GLAD Program

Based on the Good Living with Osteoarthritis program in Denmark (GLAD®), GLA:D Canada is a nation-wide, evidence-based initiative that follows the current international recommendations for first-line treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA). All level of symptoms and XRay changes (mild, moderate or severe) are appropriate to pursue this first-line treatment program. 

Who Could Benefit:

• Those already diagnosed with or at risk of developing hip or knee OA

• Those hoping to manage symptoms while on surgical wait lists

• Those wishing to improve their post-op outcomes

• Those with stiff and/or painful hips or knees

The benefits of completing a 6 week GLAD Program can include: 

• Pain reduction

• Decreased pain medication 

• Increased participation in physical activity and overall physical function (for example: improved stair climbing)

• Reduction in time off work 

• Delay or prevent the need for surgery 

To determine if you would benefit from the GLAD Program, we encourage you to book a 45 Minute Initial Assessment with Nadine Plotnikoff. She will take a history of your area of concern, walk you through a series of functional tests, and determine if the GLAD Program is right for you. 

Form Physiotherapy is currently offering in-person GLAD group exercise classes, with a maximum of 3 people.

For further inquiries please call Form Physiotherapy at 604-708-4762 or email nadine@formphysiotherapy.com

Resources

Excellent resources on GLAD and OA care can be found at:

www.gladcanada.ca, www.gladaustralia.com.au, www.gladinternational.org, and www.helpingmyarthritis.ca

Additional Considerations for OA Management:

Not everyone with an OA diagnosis is able to participate in a GLAD Program. If this applies to you, there are still ways to receive excellent care and direction with regular individualized treatment sessions with your physiotherapist.

The PEAK program, from the University of Melbourne, is an excellent individualized program for those living with knee OA. It is designed to be delivered in 5 sessions over a 2-month period, preceded by an Initial Assessment. Although designed and built for virtual delivery, it is an excellent platform for in-person sessions at our clinic. More information can be found on the PEAK program and current evidence at www.helpingmyarthritis.ca.

Program Rates

• 45 Minute Initial Intake and Assessment: $157.50

• Glad Classes: $70 x 10 Sessions (1 hour each) + $140 x 2 Sessions (2 hours each) = $980 Total