what is Gla:d Hip and knee®?

GLA:D® stands for Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark. It is a physiotherapy led education and strengthening exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms.

Outcomes include:

• OA symptom progression reduction of 32%

• less pain

• reduced use of joint related pain killers

• less people on sick leave.

GLA:D® participants also reported high levels of satisfaction with the program and increased levels of physical activity 12 months after starting the program.

who can do the program? 

The GLA:D® Australia research program is for participants that have a hip/knee joint problem. You may be excluded from completing the program if you have:

• Other reasons for your pain (such as inflammatory arthritis, tumor or fracture related pain or soft tissue injury)

• Other symptoms that are more pronounced than OA (ie. chronic pain or fibromyalgia)

• Unable to understand or communicate in English

Note: you may still be able to attend the exercise classes causally but will be ineligible to be included in the national program

Health fund rebates are available for all classes under code 560, check with you fund if you are eligible

What is involved? 

1. Initial assessment with physiotherapist to obtain baseline measures

2. Register and consent to participation online

3. Attend 2x education sessions

4. 6 weeks of class based exercise, 2x per week (12x1 hour classes in total)

   Current Times: Tues/Fri @ 12pm

5. Follow up - 3 months post baseline measure & 12 months online questionnaire

What next?

Following the initial 6 week block of classes participants have the option to:

• continue to attend classes on a casual basis (once or twice per week)

• continue with a home based exercise program

Cost

Initial 30 minute Assessment: $120

Classes: 12 class pack - $540

Causal class (continuers only) - $45

Fully Reimbursed GLA:D Program to HCF Members

Are you an HCF member have knee or hip osteoarthritis? Currently HCF are offering a fully reimbursed GLA:D program to their members who meet the eligible criteria. The program will be funded as a Chronic Disease Management Program (CDMP) with no amount deducted from the extras limit. This means there is zero out-of-pocket costs and you keep all your physiotherapy extra’s limits. This early intervention aims to minimise symptoms of knee and hip OA and avoid joint replacement surgery.

Who is eligible?

You must have private health insurance with HCF and:

• have held HCF hospital cover for at least 12months

• have hospital cover which includes joint replacement surgery for at least 2 months

• have premiums up to date

• meet the clinical eligibility criteria

For the clinical eligibility criteria, members must:

• be 18 years or over;

• have a diagnosis of symptomatic hip or knee osteoarthritis, that is likely to require joint replacement surgery in the upcoming few years (as assessed by a physiotherapist, general practitioner or orthopaedic surgeon);

• not have had a total or partial hip or knee joint replacement surgery;

• not have participated in the GLA:D program in the previous 2 years;

• not have participated in the Osteoarthritis Health Weight For Life program in the previous 2 years.

How do I start the HCF CDMP GLA:D program?

If you meet the above criteria, contact us today. Before starting the program we will need to contact HCF to confirm your eligibility. Once HCF has approved the program, you will then be able to book your initial GLA:D assessment.

If you are unsure of your eligibility, you can alternatively book a consult with one of our physiotherapists. Our physios will be able to accurately assess if you meet the clinical eligibility and then advise you on the best course of action.

PLEASE NOTE – As this HCF program is in a pilot stage, this service cannot be claimed immediately through HICAPS. This means you will be required to pay upfront for the classes, but you will then be provided with an invoice that you directly claim through HCF and receive 100% of your money back.

For more information about the GLA:D Program, watch the video below

To find out more about classes or the GLA:D® Australia program:

Contact The Physio Lab on 9560 0129, email us at info@thephysiolab.com or fill out the form below to find out prices and availability of classes 

Click on the GLA:D® Australia website link here: https://gladaustralia.com.au/