The GLA:D Program is an education and supervised exercise program, involving:

An initial assessment: 2 short outcome measures are completed (30sec chair stand test and 40m walk test)

2 x group education sessions: ~60-90mins duration, delivered preferably before participant starts.

12 x supervised group exercise sessions: ~60 mins duration, delivered twice weekly

A follow-up assessment: 3 months after the initial assessment, where the two outcome measures are measured again

Online questionaire: Participants also complete an online questionnaire at baseline, 3 months and 12 months post

Please note: all above components must be delivered by a GLA:D certified practitioner

Providers set the cost of the Program, with most private clinics charging between $500-$700. Supervised exercise sessions can be billed under a “Group Consultation”, item code 560, with eligible participants getting a rebate from their private health insurers.

The GLA:D Program is generally run as a group session, but can be run individually if needed, depending on the participant’s needs.

Medicare-subsidised visits, under the Chronic Disease Management or Enhanced Primary Care plan, are only valid for 1:1 consultations, including the participant’s initial assessment, 3 month follow-up assessment and 1:1 supervised exercise sessions.

Number of classes a week? Minimum of 2-3 to account for patient/physiotherapist availability.

Number of patients per class? 4-6 depending on resources and number of physiotherapists available.

Cost of classes? Classes paid per patient, consider pricing GLA:D classes similarly to a pilates class/other group sessions.

Cost and length of education sessions? No cost, these sessions may run from 1-1.5 hours depending on participant discussion.

Topics discussed in educational session?

• Session 1: Osteoarthritis overview, risk factors and treatment.
  
• Session 2: Exercises for OA, everyday activities and OA,  coping and self help topics.