If you’ve been living with ongoing hip or knee pain due to osteoarthritis, you’ve probably heard the advice to “keep moving.” While that’s true, knowing how to move safely and effectively makes all the difference.
We’re excited to share that one of our physiotherapists has completed GLAD® Australia training, allowing Albany Physio to deliver this internationally recognised education and exercise program for people living with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
Albany Physiotherapy will be listed as an official GLAD® Australia provider, making this evidence-based program available to our local community.
What is the GLAD® Program?
GLAD® (Good Living with OsteoArthritis: Denmark) is an evidence-based education and exercise program designed specifically for people experiencing hip or knee osteoarthritis.
Developed from years of clinical research, the program combines:
- Education about osteoarthritis
- Supervised exercise sessions
- Strategies to improve movement and confidence
- Long-term self-management techniques
Rather than focusing on rest or avoiding activity, GLAD® helps people move better, reduce pain, and improve quality of life through structured exercise guided by a qualified physiotherapist.
Does Exercise Really Help Osteoarthritis?
Many people assume that arthritis means they should avoid exercise. In reality, research consistently shows that appropriate exercise is one of the most effective first-line treatments for hip and knee osteoarthritis.
Regular, targeted exercise can help:
- Reduce joint pain
- Improve mobility and flexibility
- Increase muscle strength around affected joints
- Improve balance and stability
- Make everyday activities easier
- Delay or reduce the need for surgery for some people
The key is choosing exercises that are appropriate for your condition and progressing them safely.
What Happens During a GLAD® Program?
The program is designed to help you understand your condition while building strength and confidence.
Participants typically receive:
Education Sessions
You’ll learn:
- What osteoarthritis actually is
- Why pain doesn’t always equal damage
- Why movement is beneficial
- How lifestyle factors can influence symptoms
- Practical ways to manage flare-ups
Supervised Exercise Sessions
Exercises are tailored to improve:
- Leg strength
- Hip and knee function
- Balance
- Walking ability
- Everyday movement
Your physiotherapist monitors your progress and adjusts exercises as you improve.
Who Can Benefit?
The GLAD® program may be suitable if you:
- Have been diagnosed with hip or knee osteoarthritis
- Experience persistent joint pain or stiffness
- Want to stay active
- Are hoping to avoid or delay joint replacement surgery
- Want an evidence-based alternative to relying solely on medication
Even if you’ve been managing arthritis for years, many people notice significant improvements once they begin a structured exercise program.
Why Choose Albany Physio?
At Albany Physio, we believe the best outcomes come from combining clinical expertise with treatments backed by high-quality research.
Adding the GLAD® Australia program allows us to offer patients another proven pathway for managing hip and knee osteoarthritis through education, movement, and personalised care.
Whether your goal is walking with less pain, returning to gardening, playing with grandchildren, or simply moving more comfortably each day, our physiotherapy team is here to support you.
Coming Soon
Our physiotherapist is currently completing GLAD® Australia certification. Once accredited, Albany Physio will officially be listed as a certified GLAD® Australia clinic offering these specialised exercise programs.
If you’ve been struggling with hip or knee osteoarthritis and would like to learn whether the GLAD® program is right for you, contact Albany Physio to speak with our team or book an assessment.
Take the First Step Towards Better Movement
Hip and knee osteoarthritis doesn’t have to stop you doing the things you enjoy. With the right education, guidance, and exercise program, many people can significantly reduce pain and improve their quality of life.
Speak with our physiotherapists to find out how the upcoming GLAD® Australia program could help you move with greater confidence.
Contact Albany Physiotherapy today to book an appointment and take the first step towards moving better, feeling stronger, and getting back to doing what you love.
If you would like further guidance, please discuss this with your physiotherapist at your next appointment, or contact us at (08) 9841 4233.
