The GLA:D Program
The GLA:D Program**Avoiding Surgery by Treating Hip and Knee Arthritis with Exercise
What is the GLA:D program?
The GLA:D (Good Living with Osteoarthritis from Denmark) program is an exercise program, run by physiotherapists, that is specifically targeted at people who have knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of the program is to reduce the patient’s symptoms of OA therefore improving their overall function and mobility.
What does the program involve?
The GLA:D program will include weekly, supervised exercise classes: x2 classes per week for a minimum of 6 weeks. These classes will focus on reducing your stiffness and pain through strengthening your leg muscles and improving your flexibility. The physiotherapist will prescribe an individualized program suited to your symptoms and functionality.
The program will also involve educational sessions for patients to help them understand their condition better. The physiotherapist will also present and discuss the latest research about OA with you.
What is OA?
Commonly known as arthritis, OA is a disease that affects the smooth coverings at the end of your bones called cartilage. For patients with OA, the cartilage becomes thin and fragile which can lead to joint pain. Approximately, 30% of people aged 50 to 70 years old, have OA. Common symptoms include pain when weightbearing, morning stiffness and joint inflammation.
How does OA develop?
OA can develop from a number of potential reasons – some can be modified, others can’t. These factors include:
- Previous joint injury
- Age
- Gender
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Muscle weakness
Why does exercise help my OA symptoms?
Strengthening muscles is important as it keeps the cartilage healthy and helps to support and protect the joint. OA will cause degeneration of the cartilage, however strengthening the surrounding muscles will help cartilage recovery and limit degeneration.
Will the GLA:D program reduce my pain?
The GLA:D program has been shown to not only reduce a patient’s OA pain but also increase their mobility and overall quality of life.
By doing this program, can I avoid a hip or knee replacement?
Evidence shows that by participating in the GLA:D program, that joint replacement surgery may be avoided. However, in some cases a hip or knee replacement may be recommended. In this circumstance, the GLA:D program can still be highly beneficial to complete prior to surgery, as it has been shown to assist in better outcomes and recovery following surgery.
How do I join this program?
Prime Physiotherapy offers the GLA:D program to patients! Please call us on 9870 1400 to book your appointment today OR you can book online via the booking portal below!