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  • GLA:D: Physical activity keeps osteoarthritis at bay
GLA:D: Physical activity keeps osteoarthritis at bay
01.07.2025

GLA:D: Physical activity keeps osteoarthritis at bay

Osteoarthritis causes progressive and irreparable deterioration of the joint cartilage. It is incurable but can be treated effectively, for example, with GLA:D, a promising physiotherapy programme from Denmark that is also becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland.

Millions of people worldwide suffer from osteoarthritis. This joint disease is incurable, but does not necessarily require surgical treatment. Conservative therapies are often sufficient to reduce pain and slow down the progression of osteoarthritis.

What is GLA:D?

TheGLA:D programme (Good Life with OsteoArthritis in Denmark) was developed in Denmark and has also been available in Switzerland since 2019. GLA:D aims to teach people with osteoarthritis how to manage their symptoms themselves through targeted exercises and movements. The goal is to positively influence the symptoms and enable people to manage them independently.

Fighting pain with education and exercise

GLA:D starts with two educational lectures: These provide information about osteoarthritis and show how exercise can positively influence the course of the disease and relieve pain. This is followed by a training programme lasting several weeks: under the guidance of specially trained physiotherapists, patients train twice a week to improve their strength, coordination and endurance. The exercises are designed so that they can be continued at home. This is particularly important in order to achieve a lasting effect.

Movement is key

When we're in pain, we often intuitively adopt a protective posture. But joints need both rest and movement to stay healthy and benefit from well-trained muscles. GLA:D teaches people with osteoarthritis that movement isn't dangerous, but an important part of treatment.

Rosenklinik Physiotherapy also relies on GLA:D for the conservative treatment of osteoarthritis. The results are promising: patients report less pain, better mobility and a more active everyday life. GLA:D is therefore a promising conservative approach to managing osteoarthritis without surgical intervention.

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