An evidence-based education and exercise program to help you move with confidence, reduce pain and stay active, without rushing into surgery.
Physica is a registered GLA:D® Australia provider. Developed by researchers in Denmark, GLA:D® follows Australian and international clinical guidelines, which recommend education and exercise as the first treatment for osteoarthritis.
Research from the GLA:D® program in Denmark found symptom progression reduced by 32%. Participants also reported less pain, used fewer joint-related pain medications and took less time off work. They were highly satisfied with the program and more physically active 12 months after starting.
Intro: GLA:D® teaches you why exercise helps, then gives you a structured program built around everyday movements like standing up from a chair, climbing stairs and walking.
Ticked list:
✓ An initial appointment. A GLA:D®-trained physio assesses your joint, measures your strength and function, and makes sure the program suits you.
✓ Two education sessions. You’ll learn what osteoarthritis is, why it hurts, and how to manage it long term.
✓ Twelve group exercise sessions. These are 60-minute classes, twice a week for six weeks, with each exercise adjusted to your level.
✓ A follow-up. We re-measure your progress so you can see how far you’ve come.
GLA:D® is for anyone with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis symptoms, whatever the severity, who has seen a health professional about their joint. That includes people waiting for, or considering, joint replacement surgery.
GLA:D® may not be suitable if:
✗ your pain has another cause, such as a tumour, inflammatory joint disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis), a previous hip fracture, or a soft tissue or connective tissue problem
✗ other symptoms are more significant than your osteoarthritis, such as chronic widespread pain or fibromyalgia
✗ you’re unable to understand and communicate in English
Not sure? Call us and we’ll talk it through.
If you have private health insurance with extras cover, you don’t need to pay the full program fee upfront and claim it back session by session. You simply pay your gap when you start, and your health fund covers the rest as you attend.
It’s the same program and the same total cost to you, just without the big upfront payment. For example, a Medibank member pays around $140 upfront instead of $868.
Your exact amount depends on your fund and level of cover. Call our front desk and we’ll work it out for you before you begin.
GLA:D® suits people who enjoy exercising in a group. We also offer individual programs, telehealth and hydrotherapy, and your physio can help you choose the best fit.
Everything you need to know before starting GLA:D® at Physica.
No, you don’t need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist. GLA:D® is for people who have seen a health professional about their knee or hip, and your initial appointment with one of our physios will confirm the program is right for you.
No. Osteoarthritis is usually diagnosed from your symptoms and a physical assessment, so you don’t need scans to join GLA:D®. If you already have scans, feel free to bring the reports along.
No. GLA:D® is for knee and/or hip osteoarthritis, whatever the severity.
If you have private health insurance with extras cover, you only pay your gap upfront and your health fund covers the rest as you attend. For example, a Medibank member pays around $140 upfront instead of $868.
Your exact amount depends on your fund and level of cover. Call our front desk and we’ll work it out for you.
No. Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for osteoarthritis. Your physio will adjust each exercise to suit you, and you’ll learn how to tell normal exercise discomfort apart from pain that means you should ease off.
Yes. Every exercise is matched to your current level and progressed gradually, so the program works whether you’re fairly active or haven’t exercised in years.
Yes. Many people do GLA:D® while waiting for surgery. Some find their symptoms improve enough that they decide to delay surgery, and others go into it stronger, which can help their recovery.
Wear comfortable clothes you can move in and supportive shoes, and bring a water bottle.
You’ll finish with the knowledge and exercises to keep managing your joint on your own. We’ll also re-measure your progress so you can see how far you’ve come, and talk through options if you’d like ongoing support.
