Move Better. Live Stronger. Reduce Pain.

The GLA:D program in West Lakes (Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark) is an evidence-based education and exercise program for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis.  Our accredited physiotherapists guide you through a structured 6-week program.  The aim is to reduce pain, improve strength and mobility, and help you move with more confidence.

Call West Lakes Physio on 8347 2043 to get started
Learn more about the GLA:D Australia program

The GLA:D® exercise and education program for hip and knee osteoarthritis is now available at West Lakes Physio.

Is the GLA:D® program right for me?

The GLA:D program in West Lakes is suitable for people with hip and or knee osteoarthritis, whether symptoms are mild or more advanced. It is recommended as a first-line treatment in current national and international guidelines.

If you have ongoing hip or knee pain, stiffness, difficulty walking and squatting or trouble with stairs, this program helps you regain confidence to move better with less pain.

GLA:D program in West Lakes supervised exercise class

What happens in the GLA:D® program?

The program is run by accredited physiotherapists and includes:

Initial assessment – to assess your hip or knee movement, strength, and function, and determine the most suitable starting level for you.

Two education sessions – covering osteoarthritis, risk factors, treatment options, and practical self-management strategies.

Supervised group exercise classes – held twice a week for six weeks, with exercises designed to improve strength, joint control, mobility, and confidence.

3-month follow-up review – to measure your progress and repeat key outcome tests.

Ongoing monitoring – GLA:D® Australia follows your progress for 12 months after you start the program, tracking changes in pain, function, quality of life, medication use, and whether surgery is still being considered.

The exercises and education are designed to be practical and transferable to everyday life, helping you stay active and manage your symptoms long-term.

What results can you expect?

Results from the GLA:D® Australia Annual Report 2023 found:

  • Reduced pain – on average, 23% less for hip pain and 31% less for knee pain

  • Improved quality of life – by 24% for hip participants and 38% for knee participants

  • Less reliance on medication – with a 46% reduction for hip participants and 50% for knee participants

  • Reduced desire for surgery – showing that education and exercise can be a safe and effective alternative for many people

By completing the program, many participants feel stronger, more confident, and better able to enjoy everyday activities.

GLA:D® program FAQs

Do I need a referral?

No. If needed, we can liaise with your GP or surgeon and keep them updated on your progress.

Is the program suitable for me?

Yes, in most cases it is. International guidelines recommend education and exercise as first-line treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis, regardless of symptom severity. Your physiotherapist will choose the right starting level for you and adjust the program as needed.

If your arthritis is very advanced or everyday activities are becoming difficult, your physiotherapist may recommend an alternative starting point, such as hydrotherapy or individual treatment first.

Can I do the program if my arthritis is severe?

Yes — in most cases, people with more severe hip or knee osteoarthritis can still take part in the GLA:D® program. International guidelines recommend education and exercise as first-line treatment regardless of symptom severity. The program includes different exercise levels, and your physiotherapist will tailor the starting point to suit your pain levels, strength, movement, and confidence. They will also monitor your symptoms and adjust the exercises as needed to help you progress safely.

If your arthritis is very advanced or you are finding everyday activities extremely difficult, your physiotherapist may suggest alternative starting options during the initial consultation such as hydrotherapy.

Will exercise make my arthritis worse?

Not when it is prescribed and progressed appropriately. The GLA:D® program includes four exercise levels, and your physiotherapist will select the level that is right for you. Your symptoms are monitored before and after each session so the program can be adjusted if needed and flare-ups are kept to a minimum.

Can the program help me avoid surgery?


For many people, yes. There is strong evidence that education and exercise through the GLA:D® program can reduce the need for joint replacement surgery. GLA:D® Australia’s 12-month follow-up data shows that many participants who originally wanted surgery no longer felt they needed it after completing the program.

Do I need gym experience or special equipment?

No. The program uses simple equipment and exercises that can be adapted to suit your ability.

Can I do the program at home?

Yes. If group classes are not the best fit for you, your physiotherapist can guide you through a home-based option.

Am I locked in once I start?

No. You can withdraw at any time. However, completing the full 6-week program gives you the best chance of achieving meaningful improvement.

Is the GLA:D® program covered by private health insurance?

If you have physiotherapy extras cover that includes group classes, part of the cost may be claimable. Out-of-pocket expenses will depend on your level of cover. West Lakes Physio is a Bupa preferred provider.

What should I do after the 6-week program finishes?

The most important next step is to have a plan to keep going. Osteoarthritis is best managed with ongoing exercise, so continuing to build and maintain strength is important.

This may include continuing some exercises at home, joining one of our ongoing exercise classes if places are available, or attending a community gym to keep working on your strength and mobility.

We also recommend attending your 3-month review, where your physiotherapist can repeat your functional tests, review your progress, and update your exercises if needed.

If you are unsure what to do next, booking a consultation with your physiotherapist is a good option. We can help you decide on the most suitable plan for long-term management.

Take the first step towards less pain and more movement

If hip or knee osteoarthritis is holding you back, the GLA:D program in West Lakes can help you take control with expert physiotherapy guidance, education, and supervised exercise.

Call West Lakes Physio on 8347 2043 or

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