The GLA:D program for osteoarthritis was an excellent experience, and one I looked forward to attending twice a week. Jeff helped create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, and his encouraging feedback inspires confidence. Highly recommended!
The GLAD Program, enthusiastically delivered by Dr. Jeff Belgue, is a great opportunity to help you understand, and work with, your Arthritis.
Every day, I walk to the cemetery to visit my late husband and it’s about a 2 hour walk. I was doing this until arthritis flared up on both feet. Suddenly I was barely mobile. I felt grief wash over me once again. Then Jeff put me back together so I can resume my daily walk. Long term our goal is to get me ready for a charitable marathon in honour of a little person who is near and dear to me.
The GLA:D Canada Program is an evidence-based, instructor-led exercise and education program that is designed to help individuals manage their arthritis and make improvements in their day-to-day life.
The program can also help delay or prevent the need for joint replacement surgery. All in all, the GLA:D program can lead to a significant change in your quality of life!
The program consists of 14 sessions running across 8 weeks. The first step is a complete assessment by our trained chiropractor or physiotherapist. After taking a detailed history of your condition, doing specific clinical tests, and evaluating strength and function, we can confirm if your pain is coming from hip and/or knee osteoarthritis and make sure that you’re an ideal candidate who will benefit from the program.
The bonus…you don’t need a doctor’s referral or an X-ray to join the program. Although imaging isn’t a requirement to join the program, it can and will be reviewed at your assessment if needed.
Rest assured, if based on our assessment, we feel you wouldn’t benefit from the GLA:D Program our therapists will talk to you about the best treatment options and build a plan with you to provide you with relief. We always want to help!
Once it’s confirmed that you’re a candidate for the GLA:D Program the next step are 2 educational sessions. In each 60-minute session, spaced 1 week apart you’ll learn more about your arthritis, how to manage day-to-day and have your questions answered by a GLA:D Certified healthcare provider.
A manual will be provided so you will always have access to this helpful information. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to manage your arthritis so you can improve your pain, function and quality of life not just while you are in the program but for the rest of your life!
Even better, 90% of GLA:D participants state they use their educational content at least 1x per week! When you put your knowledge to use you can live a healthy, active and enjoyable life!
After you complete the education, you’ll begin the exercise sessions. You’ll be led through a 60 minute exercise program (in-person or virtually) 2 times a week for 6 weeks. This is a special neuromuscular exercise program that builds strength but more importantly, helps teach you how to move better and move properly. This improved movement will help take the pressure off both your knees and hips. This allows our health care provider to help you create the change you need to feel better!
Although the program is standardized, the exercises will be tailored to your specific level of movement, pain and function. Each exercise is built with various levels of difficulty so the correct level of challenge can be found for you. You’ll always be supervised so you’ll get the most benefit you can from the program.
The bonus… by the end of the 6 weeks you’ll have all the information you need and the confidence to continue with the exercises. This will keep you feeling well even after you’ve finished the program!
The success of the GLA:D Program is based on scientific evidence, research and data collection. During your participation in the program we ask that you allow us to share your program scores with the GLA:D research team. This allows the GLA:D research team to change the program through the years so participants like yourself get the best available care!
It’s important to note that none of your personal information will be shared – just scores from your outcome measures and symptom trackers. If you’re open to it, this information will be collected during your first visit, at the 3 month mark and then again 12 months later. This can be done digitally so you won’t need to come into the clinic again.
If you don’t want to share your scores and results it’s absolutely fine! You can still participate in the program…the choice is yours!
Good news! If you have health insurance coverage that reimburses you for Physiotherapy or Chiropractic care, it can be used to cover the cost of The GLA:D Program. If so, it is an excellent way to subsidize the cost of your participation.
Please contact our clinic for more information about program coverage.
Spots in the program are limited to ensure each participant gets the time and attention they deserve! We will cap the group size of each program at no more than 8-10 people.
Give us a call and one of our certified GLA:D practitioners will answer any additional questions about the program! Our clinic is conveniently located near Bloor West Village and the Kingsway.
Choosing the right physiotherapist can be a big decision. We’re dedicated to answering any questions you have to help you make the best choice. Contact us today and ask us anything!
(416) 760-8280Dealing with osteoarthritis is much like most other injuries to the body. Good healing and recovery occur over a period of time and require good nutrition, good sleep, and exercise.
Of course, there may be specific instances where other treatments such as medications, injections, or surgery, but these are typically not necessary.
If there is one most effective way to treat osteoarthritis, it’s through specific exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist.
Physiotherapists are “movement specialists” who understand your needs and can determine the exact non-surgical treatment and exercises you need to do to achieve YOUR goals
The GLA:D Canada Program is an 8-week program that has been extensively studied and found to be extremely effective in managing osteoarthritis chronic pain.
The program can also help decrease the use of painkillers, decrease time off work, and help increase your activity level.
The GLA:D program includes some education sessions to help you understand more about osteoarthritis and the ways you can self-manage.
The program also includes extensive neuromuscular exercise sessions to help you learn some exercises that can help your osteoarthritis.
Several different healthcare professionals can provide the GLA:D program, including physiotherapists. Check with your physiotherapist today to learn more.
Research on osteoarthritis has shown us that by continuing to be physically active and maintaining good nutrition and sleep habits, the progression of osteoarthritis can be significantly slowed or even virtually stopped.
However, knowing how to maintain proper nutrition or understanding the best exercises can be difficult to figure out.
That’s why your healthcare team, including your doctor, physiotherapist or chiropractor are there to help. They can help understand the nitty-gritty details and give you the medical advice you need.to get you back to the quality of life you’ve been missing.
Don’t be discouraged by your knee osteoarthritis. Focus on improving these lifestyle factors and you’ll be surprised how much you’re capable of!
