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GLA:D® program

Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark, is the gold-standard education and exercise program for hip and knee osteoarthritisy. It's proven to reduce pain, improve joint function and help many people delay or avoid surgery, without relying on medication alone. Get moving, pain-free, again.

  • Session
    Initial consultation (60-min) and education/exercise sessions (30-45-min)
  • Where
    102/6 Bluestone Way, Brunswick East VIC 3057
  • Funding
    Medicare CDM · Private health (extras)
  • Referral
    Private: no referral · Medicare/DVA/NDIS: referral required

Overview

What to expect:

GLA:D® was developed with the intention of understanding and disseminating the best practise in managing hip and knee OA.

The program has been created with education and exercise being the focus: 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.

Who is this for?

Am I eligible for the GLA:D® program?

  • Adults with hip or knee osteoarthritis
  • People considering, delaying or recovering from joint replacement
  • Anyone wanting a conservative, evidence-based approach to OA

What we see

Common OA symptoms:

  • Pain when ascending/descending stairs and walking
  • Stiffness in the morning or after sitting for extended periods
  • Reduced confidence in your physical capacity and ability to last social events
  • Increasing reliance on pain medication for relief
  • Uncertainty about surgical necessity in the future

Benefits & outcomes

Expectations with consistent exercise rehab

Real, measurable change — not vague reassurance. Here's what clients typically walk away with, and how we make sure it lasts.

  • Reduced joint pain and stiffness

  • Improved pain-free physical capacity

  • A chance to delay or avoid joint replacement

  • Return to enjoyment when walking and exercising

  • One-on-one with an Accredited EP
  • Evidence-based and individualised
  • Tracked and progressed over time

What to expect

Clear path from assessment to life-long change

  1. Initial assessment — gla:d® program at SOS Exercise Physiology
    1

    Initial assessment

    We measure your capacity (mobility and strength), pain and movement, and discuss your history and goals.

  2. Education  — gla:d® program at SOS Exercise Physiology
    2

    Education

    We inform you about your condition, load management, exercise, and self-management strategies.

  3. Exercise — gla:d® program at SOS Exercise Physiology
    3

    Exercise

    Supervised neuromuscular and strengthening exercises, specifically designed for hip and knee OA.

The basics:

Duration
Initial consultation (60-min) and education/exercise sessions (30-45-min)
Location
102/6 Bluestone Way, Brunswick East VIC 3057
What to bring
Comfortable activewear, closed toe shoes, water bottle and any relevant scans, plans or referrals. Avoid dresses and skirts as you may need to lie down and move amongst other people using the space.

Funding & rebates

Are you eligible for funding support?

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.

  • MedicareMedicare CDM
  • Private health (extras)
  • Self-funded

Evidence & approach

Find out more about this service

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.

FAQs

Quick answers.

Have a different question? Get in touch, we're happy to help.

GLA:D runs over approximately six weeks with two supervised sessions per week, plus two education sessions.

Yes, many participants use GLA:D after joint replacement to rebuild capacity and improve surgical outcomes.

International GLA:D data suggests a significant proportion of participants delay or no longer require joint surgery following engagement with the program.

No referral is needed for private participants. Some participants may be eligible for Medicare subsidised sessions within the program via a CDM plan. Consult with your GP to access referral for this funding.

Ready when you are

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.

Sister brand · SOS Running

Coaching for runners, by runners.

Matthew is also Director and Head Coach at SOS Running, online coaching for runners chasing PBs, integrating strength, or returning from injury. The same clinical rigour, applied to the road, track and trails.

PB progression

Periodised and polarised training targeted to you, the runner

Return-to-run rehab

Returning from, or managing niggles/injury

Strength integration

Lifting that complements the mileage