Osteoarthritis care that actually changes outcomes.
Hip and knee osteoarthritis management through GLA:D® — the internationally recognised, evidence-based education and exercise program. Designed for people living with OA who want to reduce pain, improve function, and avoid (or delay) joint replacement surgery.
Osteoarthritis isn't simply "wear and tear."
That phrase has done more harm than good. It implies an inevitable mechanical breakdown — like worn brake pads — and leaves people feeling like there's nothing to be done except wait for surgery. The current science tells a more nuanced story.
OA is now understood as an active condition of the whole joint — affecting cartilage, bone, ligaments, and the surrounding muscle. The pain you feel doesn't always correlate with what's seen on imaging. Some people with severe-looking X-rays have minimal pain; others with mild changes have significant symptoms. Pain is a complex signal, not a direct measure of joint damage.
That distinction matters because it means OA can be managed — pain reduced, function restored, and progression often slowed — through the right combination of education, exercise, and lifestyle approach. That's exactly what GLA:D® was designed to deliver.
What the research now shows
What the research actually shows
GLA:D® has been continuously delivered, measured, and refined since 2013. The international registry has tracked outcomes for tens of thousands of participants — making it one of the most rigorously evidenced physiotherapy programs available for hip and knee OA.
Outcome figures are generalised averages drawn from the GLA:D® international registry and published research. Individual results vary based on starting point, condition severity, and program adherence. Emil tracks every patient's outcomes personally — and is happy to share specific evidence sources during your initial consult.
The international gold standard for OA management
GLA:D® was developed in Denmark and is now delivered in 12+ countries worldwide. It's a structured, evidence-based program combining patient education with neuromuscular exercise — proven to reduce pain, improve function, and reduce reliance on pain medication. Emil is a certified GLA:D® clinician, qualified to deliver the full program.
Originally developed at the University of Southern Denmark. Now delivered globally, with strong outcome data tracked for every patient who completes the program.
Three phases over ~6 weeks
GLA:D® follows a deliberate sequence — education first, then practice, then ongoing self-management. The structure is consistent, but every patient's specific exercise plan is individually adapted to their joint, capacity, and goals.
- ~6 weeks of structured care, then ongoing self-management
- 2 education sessions + ~12 supervised exercise sessions
- Outcomes tracked at start, finish, and 12 months
- Suitable for any stage of hip or knee OA — including pre-surgery
Patient education
Two structured sessions covering what OA is, what the evidence says, how to manage it, and what to expect. Built on the principle that informed patients make better self-management decisions.
- Current evidence on OA causes and progression
- Pain science & how to interpret symptoms
- Lifestyle factors that influence outcomes
Neuromuscular exercise
Twice-weekly supervised exercise sessions for around six weeks. Focus is on quality of movement, control, and progressive loading — designed to retrain how your body uses the affected joint.
- Twice weekly, ~60-min supervised sessions
- Targeted to your specific joint & ability
- Progressed as your function improves
Long-term self-management
You leave the program with a clear, sustainable plan you can continue independently — at home, at the gym, or as part of regular activity. Outcomes are followed up at 12 months to measure long-term benefit.
- Personalised exercise plan to continue at home
- Strategies for symptom flare-ups
- 12-month outcome review
GLA:D® is suitable for most people with hip or knee OA
Whether you've just been diagnosed, you've been managing OA for years, or you're considering joint replacement — GLA:D® is appropriate at virtually every stage. Below are the most common patient situations.
Recently diagnosed with OA
Just had imaging or a GP visit confirming hip/knee OA? GLA:D® is the strongest first-line conservative treatment available — and clinical guidelines recommend trying it before surgery is considered.
Symptoms getting worse over time
Pain or stiffness slowly increasing month by month? Function declining? GLA:D® can often reverse that trajectory — improving strength, control, and confidence in the joint.
Considering joint replacement
Many surgeons now recommend trialling GLA:D® before committing to surgery. Some patients delay or avoid surgery; others go through it with significantly better strength and outcomes.
Post-surgical recovery
Already had a hip or knee replacement and want a structured, evidence-based program to fully restore function? GLA:D® principles transfer well into post-op rehabilitation.
Tried other treatments without success
Cortisone injections, painkillers, generic exercise programs — if these haven't given you lasting improvement, the structured approach of GLA:D® often produces results others don't.
Want to stay active and independent
OA shouldn't mean giving up the activities you enjoy. GLA:D® is built around helping you continue walking, exercising, gardening, working, and travelling with confidence.
Not sure if GLA:D® is right for you? Send Emil a message describing your situation. He'll honestly assess whether the program is appropriate — and recommend a different approach if it isn't.
Common questions about OA & GLA:D®
Things people commonly ask before starting the program — answered honestly.
Q. Will exercise damage my joints further?
Q. Do I need a referral to start GLA:D®?
Q. How is GLA:D® different from regular physio?
Q. I'm already booked for joint replacement surgery — is GLA:D® still worth it?
Q. I'm in a lot of pain — am I too far gone for this to help?
Q. Can I do GLA:D® mobile or in-clinic?
Q. Is GLA:D® only for hips and knees?
Q. Can I claim GLA:D® on private health?
Take the first step towards better OA management
Book an initial assessment and Emil will work out whether GLA:D® is right for you, what your starting point is, and how the program would look in your specific case. No pressure, no commitment.