GLA:D Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee pain or symptoms of OA, 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
You may need to explore other options than the GLA:D Australia program if:
- You have other reasons for your hip and/or knee pain, including: tumour, inflammatory joint disease, results of leg fracture, soft tissue or connect tissue problems
- You have other symptoms that are more pronounced than the osteoarthritis problems (for example chronic generalized pain or fibromyalgia)
- You are unable to understand and communicate in English
However there may be parts of the program that will still be helpful for you. Your clinician will discuss your best treatment options with you as part of the assessment process.
Osteoarthritis Treatment in Australia
Osteoarthritis is the most common lifestyle disease in individuals 65 year of age and older, but can also affect individuals as young as 30 years of age.
Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight management as first line treatment for everyone with osteoarthritis.
In Australia, treatment usually focusses on medication and surgery. The GLA:D Australia program offers a safe alternative that may reduce your need for medications, avoid the need for surgery, and improve your ability to participate more actively in work or recreational activities.
This program is unique in that the education and exercises provided 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 symptoms progression, and reduce pain.
Research and GLA:D Program
Research from the GLA:D program in Australia (GLA:D Australia Annual Report 2023) found an average reduction in pain of 23% (hip) and 31% (knee), improved quality of life by 24% (hip) and 38% (knee), and reduced usage of pain medication by 46% (hip) and 50% (knee) at 12 months after the program. It was also found that less people desired surgery after completing the program.
For more information about
GLA:D Australia: GLA:D Australia Website: www.gladaustralia.com.au