GLA:D® Hip & Knee Program
Move with more confidence. Reduce hip or knee pain. Stay active.
If hip or knee osteoarthritis is making it harder to walk, exercise, climb stairs or do the things you enjoy, the GLA:D® program can help.
GLA:D® is an evidence-based 6-week education and supervised exercise program specifically designed for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis.
Australian GLA:D® participants have reported an average 36% reduction in pain, along with improved joint confidence and a reduced perceived need for surgery.
GLA:D® is available at Wisdom Physiotherapy Claremont.
Join our FREE GLAD information session - click to secure your spot.
Could GLA:D® help you?
GLAD may be suitable if you:
- Have been diagnosed with hip or knee osteoarthritis
- Experience ongoing hip or knee pain or stiffness
- Find walking, stairs or everyday activities more difficult
- Have been told you may eventually need a hip or knee replacement
- Want to stay active but aren’t sure what exercise is safe
- Want to improve your strength and confidence in your knee or hip
You don’t need to be very fit to start. Exercises are individually adjusted to your ability and progressed as you get stronger.
What does the program involve?
Your GLAD program includes:
Initial assessment
A 45-minute appointment with one of our GLAD certified physiotherapists to assess your hip or knee, discuss your goals and measure your current function.
12 supervised exercise sessions
Attend twice a week for 6 weeks.
Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises designed to improve:
- Strength
- Joint control
- Confidence with movement
- Everyday function
2 education sessions
Learn more about osteoarthritis, exercise, managing pain and what you can do to look after your joints long term.
3-month review
We’ll reassess your function, review your progress and help you plan what comes next.
Why exercise when my joint is arthritic?
It’s understandable to think that exercising an arthritic joint might cause more damage.
But exercise and education are recommended as first-line treatments for hip and knee osteoarthritis.
The aim isn’t simply to “exercise more”. We help you progressively strengthen the muscles around your hip or knee, improve the way you move and build confidence using the joint again.
Everything is supervised by a physiotherapist and adapted to you.
What results can I expect?
Research from GLAD Australia has found participants experience:
- 36% average reduction in pain
- Improved confidence in their joints
- Reduced use of pain medication
- Reduced perceived need for surgery
Individual results vary, but the aim is simple: less pain, better movement and greater confidence doing the things that matter to you.
Meet your GLA:D® Physiotherapist
Linda Vestlin
GLA:D® Certified Physiotherapist
Linda is a GLA:D® Certified Physiotherapist and APA Titled Sport & Exercise Physiotherapist with over 10 years’ experience. She has a strong interest in helping people with hip and knee osteoarthritis improve their strength, movement and confidence through exercise.
Not sure if GLA:D® is right for you?
Come along to one of our FREE GLAD information sessions at our Claremont clinic.
You’ll learn:
- What GLA:D® involves
- How exercise can help osteoarthritis
- Whether the program may be suitable for you
- What happens next if you’d like to join
There’s no obligation to enrol in the program.
Or call our Claremont team on (08) 9384 1555.
Join our FREE GLAD information session - click to secure your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an X-ray or referral?
No. An X-ray isn’t required to participate in GLA:D®. Your physiotherapist will assess whether the program is appropriate for you.
What if my arthritis is severe?
GLA:D® can be suitable for people with varying levels of osteoarthritis. Your physiotherapist will assess you individually and modify exercises to suit your ability.
What if I’ve been told I need a joint replacement?
You may still benefit from GLA:D®. Exercise and education are recommended as first-line treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis, and improving your strength and function can also be valuable if surgery is eventually required.
Is it covered by private health insurance?
Depending on your level of Extras cover, you may be able to claim a rebate for eligible physiotherapy sessions.
Where is the program held?
GLA:D® is available at:
Wisdom Physiotherapy Claremont
2/26 Brown Street
Claremont WA 6010
Ready to get started?
The easiest first step is to attend one of our free information sessions and find out whether GLA:D® is right for you.
Prefer to speak to us first? Call (08) 9384 1555.
