The GLA:D program is unlike another program for knee and hip osteoarthritis.

The biggest difference of the GLA:D program is the initial focus on understanding what arthritis is and busting the myths associated with this common condition. You will learn things such as osteoarthritis is NOT “bone-on-bone” or “wear-and-tear” but instead is a combination of reduced movement, load, proprioception and lubrication that together cause the pain in the knee and hip joints.

At The Paddington Health Hub we run the GLA:D education sessions every 4 weeks and they are FREE to attend. Each session is 90 minutes long and covers a variety of topics including the anatomy of the knee and hip, the causes behind osteoarthritis, different management options such as medication, surgery and exercise and tips for how you can start moving towards a pain free future.

The GLA:D program starts with a baseline assessment. This assessment is then repeated at 6 and 12 weeks. During these sessions you will perform tasks and activities to gauge your current level and ability. This allows your physiotherapist to tailor your program specifically for your needs.

During this second phase of the program your physiotherapist will also introduce you to the exercises of the GLA:D program and teach you the safest and most effective ways of performing them.

You will be given a booklet with all your exercises and planned sessions so you can keep track of your progress over stage 3 of the program.

The third part of the GLA:D program is a 6 – 8 week exercise program.

You will be required to come to exercise sessions 2 x weekly for 6 – 8 weeks. The exercises are a combination of strength, core, balance and functional movements. At The Paddington Health Hub we run these exercise sessions as group classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10am. You may also do these sessions privately one-on-one with your physiotherapist. The sessions should take about an hour to complete.

For each session you should bring along your program booklet, a towel and a water bottle. We recommend you wear clothing you can move in, for example shorts and a t-shirt and wear sturdy shoes such as sneakers.

The third part of the official GLA:D program is a further 6 weeks of maintenance exercises.

This is continuing the same GLA:D program exercises for a further six weeks. You may undertake part 4 of the program as you did Part 3, at The Paddington Health Hub under the supervision of your Physiotherapist or you may do Part 4 of the program at home.

At the end of the 12 weeks your official program is complete, however you should continue with exercise to progress and maintain your new found movement, strength and reduction in pain! At the end of the 12 weeks you can continue in the GLA:D classes or your physiotherapist may recommend a different exercise program such as our group Physiotherapy classes or a gym based program.