GLA:Dᵀᴹ FOR HIP OR KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

WHAT IS THE GLA:Dᵀᴹ PROGRAM?

GLA:D®, short for “Good Life with Arthritis in Denmark,” is a scientifically proven management plan designed for individuals suffering from hip or knee osteoarthritis. With continued independent adherence, this standardized exercise program has been shown to produce positive long-term outcomes for over 1 year in more than 10,000 participants including reduced pain, decreased use of pain medication, reduced time off work, and improved activity levels.

GLA:Dᵀᴹ Canada aims to enhance the lives of people affected by osteoarthritis by integrating evidence-based clinical guidelines into standard practice. It offers an 8-week combination of education sessions and guided neuromuscular exercises, delivered by a GLA:Dᵀᴹ certified physiotherapist. It’s a supportive nationwide initiative originally developed in Denmark and follows current recommendations for osteoarthritis treatment.

HOW DO I KNOW IF THE GLA:Dᵀᴹ PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Before you can get started in the program, our GLA:Dᵀᴹ certified physiotherapist will conduct an assessment to determine if you are a good fit for the program. During the assessment, your practitioner will complete a thorough evaluation by gathering a detailed history, evaluate strength, range of motion, function, and look at other outcomes to evaluate your baseline status.

Anyone with pain or stiffness due to osteoarthritis is an ideal candidate, this includes mild to severe forms of the disease. It’s also great for those waiting to undergo hip or knee replacement. X-rays or physician referral is not required to qualify for the program. If you are not deemed a good candidate for the program, your physiotherapist will suggest alternative treatment options that are better suited for your specific needs. If you are a suitable candidate, you will be given the opportunity to start the GLA:Dᵀᴹ program.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE GLA:Dᵀᴹ PROGRAM?

Our program is delivered by GLA:Dᵀᴹ trained registered physiotherapist Alexa Giampuzzi. This program includes a 60 minute individual assessment followed by two education sessions, and 12 group exercise classes. The exercise classes are limited to 6 participants and run twice a week for 8 weeks. If you are currently seeing a physiotherapist, this program can be done concurrently. You do not need an X-ray image to be diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) to attend this program.

During each education session, you will learn important information that will empower you to live healthy, active, and fun-filled lives with your osteoarthritis. The more you know, the more that you can do to help yourself!

Twice a week you will participate in a one hour individualized group based exercise session led by GLA:Dᵀᴹ certified physiotherapist Heather Grant. During your bi-weekly exercise sessions, you will learn how to progressively load your impacted joint and control your movements. Through these exercises, you will develop increased strength, muscle control, agility, balance, and power. These exercise sessions will be invaluable and if you can take what you learn and develop a regular routine, the outcomes will be endless.

Data regarding function, quality of life, and level of discomfort will be collected from participants on three separate occasions (pre-program, 3 months, and 12 months after completion of program).

WHEN DOES THE GLA:Dᵀᴹ PROGRAM RUN?

The program is ongoing with a maximum of 6 participants at any given time.

Wednesday & Friday 9-10 AM

WHAT DOES THE GLA:Dᵀᴹ PROGRAM COST?

The total cost for the program is $610 (16 sessions) including 2 educational sessions ($25 per session) and 14 group exercise sessions ($40 per session) which are held twice a week. You will also be required to cover the cost of your initial assessment ($150). These sessions, as well as the initial assessment fee, are eligible to be claimed under your Physiotherapy Extended Health Care Benefits benefits plan if you have one.