Take Control of Your Arthritis with the GLAD Program at Ringwood Sports Medicine

Are you tired of living with persistent joint pain and stiffness caused by arthritis? Ready to regain your mobility, reduce discomfort, and reclaim your active lifestyle? If so, our GLA:D® Program could be exactly what you need.

What Is the GLA:D Program?

GLA:D®, from ‘Good Life with osteoarthritis in Denmark’, is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms. It was brought to Australia in 2016 to help Australians with hip or knee osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis affects nearly 1 in 10 Australians, often leading to pain, reduced function, and decreased quality of life. Traditional management frequently involves medication or surgery, but the GLAD program offers a highly effective alternative based on exercise and education.

GLA:D ® Australia is a not-for-profit initiative led by La Trobe University.

How Does the GLAD Program Help?

This education and exercise program reflects the latest evidence in osteoarthritis (OA) research. It also includes feedback from people with OA and trainers on what works in the real world to help patients manage OA symptoms.

In Australia, treatment usually focuses on medications 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 and recreational activities.

The program combines education with targeted exercise to:

• Reduce the progression of osteoarthritis symptoms by up to 32%
• Decrease pain and stiffness
• Lower reliance on pain medication
• Minimise days off work
• Improve joint stability, movement patterns, and functional strength

GLAD is designed to integrate into your everyday life, empowering you to manage symptoms and improve your overall wellbeing long-term.

What Does the GLAD Program Involve?

The GLA:D® Australia program consists of:

• An initial appointment to explain the program and measure your current functional ability
• Two education sessions which teach you about OA, its risk factors, treatment options, and self-management strategies.
• Group exercise sessions twice a week for six weeks to improve your control of the joint, your confidence in the joint and your strength
• A review at 3-months with your clinician to discuss progress and goals, and re-measure your functional ability
• Completion of a questionnaire on registration with the program, and then again at 3 and 12 months after registration to measure changes in areas such as pain, function, quality of life, and medication use.

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 following the program. It was also found that less people desired surgery after completing the program. GLA:D® Australia continues to collect information from participants so that it can keep working towards improving access to the best possible care for people withosteoarthritis.

Who Is Eligible for the GLAD Program?

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 need to explore other options than the GLA:D® Australia program if:

• You have other reasons for your hip and/or knee pain, including; tumor, inflammatory joint disease, results of fracture, soft tissue or connective 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.

How to Join, Referral Information & FAQs

You can start the GLAD program anytime no GP referral is required. If you do have a referral, you might be eligible for Medicare rebates on your sessions.

Participant FAQs are answered at the following link: https://gladaustralia.com.au/faq-for-people-with-oa/NB

Meet Our GLAD Certified Exercise Physiologist

Matt Bailey leads our GLAD program classes at North Ringwood. With extensive experience supporting clients with arthritis, NDIS participants, and those recovering from general deconditioning, Matt brings motivation, expertise, and personalised care to every session.

Book Your Spot Today

Ready to get started? Book your initial GLAD assessment online or call our reception team on 9069 2078 to secure your place and take the first step towards a healthier, more active life.