The GLA:D® Australia Program is a structured education and exercise program for people with symptoms of hip or knee osteoarthritis. It aims to improve strength, movement confidence and day-to-day function while helping participants manage their condition more independently.

PhysioWorks runs the program at Ashgrove PhysioWorks. Participants complete an individual assessment before starting the education and group exercise components.

For broader information, read our guides to arthritis and osteoarthritis, hip arthritis and knee arthritis.

GLA:D® Ashgrove Class Times

Supervised exercise classes run twice each week at Ashgrove PhysioWorks. Participants usually attend two sessions per week during the six-week exercise component.

GLA:D® Program at a Glance

What Is the GLA:D® Australia Osteoarthritis Program?

GLA:D® stands for Good Life with osteoArthritis from Denmark. Researchers developed the program in Denmark before its introduction to Australia in 2016.

The program combines education with supervised neuromuscular exercise. It focuses on practical skills that may help people manage hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms and remain active.

What Does the GLA:D® Program Involve?

The program follows a standard structure while allowing your clinician to adjust exercises to your symptoms, ability and goals.

What Happens During the Exercise Classes?

Each class follows a structured program of exercises for the hips, knees and lower limbs. Your physiotherapist teaches the exercises and adjusts the starting level where required.

Exercises may include sit-to-stand movements, stepping, balance work, hip and knee strengthening, controlled direction changes and functional tasks. The load or difficulty can progress as your control and confidence improve.

Who May Benefit From GLA:D®?

The program may suit adults with ongoing hip or knee pain and symptoms consistent with osteoarthritis. Your symptoms do not need to match the severity of changes shown on an X-ray.

GLA:D® may be useful when pain or stiffness affects:

• walking or standing tolerance.
• stairs, slopes or getting out of a chair.
• work, household or caring duties.
• sport, exercise or recreational activities.
• confidence in loading the affected joint.
• your ability to maintain regular physical activity.

Can You Join Without an X-Ray?

An X-ray is not always required before starting. A physiotherapist can often assess whether your symptoms fit a typical osteoarthritis pattern.

Imaging or medical review may be appropriate when your symptoms are unusual, follow significant trauma, worsen rapidly or suggest another condition.

When May Another Approach Be More Suitable?

Your clinician may recommend further assessment, a modified program or another treatment pathway when your symptoms mainly relate to:

An individual assessment allows the physiotherapist to identify these issues before you enter the group program.

Why Are Education and Exercise Recommended for Osteoarthritis?

Clinical guidelines commonly recommend education, exercise and weight-management support as core care for hip and knee osteoarthritis. These approaches aim to improve function and support long-term self-management.

Exercise does not need to remove every symptom to be useful. A program may help you increase strength, improve movement confidence and complete important daily activities with less difficulty.

For more exercise options, visit our exercise programs, knee exercises and Exercise Physiology Brisbane pages.

What Results Can You Expect?

GLA:D® Australia collects participant-reported outcomes. Research has reported average improvements in pain, function and quality of life among program participants. However, individual outcomes vary.

Your response may depend on your symptoms, other health conditions, exercise attendance, sleep, activity levels, goals and confidence with movement. Your clinician will help you set realistic measures of progress.

GLA:D® Fees and Funding

Program costs depend on the required assessment, education and exercise sessions. Private health insurance rebates depend on your insurer and level of cover.

Some participants may access eligible individual appointments through a Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan. Medicare eligibility does not automatically cover every group session. Ashgrove reception can explain the current fees and payment pathways before you begin.

GLA:D® Australia Program FAQs

When do GLA:D® classes run at Ashgrove?

GLA:D® exercise classes run at Ashgrove on Wednesday from 2:00 pm–3:00 pm and Friday from 12:00 pm–1:00 pm. Complete an assessment and confirm class availability before attending.

How long is the GLA:D® Australia Program?

The main exercise component runs for six weeks, with two supervised classes each week. The program also includes an initial assessment, two education sessions and follow-up outcome reviews.

Do I need scans before starting GLA:D®?

Not always. Many people can start after a clinical assessment. Your physiotherapist may recommend imaging or medical review when symptoms are unusual or do not fit a typical osteoarthritis pattern.

Can GLA:D® help with severe or “bone-on-bone” osteoarthritis?

Some people with substantial joint changes on imaging can still improve their strength and function with exercise. Imaging severity alone does not predict your response. Your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, ability and goals before you start.

Can I join if I have knee pain but no confirmed osteoarthritis diagnosis?

You may still be suitable. A physiotherapist can assess whether your symptoms and clinical findings fit the program. Another plan may be recommended when a different condition better explains your pain.

What happens if my pain flares during the program?

Tell your physiotherapist if symptoms increase. They can adjust the exercise range, resistance, repetitions or difficulty. A temporary increase in symptoms does not always mean that you have damaged the joint.

Do I need a referral?

You can usually book privately without a referral. A referral or approval may be required for Medicare, DVA, WorkCover, CTP or other funded pathways. Reception can confirm the requirements for your situation.

What should I wear to a GLA:D® class?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move and closed-in shoes suitable for exercise. Bring relevant referral documents, scan reports and an updated medicine list to your first appointment.

What Should You Do Next?

Book an assessment if hip or knee pain affects your walking, stairs, work, exercise or daily activities. Your physiotherapist can assess your suitability, explain the program and confirm the current Ashgrove class schedule.

Related Articles

• What Is Osteoarthritis?
• Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
• Hip Arthritis
• Knee Arthritis
• Exercise Programs
• Exercise Physiology Brisbane
• Exercise Physiology Ashgrove

References

1. Gibbs AJ, Wright AA, Zadro JR, et al. Recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2023;31(10):1280–1292.
2. Barton CJ, Kemp JL, Roos EM, et al. Program evaluation of GLA:D® Australia: physiotherapist training outcomes and effectiveness of implementation for people with knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open. 2021;3(3):100175.
3. Kania-Richmond A, et al. Implementing a guideline-based education and exercise program: barriers and facilitators across rehabilitation settings. 2023.
4. Collins NJ, et al. Implementing Good Life with osteoArthritis from Denmark in Australian public hospitals: feasibility and outcomes. 2024.
5. Toomey CM, et al. Guideline-based exercise management for hip and knee osteoarthritis: stakeholder beliefs and implementation factors. 2024.

More Information

• GLA:D® Australia
• GLA:D® Australia FAQs for people with osteoarthritis