GLA:D Program in Stittsville
Manage hip and knee osteoarthritis with an evidence-based education and exercise program designed to help you move with greater strength, confidence and comfort.
Request An AppointmentTake Control of Hip & Knee Osteoarthritis
Living with osteoarthritis can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs or getting out of a chair more challenging. At Motion Works Physiotherapy in Stittsville, our GLA:D Program helps individuals with diagnosed hip and/or knee osteoarthritis take an active role in managing their symptoms.
GLA:D (Good Life with osteoArthritis from Denmark) is an evidence-based program that combines education with supervised exercise to help reduce pain, improve joint stability and support everyday mobility.
Through practical education and guided movement, participants learn strategies to better manage their symptoms, stay physically active and maintain their independence and quality of life.
Who Can Benefit from the GLA:D Program?
The GLA:D Program is designed for individuals with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis who want to improve their mobility and take an active approach to managing their condition. Whether you're experiencing joint stiffness, discomfort during everyday activities or difficulty staying active, the program provides practical tools to help you move with greater strength. Exercises can be adapted to different abilities and fitness levels, making the program accessible.
GLA:D at a Glance
Our GLA:D Program is designed to provide participants with the education and supervised exercise needed to manage hip and knee osteoarthritis. Here's what you should know before getting started:
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Program Duration
The program takes approximately 6–8 weeks to complete, including 1–2 virtual education sessions followed by six weeks of twice-weekly, in-person exercise classes.
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Virtual Education
Sessions are held on Zoom, with the number of sessions depending on group size and scheduling. Your physiotherapist will email you the meeting link 1–3 days beforehand.
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Initial Assessment
New participants require a brief 30-minute assessment with a GLA:D physiotherapist. Existing patients receiving active treatment for their hip or knee may join without an additional assessment, following their physiotherapist's recommendation and consent to share relevant information.
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Insurance Coverage
The program is covered under extended health benefits, subject to your individual plan. Receipts can be submitted as physiotherapy services.
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No Referral Required
You can register directly without a doctor's note or referral.
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Small Group Classes
Sessions accommodate up to eight participants and are led by our GLA:D physiotherapists, Somnath Shinde and Neha Marepally.
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Returning Participants
GLA:D alumni may be able to attend individual classes during an active program, with physiotherapist approval and subject to space and equipment availability.
The goal is to provide you with the skills to continue managing your osteoarthritis and staying active long after the program.
Build Strength Before Knee or Hip Replacement Surgery
For those considering knee or hip replacement surgery, the GLA:D Program can be an important part of preparing for the procedure. Many orthopaedic surgeons recommend or require patients to complete a structured exercise program like GLA:D before being added to a surgical waitlist. Improving muscle strength before surgery can help reduce muscle loss and support a smoother recovery afterward. For some, the exercises provided through GLA:D may even help manage osteoarthritis symptoms well enough to delay or avoid the need for surgery.