GLA:D Exercise Program Sydney
Struggling with hip or knee osteoarthritis? You're going to be GLA:D you found us! If you're dealing with symptoms of hip or knee osteoarthritis, the GLA:D® (Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark) program offers a proven, evidence-based path to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life. Our physiotherapists Niamh Davis and Gurasees Bajwa have completed specialised training and provide personalised care to help you manage your symptoms and empower you to take control of your osteoarthritis with confidence.
Book Your Spot in Our GLA:D Exercise Program
The GLA:D® program combines education and supervised exercise specifically designed to address hip and knee osteoarthritis, aiming to:
- Reduce pain by 32% or more.
- Improve daily movement patterns.
- Delay or avoid the need for surgery.
All components are thoughtfully integrated into your everyday activities, ensuring long-lasting improvements and empowering you to regain mobility and confidence.
You’ll find us at:
- Mon – Tue: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wed: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Thu: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Fri: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sat: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Sun: Closed
GLA:D Program Structure
Your personalised journey includes:
- Initial Assessment: Evaluating your current fitness and osteoarthritis symptoms.
- 12 Supervised Exercise Sessions: Twice weekly, 60-minute group sessions to enhance muscle control and joint strength.
- 2 Education Sessions: Vital strategies for managing osteoarthritis.
- 3-Month Follow-Up: Assess your improvements and plan future management.
HCF Member Eligibility
From July '24 to June '25, eligible HCF members may participate with no out-of-pocket costs. Ensure your coverage includes joint replacement surgery and meets specific clinical criteria.
Who Benefits from the GLA:D Program?
The GLA:D program is suitable if you:
- Have hip or knee osteoarthritis, regardless of symptom severity.
- Require prehabilitation or post-operative rehabilitation.
- Seek practical self-management strategies for osteoarthritis.
Note: Our initial assessment ensures suitability for each participant.
Proven Outcomes from GLA:D
Research-backed results include:
- Significant pain reduction.
- Enhanced quality of life.
- Increased physical activity levels.
- Reduced dependency on medication.
- Potential avoidance or delay of joint replacement surgery.
Ready to Take Control of Your Osteoarthritis Symptoms?
If hip or knee osteoarthritis is affecting your daily life, we’re here to help. Our GLA:D-certified team provides expert guidance through education and exercise, helping you reduce pain, build strength, and move with confidence. Book your initial GLA:D assessment today and take the first step toward better joint health.
What to Expect During Your Journey
- GLA:D Australia Registration: Complete essential surveys tracking your progress.
- Guided Exercise and Education: Engaging, practical sessions tailored to real-life movements.
- Sustained Improvements: Learn to maintain your progress independently, supported by ongoing resources.
Our Accredited GLA:D Providers
Niamh Davies
Physiotherapist / B.Sport Ex. Sc, B.Sport Ex. Mgt, MPhty
Read BioNiamh graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Sport & Exercise Science and a Bachelor of Sport & Exercise Management, before completing her postgraduate Master of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney.
She joined Lilyfield Physiotherapy after gaining valuable experience across Sydney metropolitan and rural health services, working in both hospital and community settings. Her clinical background spans falls prevention, neurological rehabilitation, and orthopaedic rehabilitation. Niamh also brings a strong background in strength and conditioning for high-performance athletes, having worked with the University of Sydney’s rugby union Shute Shield teams.
Niamh is a highly skilled practitioner with a keen interest in tendon injuries, all types of sports injuries and post-operative management. She has completed a range of postgraduate qualifications, including advanced spinal and pelvic courses. She is a certified GLA:D practitioner, specialising in the prevention and treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis.
Warm and engaging, Niamh is committed to providing patient-centred care tailored to each individual’s needs.
Outside of work, you’ll find Niamh at the gym or enjoying social sport, playing Oztag or netball.
"The best part about being a physiotherapist is the therapeutic relationships we build by listening, connecting and understanding what is important, so we can assist patients to get back to what they love and need to do."
Gurasees Bajwa
Physiotherapist BSc/Doctor Phty
Read BioGurasees holds a Doctor of Physiotherapy degree from Macquarie University and is fully AHPRA registered. From the outset of his studies, he has been drawn to private practice. It aligns with his strengths, personality, and the kind of clinician he is working hard to become. The mix of hands-on care, relationship-building, and seeing people return to meaningful activity is exactly what motivates him.
During his placements at Physio Inq St Marys and Sport Focus Physiotherapy, he developed strong skills in managing musculoskeletal injuries, sports rehab, and NDIS clients. He also worked with the Gladesville Ravens Women’s Soccer Club (NPL1), where he supported athletes with taping, manual therapy, sideline coverage, and return-to-sport planning.
Before becoming a physiotherapist, he worked in customer-facing roles where he learned to connect with people from all walks of life. He also bring positive energy into our clinic and contributes to team morale as much as patient outcomes.
"The ability to build rapport and trust has become central to how I work with patients. I genuinely care about making people feel seen, supported, and empowered."
FAQs
The GLA:D program is not free, but eligible HCF members may qualify for full reimbursement from July '24 to June '25. Medicare rebates may also apply with a GP referral under a Chronic Disease Management plan.
GLA:D stands for "Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark." It's an evidence-based education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark.
Your initial session with Paul includes a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, movement abilities, and personal goals to customise your GLA:D program.
Yes, Medicare may cover individual consultations (initial, follow-up, and supervised exercises) under a Chronic Disease Management plan referral from your GP.
Absolutely. Our sessions are designed to accommodate various fitness and mobility levels, ensuring everyone can participate safely and effectively.
You are welcome to wear whatever you are most comfortable in. For Exercise sessions and classes, please wear exercise clothes and a pair of socks, making sure you able to move freely
Please bring along any doctor’s referral letters, scan or x-ray results and your private health insurance card so you can claim for your treatment on the spot.
We accept cash, EFTPOS, VISA and MasterCard. If you bring your private health insurance card with you, we can process an on-the-spot claim via our HICAPS terminal and you will then only need to pay the gap fee.
We accept referrals for Compulsory Third-Party Insurance claims. Once you have seen your GP and received a claim number, we are able to send any invoices directly to the insurer. If you need to start treatment before you have a claim number, we shall ask you to cover the cost of the treatment and claim from the insurer later.
You can cancel and re-schedule by calling our rooms on 9810 2203. For after hours, we have an answering machine service for you to leave a message. Our receptionist will contact you shortly after it is received to confirm cancellation or to help you re-schedule.
We request that if you are unable to make a consultation or class that you let us know at least 24 hours prior to your appointment so that someone else can use your treatment time.
We have a cancellation fee policy for late cancellations or missed appointments.
This practice takes great care to ensure that our information records are accurate and are treated with full regard to the privacy of our patients. We only collect information from our patients that is necessary for good health care and aim to ensure that any information we hold is accurate, complete and up-to-date.
The health information we hold helps us provide our patients with the best possible health care, and is disclosed only to others involved in your treatment, such as your doctor. If we need to disclose information about you to people other than those associated with your treatment, we will seek your permission first.
Occasionally we may be involved in research on health issues. If any data from this practice is used in research, it will not include information which identifies our patients.
This practice is bound by the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000, and operates in accordance with the Code of Conduct of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. If you would like to discuss any aspects of our privacy policy, or review your health records, please advise your treating Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist.