The best first treatment for hip + knee osteoarthritis

What does GLA:D® involve?

• An initial appointment to explain the program and measure your current functional ability
• Two education sessions that teach you about OA, its risk factors, treatment options and self-management strategies
• Group exercise sessions twice a week for six weeks to improve your control of the joint, your confidence in the joint and your strength
• A review at three months to discuss your progress and goals and re-measure your functional ability
• Completion of a questionnaire on registration with the program, and then again at three and 12 months after registration to measure changes in areas such as pain, function, quality of life, and medication use

Can I Participate in GLA:D® Australia?

GLA:D® Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity. You may participate in the GLA:D® Australia program if you have a hip or knee joint problem that resulted in visiting a health care provider.

Background of the GLA:D® Program

Program Research from the GLA:D® program in Denmark found symptom progression reduces by 32%. Other outcomes include a less pain, reduced use of joint related pain killers, and less people on sick leave. GLA:D® participants also reported high levels of satisfaction with the program and increased levels of physical activity 12 months after starting the program.

Cost

We welcome members from all health funds and those who don’t hold cover to join the GLA:D® Program.

HBF members: Fully covered for eligible* members who meet the criteria of an OA diagnosis.

*The GLA:D® program is fully covered for eligible members who hold eligible hospital cover. Members may participate in the program once per lifetime. Waiting periods and other terms and conditions may apply. Contact HBF on 133 423 to check eligibility. Other eligibility criteria may apply. Participating in the GLA:D® program does not impact usual policy entitlements or limits and for those members who also hold extras cover, it frees up physiotherapy limits for other health needs.

Bupa members: Fully covered for eligible^ members.

^Fund, policy, waiting periods and program eligibility rules apply including, being 18 years or older with diagnosed, symptomatic hip or knee osteoarthritis and holding a domestic Bupa Hospital product that includes joint replacement cover. Customers must be referred in writing to the program by a treating physiotherapist and must not have participated in the GLA:D® Program or the Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life Program funded by Bupa in the previous 12 months. 

HCF members: Fully reimbursable for eligible# members.

#As the HCF GLA:D program is a CDMP, HCF will reimburse eligible members in full for the cost of the program, provided the fees are within the maximum amounts set out in the Terms and Conditions. HCF members will not have to use their extras limits for the program. Please call HCF on 1300 799 275 to confirm eligibility.

All other health funds
Please chat to us about our fees and how to claim through your health fund.