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GLA:D® Program for Hip & Knee Osteoarthritis
Racecourse Road Family Health is a registered provider for the GLA:D® Australia program, with a certified physiotherapist available to support patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
What is GLA:D® Australia?
Helping You Move Better with Osteoarthritis
GLA:D® stands for Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark. It is an internationally recognised education and exercise program developed by researchers to help people manage hip and knee osteoarthritis symptoms through movement, education, and self-management strategies.
Racecourse Road Family Health is a registered GLA:D® Australia provider, offering access to a certified physiotherapist trained to deliver the program.
The program focuses on practical exercises and education that can be applied to daily life, helping participants improve confidence, mobility, and overall quality of life.
Why Choose the GLA:D® Program?
Evidence-Based Approach to Osteoarthritis Care
Unlike treatments that rely primarily on medication, GLA:D® Australia focuses on education and exercise as recommended first-line treatment strategies for osteoarthritis.
Benefits May Include:
- Improved joint strength and stability
- Better movement and mobility
- Increased confidence in daily activities
- Reduced pain and stiffness
- Enhanced quality of life
- Better self-management of osteoarthritis symptoms
- Reduced reliance on pain medication
What's Included in the Program?
A Structured 6-Week Program
The GLA:D® Australia program typically includes:
Initial Assessment
A one-on-one consultation with your physiotherapist to assess your current condition, mobility, and goals.
Education Sessions
Two education sessions covering:
- Understanding osteoarthritis
- Risk factors and symptom management
- Treatment options
- Exercise and lifestyle strategies
- Long-term self-management techniques
Supervised Exercise Program
- Group exercise sessions
- Twice weekly
- Over six weeks
- Tailored to improve strength, control, and confidence
Progress Reviews
- Functional assessments
- Goal tracking
- Three-month follow-up review
Outcome Monitoring
Questionnaires completed at registration, 3 months, and 12 months to help monitor progress and outcomes.
Who is the Program For?
Is GLA:D® Right for You?
You may benefit from the GLA:D® program if you:
- Experience hip pain
- Experience knee pain
- Have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis
- Notice stiffness or reduced mobility
- Want to stay active and independent
- Wish to explore non-surgical management options
The program is suitable for many people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity. A physiotherapist assessment will determine whether the program is appropriate for your individual needs.
How GLA:D® Can Help
Supporting Long-Term Joint Health
The GLA:D® program teaches practical skills that participants can continue using beyond the formal program.
Through education and guided exercise, patients learn how to:
- Manage symptoms more effectively
- Improve confidence in movement
- Stay active safely
- Reduce fear of exercise
- Build strength around affected joints
- Maintain independence in everyday life
Why Patients Choose Racecourse Road Family Health
Certified GLA:D® Provider in Pakenham
At Racecourse Road Family Health, patients have access to:
✔ Certified GLA:D® Physiotherapist
✔ Individual Assessments
✔ Structured Group Exercise Sessions
✔ Ongoing Progress Monitoring
✔ Convenient Pakenham Location
✔ Integrated Allied Health Support
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You do not need a doctor's referral to participate in the GLA:D® Australia program.
Some eligible patients may be able to access Medicare-funded assessments or related services where referral requirements are met.
Private health rebates may be available depending on your level of cover. Please contact your insurer directly.
The exercise component typically runs twice weekly over six weeks, alongside education sessions and follow-up reviews.
The program is delivered by a certified GLA:D® physiotherapist.
