GLA:D Canada - Supervised Education and Exercise-Therapy for Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis
Condition Specific Support, Pain Management, and Services for Seniors
Provided by GLA:D Canada
GLA:D is a standardized, group-based education and exercise program that is individually tailored to patients across the spectrum from mild to severe hip and knee osteoarthritis.
GLA:D™ (Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark) is an evidence-based education and exercise program that was originally developed in Denmark by two physiotherapist researchers. They were frustrated that despite all evidence-based clinical practice guidelines strongly recommending education and exercise as key first line management for hip and knee osteoarthritis, patients had trouble accessing high quality care.
GLA:D is a standardized, group-based education and exercise program that is individually tailored to patients across the spectrum from mild to severe hip and knee osteoarthritis. Patients can self-refer to the program, but many do find out about it from orthopaedic surgeons or GPs.
Clinicians with expertise in exercise prescription (physiotherapists, kinesiologists, or chiropractors) are eligible to take a training course to become certified to deliver the GLA:D program. GLA:D is now offered in 11 countries globally.
All patients with osteoarthritis will receive:
- 1:1 assessment with GLA:D clinician to determine if they are a good fit for the program and complete functional tests
- 2 x 60min group-based education sessions covering: what is osteoarthritis, risk factors, symptoms, treatment options, self-management strategies
- 12 x 60min group-based supervised neuromuscular exercise sessions (twice weekly for 6 weeks) with a focus on: Movement control and alignment, functional strengthening, balance and mobility, and adapting exercises to individual ability
- Standardized patient reported outcome measures and functional tests at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months through the national GLA:D™ Canada registry (currently over 35,000 patients have participated across Canada.)
Sessions are delivered in small groups (typically 4–6 participants), and the program is available in person, virtually, or in hybrid formats. The cost of the program for patients is determined by each local site and is typically between $25-$45 per session.
Cost: The cost of the program is determined by each local site and is typically between $25 and $45 per session. Evidence for the effectiveness of GLA:D in reducing pain and improving function in people with knee and hip osteoarthritis is supported by a National Data Registry with data from over 36,000 Canadians who have participated in the program.
Eligibility: Patients must have a clinical diagnosis of knee and/or hip OA, which can be provided by a family physician, orthopedic surgeon, physiotherapist, or chiropractor.
To find a GLA:D location in your community please go to the locations page.
Location finder: https://gladcanada.ca/wp-content...
Public email: gladcanada@uhn.ca
Website: https://gladcanada.ca/
Cost: Private pay or Fees may apply
Referral options:
- Self-referral
- Family physician or nurse practitioner referral
- Specialist referral
Details: Individuals interested in attending a GLA:D™ Canada program can use the GLA:D™ Canada location page to identify a clinic that is accessible to them. Individuals should contact the clinic directly to confirm program start dates, pricing, and whether a physician referral is required. In most cases, a physician referral is not required.
Availability
Service area: Province-wide + show cities
Service Types Provided
Condition Specific Support
Pain Management
Services for Seniors
Ways to Access
- Provided 1:1 in-person
- Provided in a group in-person
- Provided online: email / video / on-line
The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.