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“GLA:D®” stands for “Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark” and is an exercise and education program developed by researchers in Denmark, for people with symptoms of hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA). 

OA is the most common lifestyle disease in individuals aged 65 years and older but can also affect individuals as young as 30 years of age. Current clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight loss as first line treatment. 

In Australia, treatment often centres around surgery so the GLA:D® Australia program is being welcomed by those seeking a better and safer alternative. Adding to the excitement around this program is the research from the GLA:D® program in Denmark, which has shown a reduction in the progression of symptoms by as much as 32 per cent in participants. Other outcomes typically include reduced pain, decreased use of joint-related pain killers, a reduced incidence of people taking sick leave due to the symptoms of the condition, and increased levels of physical activity in the 12 months post-program.

Senior clinician and physiotherapist, Parivesh Kumar is based at Gippsland Lakes Community Health (GLCH) in Lakes Entrance. Mr Kumar is currently Gippsland’s only accredited GLA:D® provider and says, “I’m very excited to be Gippsland’s only provider of this program, as I believe GLA:D can help many people regain a more independent and active life.” 

Mr Kumar recently delivered his first GLA:D® program to seven participants in Lakes Entrance.

“The six-week program starts with an initial consultation to gather information about your current functional ability. I then deliver two education sessions about OA and how the GLA:D® Australia exercises can improve joint stability. In these sessions I also explain how to retain joint stability after the program finishes.”

Mr Kumar’s participants took part in group therapy sessions twice a week, which are designed to improve muscle control, leading to reduced symptoms and improved quality of life.  

To find out more about the GLA:D program and how you can better manage the symptoms of hip or knee osteoarthritis, contact GLCH.