April 30, 2018
The GLA:DTM Program is a program that has been developed for people with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA). Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend patient education, exercise and weight loss (if needed) as first line treatment for osteoarthritis. GLA:DTM was developed by researchers in Denmark and incorporates the best treatment for the non-operative management of OA. GLA:DTM – GoodLife with osteoArthritis in Denmark Research from Denmark shows outcomes of the program to include:
  • Less pain
  • Reduced use of joint related pain killers
  • Improved joint related quality of life
  • Improve walking speed
  • Less sick leave
  • Increased physical activity
These results were maintained at 3 months and 12 months following completion of the program. What does GLA:DTM involve? GLA:DTM is a group based program that is supervised by a certified GLAD physiotherapist. The GLA:DTM program consists of:
  • 2 education sessions where patients learn more about the risk factors and symptoms of OA, its treatment and tips for self management.
  • Group based exercise sessions, which occur twice a week for 6 weeks. The exercise component of the program includes muscle strengthening, neuromuscular training and functional training.
Participants symptoms and physical performance are assessed prior to and at the completion of the program. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=37&v=B2XMszQP_pY Who can participate? GLA:DTM Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of how severe the symptoms are. GLA:DTM is also beneficial for those individuals who want to delay joint replacement surgery or those that want to slow the progression of symptoms of osteoarthritis. You do not need a referral from your Doctor to partake in the GLA:DTM program. However, you may be eligible for a rebate from Medicare for some of the cost of the program, if deemed appropriate by your GP. We have certified GLAD physiotherapists at each of out practice locations. Please feel free to contact our rooms if you would like to participate in GLA:DTM Australia or have any further questions. Daniel is a Titled Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist who works between our Westmead and Blacktown rooms. Daniel enjoys managing a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and runs our GLAD Australia program. Daniel also works as part of our Men's Health and Hand Therapy team.