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The GLA:D Program (Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark) is an education and exercise program for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms. Through educating people on osteoarthritis, we empower them to manage their symptoms themselves, by tailoring exercises to the patient’s needs and long-term health goals. This improves quality of life by preventing symptom progression and reducing pain, allowing patients to build their strength and confidence.
The exercises in the program are designed to be applied to everyday activities, ensuring participants can develop skills to self-manage their osteoarthritis.
Benefits of the GLA:D Program include:
- In Australia, the results of the GLA:D program demonstrated an average pain reduction of 36%!
- It reduces the need for pain medication
- Can prevent the need for surgery!
- Improves joint function and mobility – with participants reporting that after 12 months of the GLA:D program, they were able to engage in more physical activity!
FAQs:
1. Who can participate in GLA:D?
The GLA:D program is for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity of x-ray reports. There is a very poor correlation between the degree of pathological findings found in X-ray images and the amount of pain you are experiencing; therefore, the results of an X-ray do not define whether you can participate in GLA:D or not! However, you may not be eligible if the knee pain is due to:
- Tumours, inflammatory joint disease, hip fractures, soft tissue or connective tissue problems
2. Why does GLA:D help?
In Australia, the most common treatment course offered to patients with osteoarthritis is surgery – GLA:D offers a non-invasive and safer alternative to surgery by teaching management strategies and exercises to patients. Current international clinical guidelines advocate that education and exercise is optimal for patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
3. How is the GLA:D program run?
There are 12 supervised exercise sessions over 6 weeks, and 2 education sessions. Each session takes approximately 60 minutes. The exercise sessions consist of a set of 10 exercises, plus warm-up and cooldown. This session aims at improving the strength and function around hips and knees. The exercises are done by each person at the level appropriate for them. Your physiotherapist will customise the program to suit you!
4. Do the exercises hurt?
Whenever you do a new movement or exercise, it is normal and acceptable to experience mild pain during or after the session. However, your physiotherapist will help you learn how to monitor your pain to allow for strength building without long term discomfort and pain.
Contrary to many beliefs, exercise does not aggravate the symptoms of osteoarthritis! There is little to no evidence that suggests exercise or an active lifestyle increases the severity of osteoarthritis symptoms. Rather, neuromuscular control exercises are strongly recommended, and are considered the best approach for symptom relief in osteoarthritis.
For more information, watch this helpful, informative video by GLA:D Australia.
