Empower Your Future with the GLAD Program for Osteoarthritis

Live well with hip or knee osteoarthritis with this evidence-based exercise program.

An Easier Way to Manage Osteoarthritis

If you’re looking to avoid surgery and reduce your reliance on pain killers, make the GLAD program at The Alignment Studio your first step in managing hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

Worldwide, 30% of people aged 50 and above report hip and/or knee pain. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that affects 22% of Australians over the age of 45.

The most common lifestyle disease, OA – traditionally (and over-simplistically) described as a ‘wear and tear’ disease – is a leading cause of physical inactivity in the mature-age population.

The trend in Australia is to treat osteoarthritis with medication and surgery. However, mounting evidence shows OA symptoms can be improved with exercise.

We’re therefore thrilled to offer the GLA:D® Australia program to clients at our Melbourne CBD physio clinic. Together, we can help you live a fuller, more active life with osteoarthritis.

What is the GLA:D Program?

‘Good Life with Osteo Arthritis in Denmark’, or GLA:D®, is a researcher-developed education and exercise program for individuals with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms. Developed in Denmark and running in Canada, China, Europe and Australia, it is the most evidence-based, high-value intervention for OA sufferers.

GLA:D® has proven effective in reducing pain and analgesic use, improving physical function, activity and quality of life, and delaying the need for surgery.

Research from the Australian program shows an average pain reduction of 36%.

Are you a good candidate for GLA:D®?

If you have osteoarthritis-related hip and/or knee pain or symptoms, regardless of severity, the GLA:D Australia program is suitable for you. No doctor referral is required.

Internationally, weight loss, exercise and education are the recommended first-line treatment for osteoarthritis patients. We know cartilage needs moderate load through movement to regenerate itself, and the real-world success of GLA:D® proves the value of a conservative, movement-based approach.

The education and exercises provided by GLA:D® can be applied to everyday activities, ensuring participants develop self-management skills.

Do you want to…

build strength and joint confidence,
remain active,
prevent symptom progression,
reduce pain and pain medication usage,
and enjoy improved quality of life?

Ask about GLA:D® today!

What does the program involve?

Run by our GLA:D® certified physiotherapists, the program combines functional assessments, education and a strengthening program suitable for all levels of physical activity. It includes:

An initial appointment to explain the program and assess your current functional ability through a series of physical and VALD tests, with measurable outcomes to be followed in the progress of the program.

A follow-up appointment to outline your exercise routine and educate you on OA, its risk factors, treatment options, and self-management strategies for reducing pain.

45-minute group exercise sessions twice weekly for 6-8 weeks to improve joint stability and control, build strength and confidence in the joint, and improve muscle control.

A 6-week review to discuss your progress and goals and re-measure your functional ability.

You’ll complete a questionnaire on registration and then again at 3 and 12 months after registration to measure changes in areas including pain, function, quality of life and medication use. For ongoing maintenance, remedial massage treatments and clinical Pilates may be beneficial.

GLA:D® FAQS

What is the GLA:D program for osteoarthritis?

Developed in Denmark, GLA:D is a physio-led education and exercise program designed to reduce pain and improve the quality of life for those with knee and hip osteoarthritis.

How much does the GLA:D program cost?

Please call us on 03 9650 2220 for pricing information. Medicare may cover some of the assessment costs for eligible patients. Depending on your policy, private health insurance may also partially cover classes and assessments.

What do the GLA:D exercise sessions involve?

With a maximum of 3 people per class, our 45-minute GLA:D exercise sessions include plenty of personal attention and time to ask questions. You’ll warm up, then work through around 10 exercises, customised to your condition, before cooling down.

Get Started with Our GLA:D® Program

If you have hip or knee arthritis pain and want to get moving, call our reception on 03 9650 2220. Or book online to see one of our experienced physios and get started with the GLAD Program.