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GLA:D® Physio North Sydney

Evidence-based physiotherapy designed to reduce pain, improve function & help you stay active.

GLA:D® (Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark) is an internationally recognised physiotherapy program for hip and knee osteoarthritis, using structured education and neuromuscular exercise to improve pain, mobility, and quality of life.

people doing exercises for knee and hip osteoarthrits part of GLA:D program
group class GLA:D program

What Is GLA:D®?

GLA:D® (“Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark”) is a world-leading, evidence-based hip/knee Osteoarthritis physiotherapy program for people with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis. GLA:D Australia North Sydney combines targeted education with structured, supervised exercise designed to improve joint function, strength, and confidence with everyday movement.

Key evidence shows:

Reduced pain and improved quality of life

Better joint control & muscle strength

Reduced reliance on pain medication

Many participants avoid or delay surgery

Long-term functional gains beyond typical care

How the GLA:D® Program Works

01

Initial Assessment

A comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, movement patterns, joint mechanics, and goals.

02

Education Sessions (2 × ~60 minutes)

Learn:

  • What osteoarthritis really is

  • How exercise reduces pain and improves function

  • Practical strategies to manage symptoms long-term​

All education is tailored and interactive, not just a lecture.

03

Exercise Program (12 × 60 minutes)

Twice weekly, six weeks of supervised neuromuscular training designed to:

  • Build strength around the hip/knee

  • Improve joint stability

  • Enhance movement confidence and quality

Evidence shows this reduces pain and improves daily function.

04

Follow-Up & Long-Term Support

Re-assessment and tools to help you maintain gains beyond the program.

Who Is the GLA:D® Program For?

GLA:D® is ideal for adults who:

Have hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms

Experience pain or stiffness with walking, stairs, squatting, or kneeling

Want to reduce pain without surgery or heavy medication

Seek active, evidence-based treatment​

(If you’re unsure, book an initial assessment — we can screen suitability.)

group exercise class knee exercises GLA:D program

Why GLA:D® Works – Research & Evidence?

Exercise Is First-Line Treatment for Osteoarthritis

International and Australian clinical guidelines consistently recommend exercise and education as first-line treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis — before medication, injections, or surgery.

GLA:D® was designed specifically to align with these best-practice guidelines

group exercises session
Spinal Model Display
Neuromuscular Training Improves Joint Control

GLA:D® focuses on neuromuscular exercise, not just strengthening.

This improves:

Joint stability

Movement quality

Load distribution through the hip and knee

Better control = less joint stress during daily activities like walking, stairs, and standing from sitting.

Clinically Meaningful Improvements Are Sustained

Data from GLA:D® registries demonstrate that many participants experience:

Reduced pain

Improved function

Improved quality of life

These improvements are often maintained at both 3 and 12 months, which is significant compared to short-term symptom relief approaches

Physical Therapy Session
Medical Consultation Scene

Proven Outcomes

Research from the GLA:D® Australia registries shows participants typically experience:

Significant reduction in pain

Better joint-related quality of life

Improved function and walking ability

Lower perceived need for surgery

GLA:D is supported by international and Australian clinical guidelines for OA first-line care.

GLA:D Australia data shows clinically meaningful improvement in pain/function at 3 and 12 months.

Many participants report clinically meaningful improvements at 3 and 12 months.

group exercise class knee exercises GLA:D program

GLA:D® Physio North Sydney – FAQs

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