
A New Exercise Program Specific For Hip And Knee Arthritis.
What is the GLA:D Program?
Based on Good life with Osteoarthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®), The GLA:D Canada program is a nationwide evidence-based initiative that follows the current recommendation for the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis.
It is an 8-week exercise and education program for individuals with knee and /or hip osteoarthritis. This program is unique in that the education and exercises provided can be applied to everyday activities. By strengthening and correcting daily movement patterns, participants train their bodies to move with improved control and alignment, prevent symptom progression, and reduce pain. Research from GLA:D® in Denmark show participants being more physically active, reporting less pain, reduced use of pain medications and may delay or prevent the need for surgery.
Did you know?
Osteoarthritis is the most common lifestyle disease affecting people aged over 65 and it is projected to affect 1 in 4 Canadians within 30 years.
What can you do?
Exercise and education are known to be important for every patient in managing every stage of arthritis as shown in the management pyramid.
What are the effects of Arthritis?
Some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis are:
- Feeling of instability, looseness, or giving way
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods
- Reduced motion in the joint
- Pain when standing or walking
- Ache at rest
- Tender or swollen joint
Management Pyramid (below)


What else can happen?
Without the intervention of exercise and education patients with arthritis are at risk of a downward spiral known as the 3M effect:
- Mechanical issues with more joint problems caused by weakness and poor alignment.
- Metabolic conditions like type2 Diabetes are caused by weight gain and inactivity
- Motivation to move is reduced by pain or disability and depression can be a consequence.
Our Expertise – Your Advantage
Christine Morrison is a registered physiotherapist with GLA:D Canada certification and post graduate training in arthritis and expertise in prehab, rehab and research on outcomes after joint replacements.
Ready to Move Well and Stay Well ?

The GLA:D program is a 8 week program with 12 one hour exercises sessions in a small group with individual instruction. There are 2 one hour education sessions.
The cost is $420. Rebates can be claimed from your extended benefits insurer. To enroll in the GLA:D program you will first need an initial assessment at PhysioPlus to ensure that your specific needs are managed.
How will the program benefit me?
By strengthening and correcting daily movement patterns, participants train their bodies:
- to move with improved control and alignment,
- prevent symptom progression, and
- reduce pain.

Research from GLA:D® in Denmark show participants being:
- more physically active,
- reporting less pain,
- reduced use of pain medications and
- may delay or prevent the need for surgery.
* There is limited space in each program so enquire today for a fact sheet and the timetable for the next GLA:D *




The GLA:D program is supported by Bone and Joint Canada, The Arthritis Society, and the Physiotherapy Association of BC.