Live a ‘Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark’
The GLA:D® program (Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark) is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark specifically for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms.
The program, which consists of 12 exercise and 2 education sessions over a 3-month period, has been shown to result in significant reductions in pain, improvements in function and physical activity, reductions in sick leave and the use of pain medication.
Knee and hip arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics an estimated 2.2 million (9.3%) Australians have this condition.
While osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body it is most common in the knees, hips, hands and feet and is the leading cause of physical inactivity in people aged over 65.
Initially pain is felt during and after activity, but as the condition worsens pain may be felt during minor movements or even at rest. The affected joints may also become swollen, tender, feel stiff or as though the joint is unstable or going to give way.
Whilst some of the risk factors for osteoarthritis cannot be changed (such as your age, gender and family history) other things such as muscle weakness, body weight, levels of activity and types of activity or movements that aggravate the joint can be addressed with targeted exercises, education and lifestyle modifications.
Our physiotherapists, Gillian and Barbara, together with Kerrie, our exercise physiologist can discuss various treatment options that are available to assist you in the management of your osteoarthritis. Some of the treatments to consider may include:
- the use of physical therapy such as manual therapy or gentle joint mobilisation
- advice and education on osteoarthritis and how best to modify your lifestyle factors, such as your physical activity and weight management if appropriate
- the use of specific aides such as braces, foot orthoses or walking aids
- the benefits of targeted and individualised exercise programs
If you would like more information on the services we offer at Sunshine Coast Health Services, please call the clinic on (07) 53630288
