GLA:D® Program at Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre – Knee & Hip Osteoarthritis Physiotherapy

Evidence-Based Osteoarthritis Treatment in Bass Coast & South Gippsland

If you’re living with knee or hip osteoarthritis, pain doesn’t have to control your life.

The GLA:D® Australia program is at Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre and is a proven, physiotherapist-led program designed to reduce pain, improve strength, and help you move with confidence again.

GLA:D® stands for Good Life with osteoarthritis in Denmark and is backed by strong international research.

🦵 What Is the GLA:D® Program?

GLA:D® is an evidence-based physiotherapy program combining:

Education about osteoarthritis
Supervised group exercise
Individual physiotherapy assessment
Long-term self-management strategies

Research shows GLA:D® participants experience:

Reduced joint pain
Improved walking and daily function
Less reliance on scans, injections, and surgery
Increased confidence in movement

Why Choose GLA:D® at Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre?

At Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre, GLA:D® is delivered by GLA:D®-trained physiotherapists who understand:

Regional lifestyles
Work, farming, sport, and daily physical demands
The importance of practical, realistic exercise programs

We tailor the program to your:

Pain levels
Fitness history
Work and lifestyle needs
Personal goals

Consult with your GP and discuss the GLA:D® Program and whether this would benefit you and your current health concerns.

How the GLA:D® Program Works

Step 1: Initial Physiotherapy Assessment

You’ll begin with a one-on-one physiotherapy appointment, where we:

Assess your hip or knee
Measure strength, mobility, and function
Set personal goals
Confirm suitability for group exercise

Step 2: Education Sessions (2 sessions)

Small-group education sessions covering:

What osteoarthritis really is (and isn’t)
Why movement is safe and essential
How to manage flare-ups
How to protect your joints long-term

Many people find this the most reassuring part of the program.

Step 3: Supervised Group Exercise (12 sessions)

You’ll complete 12 structured group exercise sessions, focusing on:

Strengthening around the knee and hip
Improving balance and control
Building confidence with movement
Gradually increasing load safely

Sessions are:

Fully supervised by a Physiotherapist and/or Exercise Physiologist
Small group size
Progressed at your pace

Step 4: Optional 3-Month Review

A follow-up appointment to:

Review progress
Repeat outcome measures
Adjust your long-term exercise plan

Who Is GLA:D® Suitable For?

The GLA:D® program is ideal if you:

Have knee or hip osteoarthritis
Experience pain with walking, stairs, or daily tasks
Want to avoid or delay surgery
Are unsure what exercises are safe
Have been told “there’s nothing you can do”

You do not need to be fit to start. You just need to start.

Fees, Rebates & Funding

Medicare (Chronic Disease Management Plans)

Medicare rebates may apply for:
- Initial assessment
- Review appointments
Medicare does not cover group exercise sessions

Private Health Insurance

Most private health funds offer rebates for group physiotherapy
Rebates vary depending on your level of extras cover
HICAPS available on the day

Our reception team can help guide you through rebates.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions related to the GLA:D Program-

Will exercise make my arthritis worse?

No. Research consistently shows the right exercise reduces pain and improves joint health.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required, but a GP referral may help access Medicare rebates.

Can I still do the program if I’m waiting for surgery?

Yes. GLA:D® is commonly used before and after surgery to improve outcomes.

What if I’m nervous about exercising?

That’s exactly why the program exists. Exercises are supervised and progressed safely in a friendly group setting. Y

Book Your GLA:D® Assessment

Wonthaggi Allied Health Centre
📍 218 White Road, North Wonthaggi VIC 3995
📞 (03) 5672 1487
📱 0415 386 657
📧 info@wonthaggialliedhealth.com.au

👉 Ask our team about upcoming GLA:D® program start dates