What does GLA:D involve?
This education and exercise program reflects the latest evidence in osteoarthritis (OA) research. It also includes feedback from people with OA and trainers on what works in the real world to help patients manage OA symptoms.
GLA:D Australia training consists of:
- A first appointment explaining the program and collecting data on your current functional ability
- Two education sessions which teach you about OA, how the GLA:D™ Australia exercises improve joint stability, and how to retain this improved joint stability outside of the program
- Group neuromuscular training sessions twice a week for six weeks to improve muscle control of the joint which leads to reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life
Can I Participate in GLA:D?
GLA:D™ Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity. You may participate in the GLA:D™ Australia program if you have a hip or knee joint problem that resulted in visiting a health care provider.
You may not be able to participate in the GLA:D™ Australia program if:
- You have other reasons for your hip and/or knee pain, including: tumour, inflammatory joint disease, result of hip fracture, soft tissue or connective tissue problems
- You have other symptoms that are more pronounced than the osteoarthritis problems (for example chronic generalized pain or fibromyalgia)
- You are unable to understand and communicate in English
OA Treatment in Australia
OA is the most common lifestyle disease in individuals 65 years of age and older but can also affect individuals as young as 30 years of age. Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight loss as first line treatment for osteoarthritis. In Australia, treatment usually focuses on surgery and the GLA:D program offers a better and safer alternative.
Background of the GLA:D®Program
Research from the GLA:D® program in Denmark found symptom progression reduces by 32%. Other outcomes include less pain, reduced use of joint related pain killers, and less people on sick leave. GLA:D® participants also reported high levels of satisfaction with the program and increased levels of physical activity 12 months after starting the program.
This program is unique in that the education and exercises provided can be applied to everyday activities. By strengthening and correcting daily movement patterns, participants will train their bodies to move properly, prevent symptom progression and reduce pain.
Sign up for Zone 34 GLA:D sessions
Physiotherapist supervised small group classes are an ideal way to exercise in a safe environment with guidance.
The small groups are perfect way to complement 1:1 sessions with your treating clinician, or continue long term management to ensure you remain active and achieving your goals.
GLA:D sessions help building confidence and form with gym based exercise, in a supportive commuity environment.
Other conditions that would benefit from attending GLA:D classes could include:
- Back pain
- Pre and Post Surgery Rehabilitation (e.g. joint reconstructions or replacements)
- Osteoporosis
We strongly believe that exercises need to be tailored to each individuals goals, injury and medical history, and current level of function. This is why we have developed our small group sessions which blend the community and consistency that classes bring, whilst ensuring each individual is also able to work on what they need the most.
TO GET INVOLVED YOU WILL REQUIRE AN INITIAL CONSULTATION TO:
- Identify and discuss your exercise and fitness goals
- Complete a detailed medical and musculoskeletal history
- Assess current exercise and lifestyle behaviours
- Review your current fitness and injury status
- Conduct objective measures which may include isoemtric strength, functional tests, or performance based measures
The small group classes are 50 minutes long, with a limit of 5 participants in a session.
GLA:D classes include targetted warm ups and prehabilitation to work on strength, stability and muscle activation.
Our rehabilitation physio will coach you through your individualised evidenced based GLA:D program
About the Group Rehabilitation Classes
What are Zone 34's group rehabilitation classes?
Our small group sessions include:
GLA:D
Strong Bodies
Athletic Knees
With a strict limit of 5 participants per session these classes consist of targetted warm ups and activition exercises, followed by supervision of your individualised program.
What do I need to bring to the class?
All participants must bring their own towel and drink bottle.
If you have your own exercise program accessible on a phone app feel free to bring that along. However our rehabilitation physiotherapist will be able to access your program and display it on The Zone gym TV for ease of access during the session
Most importantly bring your enthusiam and smile!
What should I wear for gym sessions?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement.
We have a accessible toilet with plenty of space if you wish to change at the clinic.
Are the sessions eligible for private health insurance rebates?
The group session item code 560 is applicable to all group sessions.
Contact your insurer to confirm the level of cover they provide.
An itemised statement will be provided at the completion of the 6 weeks GLAD program to assist with insurance claims.
Should I have a review after 12 group sessions?
Adaptation and improvements related to exercise start to plateau without new stimilus and progressions.
With an appropriate program, you capacity and function should change over time. This is especially true for anyone attending our classes as part of injury or post surgery rehabilitation.
During the 1:1 review our clinicians will seek your feedback on the recently completed exercise program, discuss your goals for the next training block, and re assess your injury and current function.
This allows for a new exercise program to be written up, and also communicated to the Rehabilitation Physiotherapist prior to your next group session.
Do the Rehabilitation group passes expire?
All of our group sessions (Healthy Bodies, Strong Bodies, Athletic Knees) passes have a 4 month expiry.
This allows for some flexibility around work and family commitments, illness or holidays.
As regular exercise is essential for improvement we recommend that you commit to regular sessions. For some people that may be three sessions a week, and for others it may be once a week.
Why do I need to book in?
As our rehabilitation group sessions are limited to 3 participants per class, it is essential that you book in to reserve your place.
Unfortunately we will not be able to accomodate anyone who turns up without notice.
Please contact us with 24 hours if you are unable to attend a booked session. This will allow us to offer the spot to another member of our community.
How much notice is required to cancel attendance at a session?
Please contact us with 48 hours if you are unable to attend a booked session. This will allow us to offer the spot to another member of our community.
We understand things crop up, like illness and work commitments. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are unavailable to attend on the day.
Due COVID-19 we ask anyone with any respiratory or cold + flu symptoms to isolate, and reschedule for a group session after returning a negative COVID test.
How will the Rehabilitation Physio help supervise and coach the session?
The Rehab Physio will run the group warm up and coach the key themes for each session. They will then help each individual complete their individual exercises and provide feedback on technique as needed.
If you aren’t sure where any equipment is, just ask!
For anyone less confident in a gym environment, or performing new exercises for the first time, the rehab physio will guide you through.
Each individual will have different preferences for the amount of coaching and feedback they want whilst exercise. Please let us know what works best for you.
How can I join?
Initial assessment with one of our physiotherapists or E.P is required prior to attending a group session. This will ensure you are provided with a bespoke program that targets your goals.
Once you have had this initial assessment and have been provided with a tailored exercise program, speak to reception to reserve your session.
Health Fund rebates?
The group session item code 560 is applicable to all group sessions.
Contact your insurer to confirm the level of cover they provide.
An itemised statement will be provided at the completion of the 6 weeks to assist with Insurance claims.
