After four months off the course and feeling stuck at home, Lakes Entrance local and former golf captain Norm Backman thought his golfing days were behind him. But now he’s back doing what he loves — thanks to our GLA:D® osteoarthritis program.

Norm had been dealing with severe knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, a common condition that can really limit movement and make everyday activities a struggle. The pain got so bad he had to stop playing golf in mid-January, a huge blow for someone who’s been a passionate member of the Lakes Entrance Golf Club since 2008.

“I was resigned to the fact I’d need another knee operation,” Norm said.
“I’d been out of action for four months, couldn’t play golf, and with 17 stairs in the house, just getting around was a challenge.”

Then Norm heard about the GLA:D® (Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark) program through a friend at the golf club. He signed up and completed the program with us here at GLCH, and hasn’t looked back since.

“The GLA:D® program has changed everything. I thought I’d need surgery, but it turns out I just needed to keep moving – the right way. I’m back playing golf almost every day and feeling great. I’m on a roll now and I’m very happy about it.”

You’ll now find the GLA:D® poster proudly displayed at the golf club – with a few more players signing up after seeing Norm’s success.

Our exercise physiologist Nara Venkatesan is a certified GLA:D® practitioner based at our Lakes Entrance site – currently the only location in East Gippsland offering the program.

“This is the first-line treatment for osteoarthritis, and often means people can avoid surgery altogether,” Nara explains.

The GLA:D® program includes two education sessions and six weeks of twice-weekly, supervised exercise tailored to each person’s needs.

“Just like medication, exercise needs to be the right type and the right dose,” Nara said. “That’s why we personalise it.”

And the best part? There’s no wait time to see one of our physiotherapists or exercise physiologists, and you don’t need a referral to get started.

Nationally, GLA:D® results are impressive: three in four Australians with knee osteoarthritis who originally thought they’d need surgery changed their mind after completing the program.

Whether it’s golf, gardening, riding your bike or just moving confidently around the house, we’re here to help you get back to what you love.

Want to find out more or register for GLA:D®?
Call our friendly team on 5155 8370.