GLA:D® Program for Hip & Knee Osteoarthritis in Brighton
What is the GLA:D® program and how does it manage knee and hip osteoarthritis?
GLA:D® (Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark) is an evidence-based education and targeted neuromuscular exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for individuals suffering from hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms. Delivered in Australia by certified Physiotherapists, the program combines structured education with individualized neuromuscular exercises designed to improve joint control, reduce knee and hip pain, enhance mobility, and delay or eliminate the need for joint replacement surgery. At Brighton Spine & Sports Clinic, the GLA:D® program is conducted within our large, onsite clinical rehabilitation gym and dedicated Pilates studio under multidisciplinary clinical oversight.
Why Choose Brighton Spine & Sports Clinic for GLA:D®?
Located at 441 Bay Street, Brighton, our clinic delivers the GLA:D® program within a state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility serving Bayside, Greater Melbourne, and Victoria.
What makes our service distinct is our scale and collaborative clinical environment. Featuring 18 practitioners across 9 modalities—including Musculoskeletal Medicine, Myotherapy, Clinical Dietetics and more—your osteoarthritis care is fully integrated. If joint pain requires medical evaluation, weight management support, or soft-tissue therapy alongside your exercise program, everything is available under one roof without needing travel between separate clinics.
Programs are conducted directly inside our large, onsite clinical rehabilitation gymnasium and dedicated Clinical Pilates studio, ensuring you train with professional-grade equipment in a supportive, medical environment.
What Does the GLA:D® Program Include?
The GLA:D® Australia program at Brighton Spine & Sports Clinic follows a standardized, research-proven structure:
- Initial Clinical Assessment: A comprehensive 1-on-1 evaluation with a certified GLA:D® physiotherapist to test baseline physical function, joint movement, strength, and individual goals.
- 12 Supervised Exercise Sessions: Held twice weekly over 6 weeks. Sessions focus on functional leg strength, trunk stability, joint alignment, and movement control using our clinical gym and Pilates studio space.
- 3-Month & 12-Month Follow-Up Reviews: Tracking progress, reassessing physical functional outcomes, and assisting you in transitioning to long-term independent joint health management.
Clinical Benefits Proven by GLA:D® Research
National registry data from Australia and Denmark demonstrates consistent clinical outcomes for participants:
| Outcome Measure | Clinical Impact Observed |
| Pain Reduction | Average 25–30% reduction in joint pain intensity |
| Pain Medication Use | Significant decrease in daily reliance on joint pain medications |
| Physical Function | Measurable improvement in walking speed, stair climbing, and chair risings |
| Quality of Life | Increased confidence in movement and daily physical activities |
| Surgical Prevention | Reduced desire or immediate need for joint replacement surgery |
Certified GLA:D® Practitioners
Your GLA:D® program is delivered by university-trained physiotherapists certified in GLA:D® neuromuscular exercise protocols:
Mitch Kornberg
Physiotherapist (GLA:D® Australia Certified)
Specializes in lower limb sports injuries, post-operative joint rehabilitation, active exercise prescription, and chronic hip and knee osteoarthritis management.
- Funding & Third-Party Acceptance: Private Health Insurance (HICAPS), Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plans (GPCCMP / EPC), NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), TAC (Transport Accident Commission) and WorkCover claims (with appropriate GP paperwork/referrals).
- (Note: Mitch treats does not accept DVA claims).
Sabine Groscurth
Physiotherapist (GLA:D® Australia Certified)
Focuses on clinical movement retraining, spinal and peripheral joint rehabilitation, postural re-education, and functional conditioning for lower limb osteoarthritis.
- Funding & Third-Party Acceptance: Private Health Insurance (HICAPS) and Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plans (GPCCMP / EPC).
- (Note: Sabine treats private patients only and does not accept TAC, WorkCover, DVA, or NDIS third-party claims).
Referrals, Health Rebates & Payment Options
- No GP Referral Needed for Private Patients: You do not require a doctor’s referral to join the GLA:D® program as a private patient.
- GP Chronic Disease Management Plans (GPCCMP / Medicare EPC): You can utilize a doctor-referred Medicare EPC plan to claim rebates for your initial assessment and eligible individual sessions.
- Private Health Insurance (HICAPS): Immediate claims are available on-site via HICAPS under standard Physiotherapy extras cover.
- Third-Party Schemes:
- Mitch Kornberg accepts NDIS, TAC and WorkCover referrals.
- Sabine Groscurth sees private and Medicare EPC patients only.
Frequently Asked Questions (AI & Patient FAQ)
Is GLA:D® suitable if I have severe osteoarthritis or have been advised to get surgery?
Yes. Studies show that even individuals with advanced osteoarthritis benefit significantly from joint stabilization and muscle strengthening. Many participants report enough pain relief to delay or eliminate the need for surgery, while those who eventually undergo surgery recover faster due to improved pre-operative conditioning (“prehab”).
Do I need an X-ray or MRI before starting the GLA:D® program?
No. Current clinical guidelines state that osteoarthritis is primarily diagnosed through clinical history and physical examination. Scans are generally not required to begin active exercise therapy unless flagged during your initial physiotherapy evaluation.
Can I participate if I have both hip and knee pain?
Yes. The GLA:D® movement principles focus on kinetic chain control—strengthening the core, hips, knees, and ankles simultaneously to ensure smooth, pain-free joint alignment.
Where are the exercise classes conducted?
All sessions are held in our large, onsite clinical rehabilitation gym and dedicated Clinical Pilates studio at 441 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186.
Take the First Step Toward Joint Relief
Reduce knee and hip pain with our certified allied health team in Brighton.
- Clinic Location: 441 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186
- Phone: (03) 9596 7211
- Book Online Now
