GLA:D Australia
GLA:D (Good Life with osteoArthritis from Denmark) and education and exercise program for people with hip and knee osteoarthritis. The program is associated with improvements in pain, function and quality of life, and can reduce the need for surgery.
Education and exercises provided in GLA:D can be applied to everyday activities, ensuring participants develop skills to self-manage their osteoarthritis. By strengthening and improving confidence with exercise, participants develop better capacity to become or stay active, prevent symptom progression and reduce pain.
Our GLA:D program and other osteoarthritis care is overseen by A/Prof Christian Barton, the lead national researcher for the program in Australia.
Considering Surgery? Try GLA:D First
There is a good chance that you will no longer feel you need surgery. Complete also provides second opinions to those have completed the GLA:D program, but have not responded as they had hoped – please get in touch is this is you.
What does the GLA:D program involve?
First Appointment
A first appointment explaining the program and collecting data on your current functional ability
2 x Education Sessions
Two education sessions which teach you about OA, how the GLA:D Australia exercises improve joint stability, and how to retain this improved joint stability outside of the program
6 Weeks of Group Training
Group neuromuscular training sessions twice a week for six weeks to improve muscle control of the joint which leads to reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life.
Who Can Participate in GLA:D?
- 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.
Who May Not Be Able to Participate in GLA:D?
- If you have other reasons for your hip and/or knee problem (for example, tumor, inflammatory joint disease, result of hip fracture, soft tissue or connective tissue problems
- If you have other symptoms that are more pronounced than the osteoarthritis problems (for example chronic generalized pain or fibromyalgia)
- If you are unable to understand and communicate in English
Nb: If you are unsure if you are able to complete the program, please get in touch with the clinic. Even if you cannot complete the GLA:D program our expert physiotherapy team can help you find other treatment and exercise options.
Through research led by Complete’s very own clinical director, A/Prof Christian Barton at La Trobe University, GLA:D has been rolled out across Australia. Christian’s work has also led to the program being available via telehealth, with Complete being a key provider of this service.
Our GLA:D program and other osteoarthritis care is overseen by A/Prof Christian Barton, and GLA:D Australia tutor David Thwaites at Complete. Physio Exercise Performance.
GLA:D in Richmond, Melbourne
We host our GLA:D® programs at Complete. Physio Exercise Performance, located at 656 Bridge Rd in Richmond.