GLA:D®, is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
The GLA:D ® (Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark) Program is an evidence-based education and exercise program designed for people experiencing hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.
Developed by researchers and clinicians, the program helps participants better understand their condition and learn practical strategies to manage pain, improve mobility, and maintain an active lifestyle. GLA:D combines education sessions with supervised exercises that focus on strengthening muscles, improving joint control, and increasing confidence in movement.
The program is delivered by specially trained physiotherapists and is based on the latest clinical guidelines for osteoarthritis management. Research has shown that participants often experience reduced pain, improved physical function, and a better quality of life following completion of the program.
Whether you have recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or have been living with symptoms for years, this program can help you take control of your joint health and stay active for longer.
Is this program for you?
The GLA:D Program may be suitable if you:
- Have hip or knee osteoarthritis
- Experience joint pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility
- Want to improve your strength and confidence with movement
- Are looking for non-surgical, evidence-based management options
- Want support from qualified physiotherapists in a structured program
GLA:D Program Structure
The GLA® Program consists of:
• An initial assessment with your physiotherapist to explain the program and measure your current functional ability.
• Two education sessions covering osteoarthritis (OA), its risk factors, treatment options, and evidence-based self-management strategies.
• Supervised group exercise sessions twice per week for six weeks, designed to improve joint control, strength, confidence, and overall function.
• A follow-up review with your clinician at 3 months to discuss your progress, review your goals, and reassess your functional ability.
• Completion of questionnaires when you register for the program, and again at 3 and 12 months. These questionnaires help measure changes in pain, physical function, quality of life, and medication use, contributing to ongoing program evaluation and research.
Class Schedule
TBC
Each session is led by our experienced physiotherapists, ensuring that exercises are performed safely and effectively while accommodating individual needs.
Why Join Our GLA:D Program?
Living with osteoarthritis doesn’t mean you have to stop doing the things you enjoy. The GLA:D® Program is designed to help you stay active, maintain your independence, and feel more confident managing your joint health.
Many people with osteoarthritis avoid movement because they worry it may worsen their symptoms. Through expert guidance from trained physiotherapists, you’ll learn how to exercise safely and effectively, giving you the confidence to move more and fear less.
The program also provides the opportunity to connect with others experiencing similar challenges, creating a supportive and motivating environment. Rather than relying on short-term solutions, GLA:D focuses on building lifelong skills and habits that can help you manage your symptoms well into the future.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Joint Health
By joining the GLA:D® Program at Wellers Hill Physiotherapy, you are taking an active step toward managing your hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms. Through education, exercise, and expert physiotherapy support, the program helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and build confidence in movement.
Whether you’re looking to stay active, delay or avoid surgery, or better understand your condition, GLA:D® offers a practical, evidence-based approach to improving your joint health.
