GLA:D Classes Adelaide

GLA:D®, or Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark, is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms. GLA:D® Australia is a not-for-profit initiative led by La Trobe University. 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.

• 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 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.

GLA:D™ Australia is run in private, public, and hospital physiotherapy clinics. The cost of the program can vary depending on location and size of the group. Please discuss this with your provider. You do not need a referral from your doctor, however, you may be eligible for a rebate from Medicare for some of the cost of the program, if deemed appropriate by your GP.

GLA:D™ Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity. You may participate in the GLA:D™ Australia program if you have a hip or knee joint problem that resulted in visiting a health care provider.

• have other reasons for your hip and/or knee pain, including: tumor, inflammatory joint disease, result of hip fracture, soft tissue or connective tissue problems.
• have other symptoms that are more pronounced than the osteoarthritis problems (for example chronic generalised pain or fibromyalgia).
• are unable to understand and communicate in English.

OA is the most common lifestyle disease in individuals 65 years 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:D™ Australia program offers a safe alternative that may avoid the need for surgery.

*Please Note: All new clients will require an initial assessment prior to attending group classes. Call us to get started!