GLA:D®

GLA:D® (GoodLife with oestoArthritis in Denmark) is a group education and exercise program for individuals 55 years and older with symptomatic knee and/or hip osteoarthritis (OA).

The GLAD program was developed with the goals of implementing evidence into clinical practice effectively, improving access to conservative management, and giving individuals the information and skills needed to manage their osteoarthritis. The program content reflects the most up to date evidence and best practices for symptomatic hip and knee OA management and is appropriate for anyone experiencing knee and/or hip OA symptoms, including those with mild symptoms or those who are waiting for joint replacement surgery.

The program is facilitated by GLA:D® Canada certificated healthcare providers (physiotherapists, chiropractors, regulated kinesiologists and exercise physiologists) and includes:

Two 90 minute patient education sessions

• Topics include: what is OA, risk factors for development, current evidence on best available treatments, how to optimize quality of life while living with OA
• 12 group exercise sessions over a period of 6 weeks
• Supervised and individualized strength and neuromuscular exercises
• Optional data collection to measure patient outcomes at the start of the program, and again at three months and one year following the program, for quality monitoring and to continue to develop evidence