GLA:D Canada Osteoarthritis Treatment Classes

practitioner working with patient who has elastic band around thighs

The GLA:D Canada program

Based on Good Life with Osteoarthritis in Denmark, the GLA:D Canada program is a nationwide evidence-based initiative that follows the current recommendations for the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis. In Denmark, this program has been shown to have the potential to improve the quality of life of patients living with mild, moderate and severe osteoarthritis, and may delay or prevent the need for surgical intervention.

What does the program include?

  1. Assessment by a registered physiotherapist certified to administer the GLA:D Canada program
  2. Two one-and-a-half hour long education sessions one week apart
  3. Twelve one-hour long supervised group exercise classes held two afternoons per week
  4. Data will be collected from participants regarding function, quality of life and level of discomfort on three separate occasions (pre-program, three months and 12 months after completion of the program)

Eligible Participants

Individuals who experience symptoms resulting from hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (e.g., pain, limited function, decreased quality of life) are eligible to participate in the program.

Ineligible Participants

Individuals who may not be able to participate in the program are those with:

  • Hip and/or knee problems resulting from other suspected reasons, including but not limited to: tumor, inflammatory joint disease, and soft tissue or connective tissue problem
  • Other symptoms that are more pronounced than the osteoarthritis problems (e.g., chronic pain or fibromyalgia)
  • Inability to understand and communicate English (due to the strong emphasis on the educational component of the program)

Note: X-rays to confirm osteoarthritis are NOT required to participate in the program

Cost to Patients

The cost of the program is $450 CAD. The GLA:D Canada program is a physiotherapist-delivered program.

GLA:D-trained physiotherapists

Rhonda Highland and Jessie Gill are Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic GLA:D-trained physiotherapists.

GLA:D is brought to you via partnerships with:

  • Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute
  • GLA:D Canada
  • Alberta Health Services
  • The Arthritis Society

More information

For more information about the GLA:D Canada program, visit gladcanada.ca.

For more information about participating in the GLA:D Canada program at the Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic, please call 780-407-5160.

All classes are held at the Saville location of the Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic at Saville Community Sports Centre.