GLA:D stands for Good Life with Osteoarthritis from Denmark. It is an 8-week education and exercise program designed for anyone with stiff and/or painful knees and or hips. Research done in Denmark shows participants in this program report less pain, less use of pain killers, less sick leave required, and are more physically active.
The GLA:D program is made up of 3 components. Firstly, you will be assessed by a physiotherapist to determine your eligibility to the program. Secondly, there are two, 90-minute education sessions that teaches you about osteoarthritis, current treatments available, how to self-manage symptoms, why you should exercise with osteoarthritis, and how to do so safely. The third component is a 60 minute neuromuscular exercise program for 12 sessions, twice a week, for six weeks. This program is instructed by a certified GLA:D therapist and focuses on learning how to control your movements with proper posture. You will build muscular strength through functional exercises and learn how to apply these to everyday activities.
Neuromuscular exercises are ones that focus on the quality of movement and joint control. In short, we are aiming to retrain the motor pathways in the nervous system to recognize the movement before we consciously have to think about it. This in return decreases stress to the joint, making it easier and less painful to complete the movement.
To initiate the program you must first be assessed by the physiotherapist. At the time of your assessment, both you and the therapist will discuss options available to you. You may require a few treatments of traditional physiotherapy before starting GLAD, or a few laser treatment sessions, to minimize pain. If during the program the pain increases, your program will be adapted to a more tolerable pace during your “flare-up”.
If you are interested in learning more about the GLA:D program, call the clinic or fill out the form on our website to book an appointment. You do not need an x-ray or physician’s referral, however, if you wish to have the cost covered by your extended health plan under physiotherapy, and your plan requires a physician’s referral, you may have to see your family doctor prior to starting. You can also visit the gladcanada.ca website for further information.
Please, fill out the form below in as much detail as possible so that we are able to understand your individual needs. We try to respond personally to all our emails within 24 business hours.
Address:17 Wilson Drive, #12
Milton, ON L9T 3J7
Phone: 905-876-1515
Fax: 905-876-3737
Hours of operation:
Monday – Thursday: 7am – 8pm
Friday: 7am-5pm, Massage after hours by appointment only
Saturday: 8am-2pm, Massage after hours by appointment only
