GLA:D Esperance
So what is the GLA:D Program?
GLA:D stands for Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark and is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms. It affects an estimated 2.1 million Australians and results in pain, disability and reduced quality of life. Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight loss as first-line treatment for osteoarthritis. In Australia however, treatment usually focuses on surgery, medications and injections, which is why we have done training through GLA:D Australia to offer a program with a better and safer alternative.
See what you will do in a class
How will I benefit from GLA:D Program?
Research from the GLA:D program in Australia shows an average pain reduction of 36%, reduced analgesic consumption, reduction in the perceived need for surgery, and clinically meaningful improvement in joint confidence = improvements in quality of life.
Hear what participants thought about their experience
How does it work?
The GLA:D program is unique, in that it covers both education and a specific exercise program designed for you. These two elements have been identified through clinical trials as being the Number 1 or first-line treatment approach for osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. Not surgery, not medications, not injections. These recommendations come from the Australian Rheumatologists (i.e., arthritis specialists) Association and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (i.e. your GP).
The GLA:D Program is based on research and requires specialised training to teach. Only Physiotherapists that have undergone this training can provide this program and Esperance Physiotherapy is the only clinic southeast of Perth able to offer this service.
What is involved in the GLA:D Esperance Program?
The GLA:D Esperance Program is conducted every 8 weeks and a limited number of people are enrolled in each cohort (i.e., between 3 - 5). During this 12-week period, participants attend two, free 60-minute education sessions,12 exercise classes (2 per week for 6 weeks), and complete a home program for the next 6 weeks. Participants complete a baseline assessment at the start and are re-evaluated after 12 weeks.
Your next steps
Step 1. Register your interest by phoning Esperance Physiotherapy on 90715055 and leaving your contact details or speaking with your Physiotherapist.
Step 2. Access the two, FREE 60-minute education sessions. We encourage you to bring along friends that may also benefit from this important information. Contact us to confirm date and time for these presentations.
Step 3. On acceptance into the GLA:D Program, you will be booked for a one-on-one assessment with your Physiotherapist. This is to confirm your diagnosis of osteoarthritis and to be evaluated and taught your starting exercises. This is very important, as everyone is different and it means when you first arrive at your exercise class, you immediately know what to do. No slow starts!
Step 4. Attend the twice weekly, fully supervised, small group (i.e., 3-5 people) exercise classes with the other participants in your program for six weeks (i.e., 12 exercise classes in total).
Step 5. On completion of the six weeks of exercise classes, you continue your home program (equipment and guidelines provided by your Physiotherapist as necessary) for the next 6 weeks.
Step 6. Attend your booked 3-month review/re-evaluation with your Physiotherapist. As well as assessing changes in your arthritis, your Physiotherapist will also explain how to continue being physically active and maintain the gains you have achieved in strength, functional capacity and pain management. Information collected at baseline and at 3 months is entered into the national GAL:D trial with data collected by La Trobe University with the goal of providing long-term federal funding for the program so that it is available to all those that need assistance.
Investment
Relating to the about steps;
Step 2, there is no cost for the two, 60-minute education sessions.
Step 3 and Step 6 will be charged as standard Physiotherapy consultations. For this reason, you can use your private health insurance, or if you have an Enhanced Primary Care Plan from your GP (i.e., Chronic Care Plan), you can use these rebates.
Step 4 exercise classes cost $35/class. Approximately 30% is covered by most private health insurance policies up to the amount specified by your policy. You can check with your insurance company by quoting Class code 560 and Melissa Cary Provider number 20133697X. Payment for the GLA:D Program will need to be completed before you start Step 4. Esperance Physiotherapy will provide you with an electronic tax invoice for each session that you attend so that you can claim your rebate with your insurance company.