Knee And Hip Osteoarthritis Program

1. Osteoarthritis is the most common non-communicable disease in older adults and affects more than 2.1 million Australian’s. It often results in pain, disability and reduced quality of life, with an estimated cost of $1.6 billion annually. Current national and international clinical guidelines recommend education around the disease, exercise and weight loss as first line treatment for osteoarthritis. In Australia however, treatment often focuses on medication, injections and surgery. However, many patients do not need or respond well to these interventions. The Australian Rheumatology

2. Association (ARA) is urging GPs to consider alternative therapies, such as exercise therapy, weight loss or other lifestyle changes, before arthroscopy for knee osteoarthritis. In many scientific studies the benefits of exercise are proving to be significant in people with osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, the number of people who are offered or properly complete a structured & specific exercise program is quite low. What is GLA:DTM? The acronym GLA:DTM stands for Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark. GLA:DTM is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms. The program was launched in 2013 with the goal of implementing guideline-recommended treatment for people with hip and knee osteoarthritis in order to improve their quality of care. This program is guided by the latest evidence in osteoarthritis research and can only be delivered by GLA:D trained Physiotherapists. Clinicians go through an intense two-day training course to become accredited. The program has been rolled out to countries around the world including Canada and China. In 2017, La Trobe University in Melbourne brought the program to Australia and started training clinicians across the country. What does GLA:DTM involve? GLA:DTMAustralia training comprises a ‘minimal intervention’ with 2 sessions of patient education delivered over 2 weeks, and 12 sessions of supervised exercise delivered twice weekly for 6 weeks. Education consists of two education sessions in which the physiotherapists will teach you about osteoarthritis and treatment options with a particular focus on exercise, its beneficial effects on symptoms and general health, and self-help advice. At Body Logic Physiotherapy, the education sessions for the GLA:D program are open to the community and are free of charge. After the education sessions, you will have an appointment with the Physiotherapists, who will explain the program in detail and invite you to perform some tests to determine your functional ability at the time of assessment. These tests include activities such as sit to standing and walking. You wi You’ll also be invited to complete an online questionnaire to track the benefits of the program. Based on your starting physical capacity, the physiotherapists will design an exercise program for you which will be performed under supervision in a group setting. These group exercise sessions will occur twice a week for six weeks to improve muscle control of the joint which leads to reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life.

3. After the 8-week programme, the patient will be encouraged to continue being physically active and to exercise, either with their physiotherapist or in their local community, to sustain the effects from the treatment in the long term. The cost of the program can vary depending on location and size of the group. Please discuss this with one of our receptionists. You do not need a referral from your Doctor, however you may be eligible for rate from Medicare for some of the cost of the program, if deemed appropriate by your GP, or you may be able to claim privately from your health fund. What are the benefits of GLA:DTM? The GLA:DTM Program has been shown to be effective at reducing the burden of osteoarthritis on patients and the community, without many of the possible negative side effects of medication and surgery. Research from the GLA:DTM program in Denmark found symptom progression reduced by 32%. Other outcomes include a less pain, greater functional capacity, reduced use of pain killers, and less people on sick leave. GLA:DTM participants also reported high levels of satisfaction with the program and increased levels of physical activity 12 months after starting the program. This program is unique in that the education and exercises provided can be applied to everyday activities. By strengthening and correcting daily movement patterns, participants will train their bodies to move with confidence, prevent symptom progression and reduce pain. Can I participate in GLA:DTM Australia? You may participate in the GLA:D™ Australia program if you have a hip or knee joint problem, or if you have diagnosed with Osteoarthritis. GLA:D™ Australia is a program for all individuals who experience any hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms, regardless of severity. For people who are not able to participate in the supervised exercise program, they can do the exercise program at home, as directed by their physiotherapist. More about us

4. Our physiotherapists are able to take a careful and considered approach ensuring your recovery can be completed in an optimal way. Our physiotherapy practice is located in Seven Hills and there is convenient parking close by in Seven Hills plaza. Our practice also offers physiotherapy services to individuals in a variety of suburbs close by including: – Baulkham Hills – Blacktown – Kings Langley – Toongabie – Winston Hills – Northmead – Prospect We are located at 234 Prospect highway, Seven Hills Phone: (02) 9190 7599 Email: admin@vunophysio.com.au Visit for more information: https://www.vunophysio.com.au/knee-and-hip- osteoarthritis-treatment/