GLA:D Program
GLA:D® (Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark) is the gold-standard education and exercise program for hip and knee osteoarthritis, led in Australia by La Trobe University. It's proven to reduce pain, improve joint function and help many people delay or avoid surgery — without relying on medication alone.
- Session~6 weeks · 2 × 45–60 min sessions/week + 2 education sessions
- WhereSOS Studio, Brunswick East
- FundingMedicare CDM · DVA
- ReferralPrivate: no referral · Medicare/DVA/NDIS: referral required
Overview
What this service is — and isn't.
GLA:D® was developed in Denmark and is now delivered in over a dozen countries. In Australia it's led by La Trobe University's Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, with outcomes tracked in a national registry so we can measure real change against published benchmarks.
The program is exactly the same internationally: two education sessions covering OA, load and self-management, followed by six weeks of twice-weekly supervised neuromuscular exercise. It's designed for hip and knee OA at any stage — from early symptoms through to people considering, delaying or recovering from joint replacement.
Matthew is a certified GLA:D Australia provider. You'll be measured at the start and again at the end, so you and your GP or surgeon can see exactly what changed.
Who it's for
Is this the right service for me?
- Adults with hip or knee osteoarthritis
- People considering, delaying or recovering from joint replacement
- Anyone wanting a conservative, evidence-based approach to OA
- Clients managing OA without medication-only strategies
What we see
Common issues & goals.
- Knee or hip pain on stairs and walking
- Stiffness in the morning or after sitting
- Reduced confidence with daily activity
- Uncertainty about whether to have joint surgery
Benefits & outcomes
What you can expect to get out of it.
Reduced joint pain and stiffness
Improved walking, stair and stand-to-sit ability
Less reliance on pain medication
Many participants delay or avoid joint replacement
What to expect
A clear path from first session to lasting progress.
- 1
Initial assessment
We measure your function, pain and movement, and discuss your OA history and goals.
- 2
Education sessions
Two evidence-based sessions covering OA, load management, exercise and self-management — based on the GLA:D international protocol.
- 3
Twice-weekly exercise
Six weeks of supervised neuromuscular exercise specifically designed for hip and knee OA, with measured progress at the end.
Session format
What a session actually looks like.
- Duration
- ~6 weeks · 2 × 45–60 min sessions/week + 2 education sessions
- Location
- SOS Studio, Brunswick East
- Equipment
- Neuromuscular exercise circuit, outcome measures, GLA:D Australia registry
- What to bring
- Activewear, supportive shoes, any imaging or specialist letters.
Funding & rebates
How clients pay for this service.
We accept the following funding streams for this service. If you're unsure what applies to you, get in touch — we'll help you work it out.
Medicare CDM
DVA- Private health (extras)
- Self-funded
Evidence & approach
Grounded in the research.
International GLA:D data shows a meaningful reduction in pain and improved function, with a notable proportion of participants no longer pursuing joint surgery after completing the program.
Conditions we commonly see
People come to us for gla:d program with things like:
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Pre-operative joint replacement
- Post total knee replacement
- Post total hip replacement
Inside a session
A look at what gla:d program actually looks like at SOS.
FAQs
Quick answers.
Have a different question? Get in touch — we're happy to help.
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Book a free discovery call.
A quick, no-obligation chat to see if Matt's the right fit for your goals — recovery, rehab or performance. We'll get back to you the same business day.