What is GLA:D® and how are our classes similar?

GLA:D® is an internationally recognised education and exercise program developed in Denmark to support people with hip and knee osteoarthritis.

While we do not deliver the official GLA:D® program, our Hip & Knee Rehab Classes follow similar evidence-based principles, including:

• Supervised, progressive exercise sessions

• Neuromuscular training to improve joint control and stability

• Strengthening key muscle groups that support hip and knee function

• Education about pain, movement, and osteoarthritis management

• Individualised modifications based on your needs, symptoms, and fitness level

Our goal is to help you move better, feel stronger, and build confidence in daily activities—using a safe and structured approach.

Who are these classes for?

Our Hip & Knee Rehab Classes are ideal for people who:

• have been diagnosed with hip or knee osteoarthritis

• experience joint stiffness, instability, or reduced mobility

• want to improve strength, function, and everyday movement

• want to avoid or delay joint replacement surgery (where appropriate)

• are recovering from a joint procedure or injury and need a guided strengthening plan

You don’t need a referral to enquire. However, an initial assessment is required before commencing classes.

Why an initial assessment is required

Before joining the group, you’ll complete a 1:1 assessment with a Physiotherapist or Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP). This allows us to:

• understand your symptoms, history and goals

• assess joint function, mobility, strength and movement patterns

• identify modifications needed for safety and confidence

• confirm the group class is the right fit (or recommend an alternative)

• set a baseline so we can track progress over time

This assessment helps ensure the program is safe, personalised, and clinically appropriate.

Run by qualified professionals

All sessions are run by our:

• AHPRA-registered Physiotherapists, and/or

• Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs)
  
  

Our team has extensive experience in:

• arthritis management

• chronic pain and joint rehabilitation

• prehabilitation and post-operative strengthening

• neuromuscular training and functional movement retraining

Your progress is monitored, and exercises are adjusted to suit your comfort, capacity and goals.

Health fund rebates may be available

Because sessions are delivered by qualified clinicians, private health insurance rebates may apply, depending on your level of cover, under:

• Physiotherapy group exercise, and/or

• Exercise Physiology services

Rebate amounts vary between funds and policies—please check directly with your insurer.

Our recommended option: Forever Fit Classes

Forever Fit is a supportive strengthening-based class

Our Forever Fit classes include a range of exercises that commonly target:

• glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves

• hip stability and control

• functional lower limb strength (sit-to-stand, step patterns, controlled strength work)

• balance and mobility components (as appropriate)

Exercises can be modified up or down depending on pain, confidence, mobility, fatigue, and current capacity.

Who Forever Fit suits

Forever Fit can be a great fit if you:

• want guided strengthening but don’t want a high-intensity gym environment

• want to improve lower limb strength and movement confidence

• are getting back into exercise after a break

• prefer a consistent weekly routine for accountability

If you have a complex history, recent surgery, significant pain, or are unsure what’s safe, contact us and we can guide you to the best starting option.

 Our Classes

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we offer a range of exercise classes and rehabilitation services in Perth designed to support movement, strength, mobility, function and confidence across a wide range of ages and abilities.

Our classes and rehabilitation services are designed for people who may want:

• guided exercise in a supportive environment

• rehabilitation after injury, illness or surgery

• support with strength, mobility and balance

• exercise that feels more appropriate for their body, health condition or functional goals

• a class environment with allied health input and clinical understanding

Depending on the class or program, support may be suitable for children, adults and older adults, including people living with disability, chronic conditions, pain-related movement limitations or reduced confidence with exercise.

Want more individual guidance?

Some people do best starting with an individual consult first (Physiotherapy or Exercise Physiology), then transitioning into group classes once they have the right baseline plan and modifications.

If you’re unsure, we can help you choose the best pathway.

FAQ – Hip & Knee Rehab (GLA:D®-Style)

Are you an official GLA:D® provider?
No. Our classes are based on GLA:D® principles, but we are not officially GLA:D-registered providers.

Do I need an individual assessment first?
Yes—all participants must book an initial assessment before joining the group program.

Do I need a referral?
No referral is required to book an assessment. Medicare and some other funding pathways may require a GP referral—contact us if you’re unsure.

Is this only for osteoarthritis?
The program is designed around hip/knee OA-style rehab principles, but it may also suit some people with joint pain, reduced strength, or post-procedure recovery. Suitability is confirmed at your initial assessment.

Can this prevent me from needing surgery?
We can’t guarantee outcomes, but many people benefit from strengthening, education and improved movement confidence. Your medical team can advise on surgery decisions.

Will exercises be modified if I have pain or limitations?
Yes. Sessions are supervised and exercises are adjusted to suit your symptoms, mobility and capacity.

Can I claim private health rebates?
Possibly. Rebates depend on your fund and cover level. Check with your insurer for your policy details.

Ready to get started?

The best first step is usually to book a Forever Fit class and let our team help you with suitable options and progressions.

Funding & referrals

We welcome a range of funding pathways and can help you understand the best option for your situation.

We see clients using:

Private (self-funded)

NDIS (self-managed and plan-managed)

Aged Care / Home Care Packages

Medicare (where eligible, with a GP referral)

DVA (eligible veterans)

Other funding pathways (e.g., insurers or schemes, where applicable)

Where clinically appropriate, we can provide supporting documentation to inform service planning and care coordination.

A Supportive Allied Health Environment

One of the key differences at Palms is that our exercise classes sit within a broader allied health environment. That means clients may also have access to support across:

• Physiotherapy

• Exercise Physiology

• Occupational Therapy

• Speech Pathology

This can be particularly helpful for people whose exercise needs are connected to broader concerns around mobility, function, disability, rehabilitation or participation in everyday life.

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.