What is GLA:D?
GLA:D is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
By strengthening and correcting daily movement patterns, participants learn how to prevent symptom progression and strategies to manage pain.
What does the program involve?
Our physios or exercise physiologists undertake extensive training to be able to offer the GLA:D program to clients.
The program involves:
- An initial assessment with a GLA:D trained physio to determine eligibility for the program and collect baseline data on your current functional ability
- Two education sessions teaching you about osteoarthritis, how the GLA:D program works, and what the evidence shows regarding the best treatment options for management of osteoarthritis
- Small group neuromuscular training sessions twice a week for six weeks (total of 12 x 1-hour sessions)
- A follow-up assessment will be conducted three months after the initial assessment, including a review of the agreed goals related to osteoarthritis
What makes GLA:D different?
The GLA:D program is an internationally recognised program which is administered by a qualified physiotherapist.
The program is designed to:
- Enhance your mobility and help alleviate osteoarthritis-related pain.
- Postpone or potentially avoid surgery, or improve recovery and outcomes if surgery is required.
- Gain the tools and confidence to effectively manage your osteoarthritis on your own.
Who can participate in GLA:D?
Individuals with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity, can participate in GLA:D.
If you have been diagnosed with patellofemoral pain (‘kneecap pain’) or FAI (femoroacetabular impingement, or ‘hip impingement’), you may also benefit from the GLA:D program to reduce the risk of development of, or progression of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common lifestyle disease in people over 65 years of age.
Current guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight loss as the first line of treatment for osteoarthritis.
However, in Australia, only three per cent are receiving this intervention and too often the first line of treatment offered is surgical intervention.
Is a referral required?
You do not need a GP or other medical referral to participate in GLA:D, however if you are eligible for a Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly known as an Enhanced Primary Care [EPC] plan) you may use this for your initial assessment. Some out-of-pocket fees may apply.
Can I claim this service as an extra on my health insurance policy?
These sessions may be claimed on private health insurance depending on your level of extras cover, please check with your private health insurance provider.
Do you have Bupa health insurance?
If you are a Bupa health insurance member with a domestic hospital policy that includes joint replacement cover you could be eligible to participate in the program at no extra cost. Program eligibility, fund, policy and waiting period rules apply. Visit
www.bupa.com.au/glad for details.
You can also provide your details
here and the Lifecare team will be in contact to discuss.
