One in 11 Australians (2.1 million) are currently living with osteoarthritis (OA), the most common lifestyle disease among those aged 65 years and over.
GLA:D®, or ‘Good Life with Arthritis from Denmark’, is a combined education and exercise program developed by Danish researchers, for those living with hip or knee-related osteoarthritis symptoms.
In Australia, osteoarthritis treatment usually focuses on surgery. The GLA:D® Australia program however, offers a safe alternative, that may prevent the need for surgery.
We are delighted to be offering the GLA:D® program at our AQ Health located in our gym facility at McNally House, Garden City. The program is run by our experienced physiotherapists who have been trained by GLA:D® Australia.
GLA:D® participants report high levels of satisfaction with the program and increased levels of physical activity 12 months after commencing the program. GLA:D® program participants also report less pain and reduced reliance on joint-related pain killer medication.
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Outcomes of GLA:D for Australians living with osteoarthritis
3 in 4
people report improvement in pain or quality of life after 12 months
3 in 4
people considering surgery before GLA:D® did not need to undergo surgery after completing the program, and no longer desired surgery after 12 months
Is the GLA:D® program right for me?
The GLA:D® Australia program at AQ Health is recommended for people experiencing hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of their symptom severity.
You may participate in the GLA:D® Australia program if you have a hip or knee joint problem that has resulted in you visiting a healthcare provider.
You may not be able to participate in the program if:
- You have other reasons for your hip and/or knee pain, including a tumour, 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 generalised pain or fibromyalgia – widespread pain and tenderness in the body)
- You are unable to understand and communicate in English.
What does the GLA:D® program involve?
All sessions are run by our AQ physiotherapists who have been trained by GLA:D® Australia. Each session – education and exercise – takes approximately 1 hour.
- During your first appointment, we explain the program and collect data on your current functional ability
- During two education sessions we teach you about osteoarthritis, how the GLA:D® Australia exercises improve joint stability, and how to retain this improved joint stability beyond our program
- Our twice-weekly group neuromuscular training sessions run over six weeks aim to improve muscle control of the joint, which helps to reduce symptoms and improve the overall quality of your life.
Accessing the GLA:D® program
You do not need a GP referral to register for the GLA:D® program. You may however, be eligible for a Medicare rebate to cover some of the cost of the program, if deemed appropriate by your GP.