In Denmark a program called GLA:D® (Good Life with Osteoarthritis in Denmark) has been used to help individuals with OA to reduce their symptoms and increase their function. This program has been effectively used by individuals who have mild occasional knee and hip pain, suggestive of early degenerative symptoms, as well as moderate and even severe symptoms, where they are waiting to undergo joint replacement surgery.
Bone and Joint Canada has teamed up with researchers from Denmark to implement this evidence based education and exercise program to reduce the symptoms of OA in the knee and hip for individuals in Canada.
The GLA:D® program is an education and neuromuscular exercise program that has been developed to offload the stresses from the knee and hip joints thereby increasing the stability, reducing the pain and increasing function. The program runs for 12 sessions over 6 weeks and includes education on the pathology of OA as well as facilitated and progressed exercises that improve the muscle function.
Working with the researchers from Denmark BJC has brought the “GLA:D™ Canada” program to Canada where it has been licensed through the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation. BJC is certifying physiotherapists, chiropractors, kinesiologists and other health care professionals to implement the program for their clients. The certification requires attendance at a 1.5 days course. COUrses are being held across the country. Information about locations and registration is available through the GLAD web site http://gladcanada.ca.
This program has been supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Alberta Health Services, The Arthritis Society and many other partners in OA care.
If you would like any additional information about the work in Canada please contact Rhona McGlasson at Rhonaamcglasson@gmail.com
