Evidence-based OA programme · London
GLA:D programme (hip & knee OA) - London.
Two education sessions plus 12 supervised NEMEX exercise sessions, delivered by certified GLA:D physiotherapists. The programme with over 100,000 patients of registry data behind it - 30 percent pain reduction, less medication, delayed joint replacement.
Certified GLA:D physiotherapist, London.
What GLA:D is
A Danish programme for hip and knee OA, delivered worldwide.
GLA:D (Good Life with osteoArthritis Denmark) is a standardised education plus neuromuscular exercise programme developed at the University of Southern Denmark in 2013. It is delivered internationally by certified GLA:D physiotherapists to a fixed protocol, and every participant feeds a shared Nordic registry that now covers over 100,000 patients. The registry shows an average 30 percent reduction in joint pain, reduced painkiller use, and 30 to 50 percent of patients delaying or avoiding joint replacement at 12 months.
Programme structure
6 to 8 weeks. Fixed protocol. Registered outcomes.
- 01
2 group education sessions
Pain science, joint anatomy, self-management, activity modification and why exercise is the first-line treatment for hip and knee OA.
- 02
12 supervised NEMEX sessions
Two supervised neuromuscular exercise sessions per week for 6 to 8 weeks, delivered in a group of 6 to 10 patients by a certified GLA:D physiotherapist.
- 03
Home programme
A written continuation plan built around the same 8 core exercises, progressed after discharge to protect the gains.
- 04
PROMs at 4 timepoints
Validated outcome scores (HOOS or KOOS, numeric pain rating, 40 metre walk, 30 second chair-stand) at baseline, end of programme, 3 months and 12 months.
NEMEX exercises
Neuromuscular training, not gym machines.
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Movement quality first
Every exercise is coached for pelvic control, knee tracking over the second toe and a symmetrical stance before load is added.
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8 core exercises
Sit to stand, step-up, single-leg stance, mini squat, lateral step, heel raise, hip abduction, and a functional balance progression.
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Two-level progression
Each exercise has four levels. You progress a level only when quality is maintained for the full set - not on the calendar.
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Functional positions
Weight-bearing, closed-chain work that mirrors walking, stairs and sit to stand - not gym machines.
Who benefits
From early OA to the surgical waitlist.
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Mild to moderate hip or knee OA
The bulk of GLA:D participants - reducing pain, medication use and improving function without any procedure.
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Severe OA on the surgical waitlist
GLA:D is safe and effective even in advanced OA. Many patients delay or avoid surgery after completion.
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Prehab before joint replacement
Better pre-op strength and neuromuscular control translates to faster post-op recovery and shorter length of stay.
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Post-op maintenance
A structured way to consolidate rehab gains after a THR, TKR or UKA - typically from 3 months post-op.
Delivery format
Small group, in person, twice a week.
GLA:D is delivered in person in a group of 6 to 10 patients with hip or knee OA. Two supervised sessions per week for 6 to 8 weeks. Some private centres in London offer a 1:1 format or a hybrid model (initial 1:1 assessment then group exercise), useful if you cannot commit to a fixed weekly slot. The evidence base rests on group delivery.
Cost
What GLA:D costs privately in London.
| Item | Indicative range | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full GLA:D programme (2 education + 12 exercise + PROMs) | £450 - £950 | 6 - 8 weeks | Group format |
| 1:1 or hybrid GLA:D format | £800 - £1,400 | 6 - 8 weeks | Where offered |
| Additional review session | £45 - £85 | 30 min | Same visit |
| 3 and 12 month PROMs review | Included | 30 min | Included |
Most major insurers (Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, Cigna, Healix) cover GLA:D under MSK physiotherapy benefits. We confirm authorisation before the first session.
Where to do GLA:D in London
Certified GLA:D UK centres.
GLA:D UK is coordinated by Chews Health, who maintain the certified provider directory. In London, certified centres include HCA Wellington Hospital MSK, Fortius Clinic, London Orthopaedic Clinic, several Nuffield Health sites and a growing list of independent private physiotherapy practices registered via the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Only a physiotherapist who has completed the two-day GLA:D certification and remains on the registry can deliver the programme under the GLA:D name.
Evidence
What the registry actually shows.
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Over 30 percent reduction in average joint pain at programme end
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30 to 50 percent of participants delay or avoid joint replacement at 12 months
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Reduced painkiller and NSAID use, improved walking speed and chair-stand performance
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Effects sustained at 12 months in the Nordic and UK registry cohorts (>100,000 patients)
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FAQs
Common questions about GLA:D.
What does GLA:D stand for?
GLA:D stands for Good Life with osteoArthritis Denmark. It is an evidence-based education and neuromuscular exercise programme developed at the University of Southern Denmark in 2013 and delivered internationally by certified physiotherapists.
How is GLA:D different from ordinary knee or hip physiotherapy?
GLA:D is a standardised, protocolised programme. The education content, the 8 exercises, the group format and the outcome measures are the same at every certified centre. Data from every participant feeds a shared registry, so the evidence base grows with every course. Ordinary physiotherapy is bespoke and unrecorded.
How much does the GLA:D programme cost privately in London?
A full GLA:D programme in London costs roughly £450 to £950 self-pay. Group format is at the lower end. 1:1 or hybrid delivery is £800 to £1,400. Additional review sessions after discharge are £45 to £85. Most major UK insurers cover it under MSK physiotherapy benefits.
I am on the NHS waiting list for a knee replacement. Should I do GLA:D?
Yes. GLA:D is validated in patients with severe OA already listed for surgery. Roughly one in three delays or avoids surgery after completion. Those who still proceed to replacement generally recover faster because they arrive with better strength and neuromuscular control.
Where can I do GLA:D in London?
Certified GLA:D UK centres in London include HCA Wellington Hospital MSK, Fortius Clinic, London Orthopaedic Clinic, several Nuffield Health sites and a number of independent private physiotherapy practices registered via the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. The full list is on the Chews Health GLA:D UK directory.
Will I need painkillers or injections alongside GLA:D?
Short-term paracetamol or a topical NSAID is fine while you start the programme. Steroid or hyaluronic acid injections are not part of GLA:D and are not needed for most participants. The durable outcome comes from the neuromuscular training itself.
Get started
Ready to join a GLA:D programme in London?
Tell us which joint, how long it has been going on, and whether you are on a surgical waitlist. We match you to a certified GLA:D physiotherapist near you, confirm insurance authorisation, and get you into the next cohort.