GLA:D™ Programs For Hip, Knee & Chronic Back Pain

Physiomobility offers the GLA:D™ Canada programs in CF Shops at Don Mills in North York to help individuals with hip or knee osteoarthritis & chronic back pain through a structured, evidence-based model combining 12 progressive exercise sessions over 6–8 weeks and educational seminars on self-management. Designed for all ages and symptom severities, this program emphasizes joint stability, movement retraining, core strengthening, and pain reduction, and is often eligible for insurance coverage when billed as physiotherapy. Physiomobility’s GLA:D™ offering blends individual and small-group formats, does not require a doctor’s referral, and aligns with national clinical standards to optimize long-term function and quality of life.

• 12 sessions of progressive exercise sessions in 6-8 weeks
• Educational material about osteoarthritis and how to manage it
• No age restriction
• GLA:D knee & hip is suitable for clients who are candidates for knee or hip replacement surgeries
• May be covered by private and work insurance as physiotherapy
• Some clients may qualify for hospital funded GLA:D knee & hip program
• Your choice of participatieng in individual or small group progam

What is GLA:D Program?

GLA:D™ Canada in Ontario is funded by Ontario Trillium Foundation and is licensed by and currently implements GLA:D® program which is a standardized education and exercise program developed in Denmark. GLA:D® program is gradually being implemented in many countries such as Australia. GLA:D® program includes strengthening and correcting daily movement patterns. The program is aimed to train participants to move their bodies properly to prevent the progression of symptoms and to reduce pain. A 32% reduction of progression of osteoarthritis symptoms has shown by research conducted by GLA:D® program in Denmark. Research also showed a reduction in pain intensity and severity resulting in reduced use of pain killers and decreased number of people on sick leave. Satisfaction levels and increased physical activity levels reported by participants remained high even after 12 months after participating in the program.

GLA:D™ Canada Program Offered At Physiomobility Don Mills

Physiomobility Health Group is partnered with GLA:D™ Canada program to provide this evidence-based program in North York and collect clinical data for the national registry. GLA:D® evidence-based active program is only offered to participants suffering from knee and/or hip osteoarthritis. The program has been designed to keep the cost to a minimum through small group participation for 12 sessions over 6 weeks and includes two educational sessions.

The cost of the program may be covered by private and work insurance as physiotherapy.

Who Is Eligible To Participate In GLA:D™ Canada Program Offered At Physiomobility Don Mills

The GLA:D™ Canada program offered at Physiomobility is open to clients of all ages who meet the criteria set by GLA:D™ Canada and GLA:D® in terms of clinical symptoms. At Physiomobility Don Mills, the program is offered on one on one basis or small group of a maximum of 6 participants.

GLA:D™ program offered at Physiomobility can be covered by private or employee insurance plans when there is coverage for physiotherapy. Individual sessions for the program are also available for participants who can not attend our small group sessions at a higher fee rate. To participate in GLA:D™ Canada program offered by Physiomobility, a referral from your medical doctor is not necessary but is encouraged. Your primary care practitioner will be informed of your progress at your request.

Any person who has experienced knee or hip joint problems for which had to visit a healthcare provider qualifies to be included in the program. Clinical data and outcomes collected through the program will be submitted to GLA:D® Canada to be included in the national registry for research purposes and further development of evidence-based programs for managing knee and hip osteoarthritis.

GLA:D® program is not suitable for people with the following reasons for their pain:

1. Non-arthritic joint conditions such as tumors, fractures, Rheumatoid inflammatory conditions
2. Patients with widespread pain conditions such as Fibromyalgia whose general and muscular pain symptoms are more pronounced than the pain related to osteoarthritis

GLA:D® 12 Session Program Consists Of:

• An initial session focused on physical assessment, educating the participant on the program and educational portion of the program, and collecting data on participants’ current functional ability.
• 12 sessions of exercise circuit as twice weekly and educational materials/sessions to teach participants about OA, including the degeneration process in the joint, how the GLA:D™ Canada exercises improve joint stability, and how to retain this improved joint stability through day to day self-management techniques. Ongoing education will be provided throught the treatment plan.

For more information on GLA:D™ Canada program visit http://gladcanada.ca/ and contact our North York physiotherapy clinic to register for the program or to start your one-on-one training session.

Is GLA:D Program Offered At Physiomobility Covered By Insurance?

GLA:D program offered at Physiomobility is run by a GLA:D certified registered physiotherapist and an exercise therapist. If you have coverage through your work or private insurance for physiotherapy, this program may be covered.

Please contact our clinic for eligibility criteria.

GLA:D Program Is Not Covered By WSIB & MVA.

The GLA:D Canada program is generally not covered by MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident) or WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board). While it may be covered by private insurance or OHIP (depending on the clinic and location), specifically for osteoarthritis treatment, it’s not typically funded by MVA or WSIB.