What is the GLA:D Program?
The GLA:D (Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark) Program was developed by Scandinavian researchers & physiotherapists, to allow physiotherapists worldwide to provide best practice conservative care in the management of hip & knee osteoarthritis.
What does the program involve?
The program incorporates educational & exercise-based components, aiming to improve patient understanding & self-management of their condition while guiding them through a supervised exercise program to improve strength & physical capacity.
The 6-week program involves 2 education sessions and 12 60-minute exercise sessions (2 per week). The education component explores the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis, treatment options and the importance of exercise and self-management strategies in managing the condition over time. The exercise sessions incorporate balance, strengthening & neuromuscular exercises, to improve strength & control around the affected joint.
A physical assessment at the start & 3 months post program completion provides an objective measure of improvements made over the course of the program.
Who is it best for?
The GLA:D Program is designed for individuals experiencing symptoms of:
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Post hip and/or knee surgery (e.g. hip arthroscopy)
The program aims to:
- Improve self-confidence in the affected joint
- Reduce pain
- Improve physical function
- Reduce need for pain medication
- Reduce number of sick days
- Reduce or delay the need for surgery
What does the class involve?
Each class is run by one of our GLA:D certified physiotherapists (Matt at Alphington & Ebru at Bulleen), who is able to monitor your pain, correct technique & progress exercise difficulty through each session. The classes include up to 4 people at a time (with considerations to COVID distancing & hygiene measures).
How can I get involved?
With the recent return of small group exercise in a clinical setting, we will be resuming GLA:D sessions over the coming weeks at both Alphington & Bulleen. We have continued to offer the program in a 1:1 format over the lockdown period, and are able to get you started as we transition back to group sessions!
If you are keen to be involved or find out more information, please contact the clinic at 9459 5849, or contact Matt or Ebru via email:
Matt Ho (Alphington): matt.ho@physiolife.physio
Ebru Efe (Bulleen): ebru.efe@physiolife.physio
