GLA:D™ program for osteoarthritis in St. Albert | GLA:D™ Back Capilano Rehab

Evidence-Based Physiotherapy for Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis

At Leading Edge Physiotherapy in St. Albert, we’re proud to offer the GLA:D™ Canada Program—an internationally recognized education and exercise initiative designed to help people living with hip or knee osteoarthritis reduce pain, improve mobility, and take control of their health. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing osteoarthritis for years, GLA:D™ offers a proven path forward.

What Is the GLA:D™ Program?

GLA:D™ (Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark) is a research-based program developed in Denmark and now offered across Canada. It combines neuromuscular exercise therapy with patient education, empowering individuals to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life—without surgery. At Leading Edge, our certified GLA:D™ instructors guide you through:

  • Two education sessions to help you understand osteoarthritis and how to manage it
  • Twelve supervised group exercise classes focused on strength, balance, and functional movement
  • Pre- and post-program assessments to track your progress and outcomes

Who Is GLA:D™ For?

GLA:D™ is ideal for adults experiencing symptoms of hip or knee osteoarthritis, including:

  • Stiffness or joint pain during movement
  • Difficulty with walking, climbing stairs, or standing from a seated position
  • Reduced strength or balance
  • A desire to avoid or delay joint replacement surgery

You do not need a referral to join the program. If you’re unsure whether GLA:D™ is right for you, our physiotherapists can assess your condition and guide you through your options.

Why Choose Leading Edge for GLA:D™ in St. Albert?

At Leading Edge Physiotherapy, we combine clinical excellence with a community-first approach. Our GLA:D™ instructors are experienced physiotherapists who specialize in orthopedic care, pain management, and movement optimization. We offer:

  • Personalized guidance in a small-group setting
  • Access to state-of-the-art rehab equipment
  • A welcoming, supportive environment where questions are always encouraged
  • Convenient location in St. Albert with flexible scheduling options

We don’t just teach exercises—we help you build habits that last.

Benefits of the GLA:D™ Program

Research shows that participants in the GLA:D™ program experience:

  • Reduced pain and stiffness
  • Improved strength and mobility
  • Greater confidence in daily activities
  • Lower reliance on pain medications
  • Delayed need for joint replacement surgery

GLA:D™ is about living better with osteoarthritis, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.

How to Register

Contact US – GLA:D Back Capilano | GLA:D Arthritis St. Albert

No referral needed. Just bring your goals—and we’ll help you reach them.

 

Craving more information

We offer the GLA:D™ Program at our St. Albert clinic, with flexible scheduling and a welcoming group environment. Contact us to find out when the next session begins.

We offer GLA:D™ Back at our Capilano Location, with flexible scheduling and a welcoming group environment. Contact us to find out when the next session begins.

Research shows that GLA:D™ participants experience:

  • Reduced pain and stiffness
  • Improved strength and mobility
  • Increased confidence in daily activities
  • Lower reliance on pain medications
  • Delayed need for joint replacement surgery

The GLA:D™ Canada program is backed by extensive research and real-world data collected from over 15,000 participants across the country since its launch in 2017. According to the GLA:D™ Canada registry and peer-reviewed studies:

• Pain Reduction: Participants reported an average pain score of 5/10 before starting the program. After completing GLA:D™, many experienced significant reductions in pain intensity.
• Improved Function: Objective physical function tests showed measurable improvements in strength, mobility, and balance for both hip and knee osteoarthritis patients.
• Surgical Delay: Approximately 1 in 3 participants initially expressed interest in joint replacement surgery. After completing the program, many reported improved symptoms and reduced urgency for surgical intervention.
• Medication Use: Two-thirds of participants were using pain medication before the program. Post-program data suggests reduced reliance on medications due to improved symptom management.
• High Engagement: Over 90% of participants had a confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis and had previously undergone imaging. The program successfully engaged individuals with long-standing joint issues and comorbidities.

These outcomes reflect the power of combining education, exercise, and personalized care—making GLA:D™ a leading choice for osteoarthritis management in Canada.

 

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