GLA:D (Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark)

About this service

GLA:D (Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark) is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark. The program is available through our community-based physiotherapists.

GLA:D has been proven to be effective at reducing pain, reducing analgesic (painkiller) use, improving physical function, increasing physical activity, improving quality of life, and delaying the need for joint replacement surgery.

Who we care for

We care for ACT residents and NSW surrounds with hip and/or knee pain, likely to be caused by osteoarthritis.

How to access this service

You, your carer or your health professional can refer you to our service.

To book an appointment, call Central Health Intake on (02) 5124 9977.

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please cancel or reschedule your appointment by calling Central Health Intake or complete our online form.

If you are 65 years and over or an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 50 years and over, please ask for a referral through the My Aged Care Contact Centre on 1800 200 422 or www.myagedcare.gov.au.

What to expect

We run the GLA:D program as part of our Community Care Physiotherapy service. You will be assessed by a physiotherapist before you start the GLA:D program to make sure it’s right for you.

The GLA:D program runs for six weeks. It includes:

12 exercise classes (two per week), consisting of 10 exercises each.
2 education sessions:
- Session 1: what is osteoarthritis, risk factors, symptoms, treatment options
- Session 2: exercise, daily living, coping, self-help tools

The program can be tailored to you and uses common and inexpensive equipment.

You will complete a questionnaire about things like your symptoms and quality of life before starting the program, and again three and 12 months after completing it.

After completing the program, you will have routine follow up appointments.

Nutrition information for GLA:D participants

It is helpful to eat a healthy diet if you have knee pain.

Eating a heathy diet is about having a variety of food, eating regular meals, and including plenty of vegetables, fruit, wholegrains and healthy fats (such as omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish, walnuts and chia seeds).

See the below resources section for some useful links.

Anyone living in the ACT can also access the Community Care Nutrition Service for advice on healthy eating. Group programs or individual appointments are available.

What to bring to your appointment

Your referral from your health professional, if you have one
Medicare card
Any letters or correspondence from your GP
Medicines you need to take while you are here
Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
A bottle of water for exercise classes
Shoes and clothing suitable for exercise

Where we’re located

Classes are run from:

Resources

Information for referrers

Please see Community HealthPathways for detailed referral criteria and information.

Referral options:

Central Health Intake
Fax: (02) 5124 1082
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