GLA:D Education and Exercise for Arthritis Program.
GLA:D®, or Good L
ife with Arthritis: Denmark, is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms.
The experts at Star Physio are at the forefront of research and education and are proud to offer this program, as well as individual treatment and rehabilitation sessions with structured home-based exercise programs to help you get back to doing the things you love, with less pain!
Dr Nardia Klem (PhD Knee Arthritis), Alex Chia, Aaron Tay and Jemma Watson are GLA:D accredited physiotherapists who provide education, treatment and classes from our West Perth and Mosman Park offices.
We work closely with expert doctors and surgeons including the team at Perth Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Centre to ensure that you have all of the evidence and options for your care.
In Australia, treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis usually focuses on joint replacement surgeries. However, GLA:D offers a safe alternative that may avoid or delay the need for these surgeries and if surgery is determined to be the right option, going in fitter and stronger will ensure the best possible outcome!
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 physiotherapists on what works in the real world to help patients manage OA symptoms.
GLA:D Australia training consists of:
- A first appointment explaining the program and assessing your current functional ability.
- Education to 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
Can I Participate in GLA:D Australia?
GLA:D™ Australia is a program for all individuals who experience hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity.
Contact Star Physio today if you are unsure whether this program is suitable for you.
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 tumour, inflammatory joint disease, hip fracture, or connective tissue problems,
- Suffer from other symptoms that are more pronounced than the osteoarthritis problems (for example chronic generalized pain or fibromyalgia),
- Are unable to understand and communicate in English.
OA Treatment in Australia
OA is the most common lifestyle disease in individuals 65 year of age and older but can also affect individuals as young as 30 years of age.
Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight loss as first line treatment for osteoarthritis.
In Australia, treatment usually focuses on surgery and the GLA:DTM Australia program offers a safe alternative that may avoid the need for surgery or improve outcomes if surgery is required.
Background of the GLA:D Program
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.
This program is unique in that the education and exercises provided can be applied to everyday activities. By strengthening and correcting daily movement patterns, participants will train their bodies to move properly, prevent symptom progression and reduce pain.
How do I get Started?
Star Physio offers free education sessions at our West Perth and Mosman Park clinics to teach you about your arthritis and how education and exercise through the GLA:D program can help you. Contact us for details about our next free session.
Book online here to join one of these sessions or if you are ready to get started, book an appointment with Alex, Aaron or Jemma for an assessment to determine the best program for you!
