Move Better with GLA:D® – Your Hip & Knee Osteoarthritis program
A structured, evidence-informed program for people living with hip or knee osteoarthritis – delivered right here in Kiama and Gerringong by our trained physiotherapists.
Why Choose the GLA:D® Program?
The GLA:D® program is a small group program combining education and supervised exercise – designed specifically for people living with hip or knee osteoarthritis.
Twice a week, you’ll work with our trained physiotherapists to build muscle strength, improve movement, and develop the skills to manage your symptoms with confidence.
Run locally in Kiama and Gerringong, it’s practical, evidence-informed, and built around you.
What Could GLA:D® Do For You?
This isn’t a generic exercise class. The GLA:D® program is specifically designed to give people with hip or knee osteoarthritis a real, evidence-based path forward.
What is the GLA:D® Australia Program?
GLA:D® – short for Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark – is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms. It was brought to Australia in 2016 and is now delivered by trained clinicians across the country.
The GLA:D® Australia program is a not-for-profit initiative led by La Trobe University, designed around current clinical guidelines that identify education and exercise as the best first-line approach for managing osteoarthritis – not just masking symptoms.
At Gerringong and Kiama Physiotherapy, our team is trained and licensed to deliver the full program, so you’re getting evidence-based care with a local, personal touch.
How it works
No surprises. Here’s what the GLA:D® Australia program looks like from start to finish:
Step 1: Initial Assessment
You’ll meet with one of our trained physios to explain the program, understand your goals, and measure your current functional ability. This is your starting point — and your chance to ask all the questions.
Step 2: Two Education Sessions
These group sessions cover the latest research on osteoarthritis: what it is, its risk factors, treatment options, and practical self-management strategies. Think of it as the knowledge toolkit you wish you’d had sooner.
Step 3: 12 Supervised Exercise Sessions (6 weeks)
Twice a week for six weeks, you’ll attend small group exercise sessions — up to six people. Every exercise is adapted to your level, by a clinician trained to customise the program for the individual.
Step 4: 3-Month Review
Three months after your initial assessment, you’ll come back in for a review with your clinician to discuss your progress, revisit your goals, and re-measure your functional ability. By this point, most participants are exploring what’s next — whether that’s a gym program, getting back to a sport, or simply staying active in their daily life.
Step 5: Ongoing Questionnaires
As part of the GLA:D® Australia research initiative, you’ll be asked to complete questionnaires at registration and again at 3 and 12 months. This de-identified data helps the program keep improving care for people with osteoarthritis across Australia.
Is GLA:D® Right for You?
The GLA:D® Australia program is suitable for anyone who experiences hip and/or knee pain or symptoms of osteoarthritis, regardless of severity – whether you’ve been managing it for years or have just started noticing symptoms.
You don’t need a referral from your doctor to get started. If you live in or around Kiama or Gerringong, simply book an assessment, or contact us for more information on 02 4234 4666.
Osteoarthritis is the most common lifestyle-related joint condition in people aged 65 and over – but it can also affect people from around 30 years of age. If hip or knee pain is getting in the way of your life, it’s worth having a conversation with our team.
Not sure if it’s right for you? Our physios will assess your individual situation and discuss whether GLA:D® is the best fit – or explore other options with you if needed.
