gla:d hip and knee program

What is the GLA:D Hip and Knee Program?

GLA:D, stands for ‘Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark’. GLA:D is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA). Flexout Health was one of the first clinics in Australia accredited in this revolutionary new program and is excited to be offering it to the wider community.

The GLA:D Hip and Knee Program includes both education and exercise classes, which 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 to prevent symptom progression and reduce pain.

What conditions can the program help with?

The GLA:D Hip and Knee Program is designed for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity. Reasons to participate include:

If you are on a waiting list for a hip or knee joint replacement
If you have been told you may need a hip or knee replacement but are hoping to avoid surgery
If you do not know how to exercise or find it hard to motivate yourself
If you have tried exercise before but it didn’t work, you may benefit from a supervised exercise program
If you worry that exercise may worsen your condition

What does the program involve?

An initial consultation with a trained GLA:D therapist to explain the program and assess for suitability

Two education sessions

Twelve exercise sessions which can be completed as part of a supervised group or from the comfort of your own home, with the support of a physiotherapist

A follow-up consultation to review the program and discuss ongoing management

FAQs

What are the costs of the classes?

For private clients, per session or packages are available. Please contact your nearest clinic to find out the cost for each location. Private health fund rebates are available.

When do the GLA:D classes run?

Class timetables vary. Please contact your nearest clinic directly to find out the available time slots for each location.

What training have the physiotherapists’ undertaken to become an accredited GLA:D training provider?

Physiotherapists interested in GLA:D undertake training which gives them the requisite skills to diagnose OA and deliver OA care as described in the clinical guidelines. On successful completion of the course, physiotherapists educated in GLA:D are obliged to follow the principles of GLA:D and contribute data to the national GLA:D registry

How do I get started?

Anyone wishing to commence the GLA:D Hip and Knee Program for the first time is required to register for an initial assessment to determine suitability. During the initial assessment your physiotherapist will undertake a detailed history and design your personalised program based upon your needs, goals and injuries. Fill out the form below to register your interest.

What are the benefits of the program?

Research from the GLA:D Program in Australia found a 30% reduction in pain, and 50% reduction in use of painkillers. It has also been shown to maintain muscle strength around affected joints, reduce joint stiffness, prevent functional decline, and improve quality of life. Importantly it can also delay or prevent the need for a joint replacement which has a significant risk on a person’s ability to maintain their independence and remain at home.

Is there a cancellation policy for classes?

At Flexout Health we understand people get busy and from time to time, emergencies come up and things change. If you cannot keep your appointment, please call us as soon as possible so we can reschedule your appointment. We ask for eight hours notice for cancellations. This allows others on a waiting list to fill spots and keeps the groups running smoothly. A $20 cancellation fee for ‘fail to attend’ or reschedules made less than eight hours before the scheduled class time applies. This applies to all clients including workcover/TAC/NDIS clients.