Best first treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis

GLA:D® Australia: Best First Treatment for Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis​

GLA:D® (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 and brought to Australia in 2016. It is a not-for-profit initiative led by La Trobe University and is designed to help Australians manage hip and knee osteoarthritis using evidence-based care.​

What the Program Involves​

• Initial individual appointment to explain the program and measure your current functional ability.​
• Two education sessions covering osteoarthritis, risk factors, treatment options, and self-management strategies.​
• Group exercise sessions twice a week for six weeks to improve joint control, confidence, and strength.​
• Three-month review with your clinician to discuss progress, goals, and re-measure functional ability.​
• Questionnaires at registration, 3 months, and 12 months to track pain, function, quality of life, and medication use.​

GLA:D® Australia is offered in private, public, and hospital clinics, with program costs varying by location. You do not need a GP referral, and Medicare, public funding, or private health insurance may help cover some costs depending on eligibility.​

Who Can Participate​

GLA:D® Australia is suitable for people with any hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity. You may participate if you have a hip or knee joint problem that has led you to see a health care provider.​

You may need alternative options instead of the full GLA:D® program if:​

• You have other causes of hip or knee pain (e.g. tumour, inflammatory joint disease, fracture consequences, or soft tissue/connective tissue disorders).​
• You have other symptoms more prominent than osteoarthritis (for example chronic generalized pain or fibromyalgia).​
• You are unable to understand and communicate in English.​

Some elements of the program may still be helpful, and your clinician will discuss the most appropriate treatment approach during your assessment.​

Why GLA:D® Is Different​

Osteoarthritis is the most common lifestyle disease in people aged 65 and older but can affect adults from around age 30. In Australia, care often centers on medications and surgery, whereas GLA:D® offers a safe alternative focused on education and exercise.​

The program aims to:​

• Reduce the need for pain medication and delay or avoid surgery.
• Improve participation in work, daily tasks, and recreational activities.
• Build skills to self-manage osteoarthritis through exercises that integrate into everyday life.

By strengthening the body and improving confidence with movement, participants can stay more active, reduce pain, and help prevent symptom progression. Current national and international guidelines recommend education, exercise, and weight management as first-line treatment for osteoarthritis.​

Research Outcomes​

Data from the GLA:D® Australia Annual Report 2023 show meaningful improvements 12 months after completing the program. On average, participants experienced:​

• 23% reduction in hip pain and 31% reduction in knee pain.​
• 24% improvement in hip-related quality of life and 38% improvement in knee-related quality of life.​
• 46% reduction in pain medication use for hip OA and 50% reduction for knee OA.​

Fewer people reported wanting surgery after completing the program, and ongoing data collection continues to refine and improve access to high-quality osteoarthritis care.​

How to Learn More or Book​

For more information:

• GLA:D® Australia website: www.gladaustralia.com.au[1]
• FAQ for people with osteoarthritis: gladaustralia.com.au/faq-for-people-with-oa/​

Your local GLA:D® provider – Healthprep:​

• Address: Shop 1, 494–496 Old South Head Rd, Rose Bay
• Phone: 0415 867 647
• Email: info@healthprep.com.au
• Website: www.healthprep.com.au[1]

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