Osteoarthritis – GLA:D Classes

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. Some people call it degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. It occurs most frequently in the hands, hips, and knees. With OA, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change.

Many people think that the only option once you have OA is to endure the pain and eventually get surgery. The good news is that with the right exercise program and education, pain can be significantly reduced and strength and function restored. To achieve this goal we offer the GLA:D® program, which is the worlds best first treatment for hip and knee Osteoarthritis. 

The GLA:D® program is an education and exercise program developed in Denmark, based on the latest research for people with hip and knee Osteoarthritis. It involves 2 education sessions to teach you about Osteoarthritis and how to best manage it and 12 exercise sessions over 6 weeks focusing on strength and control around your joints. It also includes feedback from people with OA and trainers on what works in the real world to help patients manage OA symptoms.

Research shows the GLA:D® program:

• Reduces symptom progression by 32%,
• Reduces pain by 27% (hip) and 33% (knee),
• Reduces use of pain killers by45% (hip) and 49% (knee),
• Improves quality of life by 20% (hip) and 29% (knee)
• Increases physical activity,
•  It was also found that less people desired surgery after completing the program.

GLA:D® Australia is a not-for-profit initiative led by La Trobe University. GLA:D® Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee pain or symptoms of OA, regardless of severity. 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. More information about the GLA:D® program can be found here:
GLA:D® Australia FAQ

GLA:D® Program

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 Exercise Physiologist 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.

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING

• Comfortable clothing suitable for exercising, including appropriate supportive footwear
• Towel and drink bottle

CANCELLATION

We require 12 hours’ notice if you are unable to attend your session. Cancellation fees may apply.

Session Types

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