3a/352 South Street O’Connor WA 6163 | (08) 93376460

GLA:D® Program Perth

Expert-led GLA:D® Program in Perth.

What Is the GLA:D Program?

The GLA:D® (Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark) program is an internationally acclaimed initiative that provides education and exercise under the guidance of a physiotherapist.

It is recognised as the first-line, evidence-based treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA).

At Next Wave Therapy in O’Connor, our physiotherapist Rushil Shah leads this transformative program, helping you manage pain, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life.

To book online, click the button below to use our online booking system, or call us at 08 9337 6460.

Rushil Shah, Physiotherapist
Physio appointment pricing on a clipboard being handed to a patient

GLA:D Program Cost

The GLA:D program is $800 total and includes:

  • 1x initial assessment
  • 12x supervised 1 hour sessions over 6 weeks
  • 2x education sessions
  • 1x final consult

Health Fund Rebates:

  • If you have private health insurance with physiotherapy cover, you may be eligible for rebates.
  • Eligible HCF members may receive full reimbursement for the GLA:D® program costs. Learn more here.

What Does the GLA:D Program Involve?

Initial Assessment

• Your journey begins with an initial assessment to evaluate your current functional fitness and ability. This helps us tailor the program to your specific needs.

Education Sessions

• Two comprehensive education sessions where our physiotherapist shares the latest research and management strategies for OA.

• Opportunities to ask questions and engage in discussions with both the physiotherapist and fellow participants.

Exercise Sessions

• 12 group exercise sessions held twice a week over six weeks.

• Designed to improve muscle control around affected joints, enhance strength, and increase confidence.

• Exercises are practical and can be applied to your everyday activities.

Final Consultation

• A final consultation to review your progress and plan the next steps in your osteoarthritis management.

Patient with a rheumatoid condition
Man receiving manipulative physiotherapy during a postoperative shoulder physio appointment

Who Is the GLA:D Program Suitable For?

The program is ideal for individuals who:

  • Experience hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity.
  • Seek prehabilitation (before surgery) or post-surgical rehabilitation.
  • Want to learn effective pain management and self-management techniques.

Note: The program may not be suitable for those who:

  • Have hip and/or knee pain due to other reasons such as tumors, inflammatory joint diseases, hip fractures, or soft tissue problems.
  • Experience symptoms more pronounced than OA issues (e.g., fibromyalgia).

Our physiotherapist will assess your suitability during the initial assessment.

How to Join the GLA:D Program

  1. Book an Initial Assessment:

    • Schedule an appointment with our physiotherapist Rushil Shah.
    • No referral is needed, but a GP referral may make you eligible for Medicare rebates.
  2. Attend the First Education Session:

    • You can join the first education session at no cost.
    • Get an overview of the program and determine if it’s right for you.
  3. Begin Your Journey:

    • Join the exercise and education program.

To book your initial assessment or reserve a spot in the next education session:

  • Call: 08 9337 6460.
  • Book online via the button below
  • Visit: 3a/352 South Street, O’Connor WA 6163
Womens health OT during an appointment
GLA:D program assessment being performed

What to Expect During the Program

Registration with GLA:D Australia: After your initial assessment, you’ll be registered with GLA:D Australia. They will contact you to fill out surveys to track your progress.

Exercise and Education Sessions: Complete 12 supervised 60-minute exercise sessions over 6 weeks. Attend 2 education sessions to deepen your understanding of OA management.

Final Consultation: Review your progress with Rushil and receive advice on maintaining your improvements and planning next steps.

HCF Eligibility Criteria

We are excited to offer a fully reimbursed GLA:D program for eligible HCF members. This means you can participate in the program at no out-of-pocket cost, and your physiotherapy extras limits remain unaffected.

To be eligible, you must:

• Have private health insurance with HCF.

• Have held HCF hospital cover for at least 12 months.

• Have hospital cover that includes joint replacement surgery for at least 2 months.

• Have premiums up to date.

• Meet the clinical eligibility criteria:

◦ Be 18 years or older.

◦ Have a diagnosis of symptomatic hip or knee osteoarthritis likely to require joint replacement surgery in the next few years, as assessed by an orthopaedic surgeon, GP, or physiotherapist.

◦ 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.

GLA:D class
GLA:D consult with a physio and a patient

Benefits of the GLA:D Program

Participants typically experience:

• Reduced pain levels by an average of 36%.

• Improved quality of life with greater ease in daily activities.

• Decreased need for medication for joint-related pain.

• Learning how to self-manage arthritis effectively.

• Gaining exercises that can be used in everyday life.

• Preventing symptom progression and potentially delaying or avoiding surgery.

• Enhanced strength and confidence in joint functionality.

• Increased physical activity levels.

Often, joint replacement surgery can be avoided, and in cases where surgery goes ahead, recovery is improved for those who completed the GLA:D program.

Meet Your GLA:D Instructor

FAQs

Yes, anyone can join the program. If you have private health insurance with physiotherapy cover, you can make a claim for the program. However, there may be some out-of-pocket costs involved.

In addition to the GLA:D program, we provide:

  • Nutritional Guidance: Our naturopaths can advise on diet and supplements, such as glucosamine, to support joint health.
  • Occupational Therapy: Assistance with daily activities, pain management strategies, and recommendations for aids or equipment if necessary.

Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice or non-attendance are billed at 50% of the consult fee and do not qualify for a rebate.

A doctor’s referral is generally not required unless your condition is associated with Workers Compensation, Motor Vehicle Injury, Veterans Affairs, or a Medicare Mental Health Care plan. In most cases, you can directly schedule an appointment since all our physiotherapists are primary contact practitioners capable of providing comprehensive care without a referral.

As a person seeking healthcare in WA, you have the right to access, safety, respect, partnership, information, privacy, and the ability to provide feedback. For more detailed information on your rights, review the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights.

We prioritise your privacy. Our strict privacy policy ensures the confidentiality of your personal information, using it solely for your healthcare. If you have any privacy concerns or questions, please reach out, and we’ll address them promptly. Your trust is crucial to us. Review our privacy policy here.

Have a Question?

Our friendly team are available to answer any queries to you might have. Contact us via phone, email, fax, or simply filling out the form. 

Call us

(08) 93376460

Fax us

(08) 6210 1130

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