Osteoarthritis: GLAD

Osteoarthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition, which, if left untreated, will only get worse over time. You may find it difficult to walk, bend and do day-to-day activities.

Here at St Leonards Physio, we don’t want osteoarthritis to hold you back. With tailored support from our specialist physiotherapists, our GLAD program for osteoarthritis can help you manage your condition, relieve your pain and increase your mobility.

 

What is osetoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is caused by gradual wear and tear of cartilage in the joints, and is common as people age. It leads to joints becoming stiff and painful, and is a major cause of disability.

What is the GLAD program?

The GLAD program for hip and knee osteoarthritis begins with an initial consultation to better understand your condition and your needs. This will enable our physiotherapy team to tailor the program to your specific requirements. 

You will then take part in two sessions a week for ten weeks. The first week is education, followed by eight weeks of exercise classes, in groups of 4-6 people so that you can meet other people on a similar journey.  

We test and measure before you begin the program to establish your baseline, then assess your progress after 3 months and 12 months to see how you’re getting on and make any further recommendations. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines suggest that exercise and weight loss may be more effective at treating osteoarthritis than opioids, arthroscopy and cortisone injections. That’s why our program focuses on exercise and lifestyle routines that will improve your quality of life.

elderly couple walking

GLAD Australian Outcomes 2020

Average age is 65 years old, 71% women and average BMI is 29.9.

Reduced
Pain

33% less for knees
27% less for hips

Reduced Medication

49% less for knees
45% less for hips

Increased Walking Speed

14% more for knees
12% more for hips

Improved Quality of Life

29% more for knees
20% more for hips

Reduced
Surgery

3 out of 4 changed their intention to have surgery from yes to no

 

The research behind GLAD

WHO recommends that older adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week.

However, worldwide, only 13% of people with knee and hip OA are meeting these guidelines (Wallis et.al, 2014).

The Royal Australia College of GP Guidelines for managing hip and knee osteoarthritis (2018) strongly recommends exercise as the first line of treatment for all patients with hip and knee OA, regardless of age, disability, changes on X-ray, level of pain etc.

  • STRONG RECOMMENDATION FOR exercise, weight loss and education.
  • STRONG RECOMMENDATION AGAINST opiods, viscosupplementation, stem cell therapy, arthroscopy

Australian Knee Society / Australian Orthopaedic Association position statement is that arthroscopy has no beneficial effect on osteoarthritis, yet more than 40,000 are performed every year in Australia.

9% of hip patients and 20% of knee patients experience no pain relief following joint replacement (Beswick et.al, 2012).

Costs and Requirements

  • Initial Physiotherapy assessment: $200
  • Group therapy sessions (20 x $40/hr): $800/term

Private health insurance rebates available for initial assessments, group exercise sessions. Please check with your private health insurer. And if necessary, we can direct you to a recommended dietitian.

Medicare: TCA/EPC for physio assessment.

We do not require a referral from your GP to participate in this program, however if you have other pre-existing health conditions, then you may wish to consult with your GP prior to starting the program.

 

Class Term Dates 2025

Term 1

First week commences: Monday 3rd February 2025
Last week commences: Monday 7th April 2025

Term 2

First week commences: Monday 28th April 2025
Last week commences: Monday 30th June 2025

Term 3

First week commences: Monday 21st July 2025
Last week commences: Monday 22nd September 2025

Term 4

First week commences: Monday 13th October 2025
Last week commences: Monday 15th December 2025

[Public holidays: When a class falls on a public holiday, that class will be held in the week after the term finishes.]

View our classes timetable.

View our class cancellation rules.

For more information, Call us on (02) 9438 1782 or Email enquiries@stleonardsphysio.com.au