WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS?
Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that affects the joint cartilage, underlying bone and surrounding tissues. It is the most common type of arthritis, affecting 3.9 million (13.6%) Canadians over the age of 20.
Osteoarthritis is more common in individuals over 45 years of age, and is the most common reason for reduced physical activity as we age. Genetic factors, history of previous injury, obesity along with other factors can play a role in developing arthritis.
Osteoarthritis typically causes joint pain that can lead to reduced joint range of motion and mobility. This pain can have a significant impact on your day to day function, and can interfere with the activities or sports you love to do.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS?
The symptoms of hip and knee osteoarthritis can develop slowly over years or have a sudden onset. One common sign is pain in the affected joints, which often gets worse after using them or at the end of the day.
The joints might feel stiff, making it tough to move them, especially in the morning. Swelling and tenderness around the joints can also happen.
As osteoarthritis progresses, it may lead to a reduction in flexibility, making it harder to bend or straighten the joints fully. In some cases, a grating sensation or sound may be felt when the joints move.
People with osteoarthritis might notice changes in how their joints look and feel, like the formation of bony knobs or swelling. These symptoms can vary depending on which joints are affected, such as knees, hips, hands, or spine.
HOW CAN PHYSIOPLUS HEALTH GROUP HELP YOU?
At PhysioPlus we are proud to offer a great resource to our patients called The GLA:D program (Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark)
GLA:D™ (Good Life with osteoArthritis from Denmark) is specifically designed to help individuals suffering with hip and knee arthritis pain. It was developed in Denmark and has expanded to Canada in association with the Canadian Orthopedic Foundation, Bone and Joint Canada, and the University Health Network (UHN).
GLA:D is a proven, 8-week program recommended by doctors that teaches you how to manage arthritis, improve your strength and reduce your pain.
The goal of the GLA:D program is to help you get stronger and move more freely so that everyday tasks can be easier and so you can do the things you want to do.
Dr. Jeff Belgue is a Certified GLA:D Canada Therapist and is the lead clinician for the GLA:D program at PhysioPlus Health Group.
GLA:D HIP AND KNEE PAIN PROGRAM
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!
WHAT IS THE GLA:D CANADA PROGRAM?
a. Two (2) 60-minute Education Sessions
During the two (2) 60-minute education sessions you’ll learn what Osteoarthritis is (symptoms, risk factors), current available treatment options, how to self-manage osteoarthritis symptoms, how and why exercise can help with osteoarthritis symptoms as well as coping mechanisms to help with daily activities affected by osteoarthritis.
B. Twelve (12) 60-minute Group Exercise Sessions
The twelve (12) 60-minute group exercise sessions run 2 times per week for 6 weeks and are led by Dr. Jeff Belgue (Chiropractor and Certified GLA:D Canada therapist). During these sessions you’ll learn how to perform controlled movements with proper mechanics, build muscle strength through functional exercises and learn how to apply functional exercise movements to your day-to-day activities so you can move more freely with less pain.
C. Data Collection for Quality Assurance
The program measures how you’re doing at your first visit, at 3 months, and at 12 months, after starting the program. Your data (anonymous collection) will help us monitor how the program is working for individuals with OA in Canada as well as help us improve the program in the future. Participating in data collection is optional, so if you prefer to opt out just let us know…the choice is yours!
What should I expect?
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!
BENEFITS OF THE GLA:D PROGRAM:
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Reduced pain
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Improved function and physical activity levels
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Reduced need for pain medications
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Reduction in sick days for patients with knee osteoarthritis
- Increased walking speed
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Whether you’re interested in starting GLA:D or you just want more information, we can help.
If you’re not sure if GLA:D is right for you or you have more questions, just give us a call at (416)760-8280 or email us at help@physioplushealth.com and we can schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Jeff Belgue to learn more about the program and ask any questions you may have.
Alternatively if you’re ready to joint the program you can contact us at (416)760-8280 or help@physioplushealth.com to schedule your initial assessment at our Bloor West Village Clinic.
PROGRAM COST
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.
Call us at (437) 747-6236 to register today!
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.
WANT TO KNOW IF GLA:D IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
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.
