The GLA:D (Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark) program is designed to help people with Osteoarthritis (OA) manage knee or hip pain, and generally get them moving again. It is a highly researched program proven to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. The best part? It’s all done through exercises and education – no surgery needed!
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that affects millions worldwide, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and a diminished quality of life. The GLAD program utilises patient education. This focuses on the nature of osteoarthritis, managing symptoms and the importance of exercise for joint health. This along with the supervised exercise program helps to build muscle strength, improve joint stability and reduce pain, leading to better physical function and overall well being.
How Can GLA:D Help You?
Living with osteoarthritis can be tough, but GLA:D is here to make life easier. Here’s how:
- Strengthen muscles around the joints: The exercises in the GLA:D program are specifically designed to build strength around your knees and hips, helping to take pressure off your joints.
- Improve your daily life: You’ll work on movements that help with everyday tasks like getting up from a chair, walking, or climbing stairs. This makes things easier and less painful.
- Reduce pain: By building muscle and moving better, many people feel a significant reduction in pain.
- Stay active and healthy: GLA:D teaches you that movement is medicine! It helps you stay active without making your OA worse, which is a common concern.
- Avoid surgery: Studies show that 3 in 4 GLA:D participants with knee OA and 5 in 8 GLA:D participants with hip OA no longer felt like they needed surgery 12 months after the program.
What’s Involved?
GLA:D is a mix of exercise and education, making it fun and informative:
- Supervised group exercise classes: You’ll join others in exercises that are gentle on the joints but highly effective for strengthening the surrounding muscles. These are led by our trained Physiotherapists who know exactly what level you should be working at.
- Education sessions: You’ll learn all about osteoarthritis and what it is, how it progresses, and most importantly, what YOU can do to manage it.
- Ongoing support: After the program these exercise and education sessions will give you the tools and knowledge to keep your symptoms under control and stay active. We also provide follow ups at 3, 6 and time month post to monitor your progress.
At Boost Health Collective, the GLA:D program is delivered by our Physiotherapists who tailor the exercises to suit your specific needs. You’ll get personal attention, support, and the chance to improve your health in a friendly, welcoming environment.
So, if you’re tired of letting osteoarthritis hold you back, GLA:D might be just what you need to feel stronger, move better, and get back to enjoying life!
