We get you on an worldwide clinically proven exercise and education program designed for people with knee and hip osteoarthritis. Think of it as a bulletproof plan to move better, hurt less, and stay out of the doctor’s office.

In 2012 a clinical research team in Denmark designed a program, based on research, for people with hip or knee OA. GLA:D® – “Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark” – is a program of education and exercise designed to help reduce the symptoms of hip and/or knee osteoarthritis. There are 12 supervised exercise sessions over 6 weeks, and 2 education sessions.  Each session – education and exercise – will take about 60 minutes. These sessions are run by clinicians who have been trained by GLA:D® Australia.

As well as providing the treatment framework for osteoarthritis, GLA:D® Australia collects research data from participants. This data is de-identified, which means that it can’t be used to identify participants. We ask you to complete questionnaires with information about your health and your experiences with osteoarthritis before you start, then at 3 months and again at 12 months. Your clinician will also undertake some progression tests.  

GLA:D® has been shown to help people of all ages with mild, moderate and severe osteoarthritis by reducing pain, increasing mobility and enhancing quality of life. Often surgery such as joint replacement can be avoided.

Studies in Scandinavian countries have also shown that people who have completed the GLA:D® program before having a total knee joint replacement tend to recover more quickly. Similar ‘prehab’ results have been found for total hip replacement.

Initial Appointment: Introduction to the program and evaluation of your current functional abilities.

Education Sessions: Two sessions dedicated to educating you about osteoarthritis, its risk factors, available treatment options, and strategies for effective self-management.

Group Exercise Sessions: Conducted twice a week over a six-week period, these sessions focus on enhancing joint control, building confidence in joint use, and improving overall strength.

Three-Month Review: A follow-up session to discuss your progress and adjust your goals based on a re-evaluation of your functional abilities.

Questionnaire Assessments: Complete questionnaires when you register, and again at three and twelve months after starting, to track changes in pain, function, quality of life, and medication use.

The GLA:D® education sessions are an opportunity for the clinician to tell you about the latest research evidence and for you to ask questions and discuss it with the clinician and other participants.

The GLA:D® exercises are a set of 10 exercises, plus warm-up and cool-down, aimed at improving the strength and function around your hips and knees.  Sessions are run in small groups of around four to six people. In each session, the same exercises are done by each person at the level appropriate for them. The clinicians who run GLA:D® programs have been trained to customise the program to suit the individual - YOU.

Because it’s based on actual research, not some Instagram influencer selling you magic knee wraps.

There are many reasons why GLA:D® and similar exercise programs can help reduce pain and improve mobility, because exercise affects a person in a variety of ways: from improving bone and muscle strength to elevating mood.

Exercise itself is a recognised treatment for some chronic health conditions and reduces the risk of many others. The exercises done in GLA:D® target joint stability, muscle strength and confidence with movement.

Less pain. More movement. Fewer pills.

Walking up stairs without feeling like a 90-year-old (unless you actually are 90, in which case respect).

More strength, confidence, and energy to keep up with your grandkids instead of watching from the sidelines.

Whenever you do new exercise, it’s normal and acceptable to have very mild pain during and after the session for up to 24 hours – and maybe a bit longer at first.  Your clinician will help you learn how to monitor your pain so that you can challenge yourself without making your pain worse in the long run.

You can still do this. In fact, it might be the best thing for you. Work with clinicians who know how to keep you safe and progressing no matter where you’re starting from.

We welcome members from all health funds and those who don’t hold cover to join the GLA:D® Program.

HBF members: Fully covered for eligible members who meet the criteria of an OA diagnosis. The GLA:D® program is fully covered for eligible members who hold eligible hospital cover. Members may participate in the program once per lifetime. Waiting periods and other terms and conditions may apply. Contact HBF on 133 423 to check eligibility. Other eligibility criteria may apply. 

Bupa members: Fully covered for eligible members. Fund, policy, waiting periods and program eligibility rules apply including, being 18 years or older with diagnosed, symptomatic hip or knee osteoarthritis and holding a domestic Bupa Hospital product that includes joint replacement cover. Customers must be referred in writing to the program by a treating physiotherapist and must not have participated in the GLA:D® Program or the Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life Program funded by Bupa in the previous 12 months. 

HCF members: Fully reimbursable for eligible members. As the HCF GLA:D program is a CDMP, HCF will reimburse eligible members in full for the cost of the program, provided the fees are within the maximum amounts set out in the Terms and Conditions. HCF members will not have to use their extras limits for the program. Please call HCF on 1300 799 275 to confirm eligibility.

Your joints keep getting worse. You keep moving less. You rely more on medications. Maybe surgery down the road. You miss out on life because your body holds you back. Your choice.