GLA:D program, arthritis and PMR

[redruth123]

Have just finished the exercise program known as GLA for arthritis, and reporting in to others who have hip or knee arthritis who may be considering it .... for someone who hates gyms, I found it amazingly improved muscle tone, strength, endurance and much needed walking stability.

Caveat : While the program is highly individualised and accounts for age and disability, it's hard to imagine undertaking it if suffering the intense weakness and fatigue that I experienced with PMR, especially in the early stages of the disease. Though the physio will carefully monitor your strength and pain levels during every single exercise, it still requires a fair bit of effort for the full hour of work out (twice weekly).

Background: I've had PMR since early 2021, started on MTX in mid 2022 which gave great relief from pain and fatigue, then I very slowly lowered pred to zero in Feb 2024. During the last 6 months of reducing pred, osteo arthritic pain really ramped up - the rheumo said it had previously been masked by the pred.

I was back to being achey, fatigued and restricted, but this time by osteoarthritis, not PMR.

Then PMR symptoms returned within a few months of zero pred, and so back on low dose pred - 2.5mg daily, and voila! - the arthritic pain reduced somewhat again and so did the PMR symptoms.

The program : The exercise regime, originating in Denmark, is dedicated to improving muscle strength around hips and knees and is designed to reduce pain levels, improve mobility, and reduce or delay the need for surgery.

My physiotherapist was extremely supportive during and after each round of exercise, ensuring that I never exacerbated any problems or got over-exhausted. It was highly individualised and all classes had 3 people or fewer.

After years of poor muscle tone from PMR, and a sedentary life before that, I was amazed to find how much stronger I was. The program was actually enjoyable and reassuringly flexible.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Thanks for update - and as we discussed in your previous post, I’ve attached the info for those who may not be aware -

gladinternational.org/glad-...

and your previous post -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[redruth123 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks so much DorsetLady.

[Bluebutterflygirl in reply to DorsetLady]

Hi…this sounds like just what I need at this stage of my PMR process..have looked on website but can’t see anywhere in uk can access GLAD programme… can you please advise DorsetLady ? Thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bluebutterflygirl]

No, I can find anything much either [did look previously] - but did find a couple of links re program - obviously not NHS - and this is only based in small area. Might be worth looking for physio studies in your area or perhaps local private hospitals-

lakkyphysio.co.uk/neuromusc...

[Bluebutterflygirl in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks..will take a look👍

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bluebutterflygirl]

Please let us know if you find any links...

[confused2]

I did this program and found it wonderful. I still do most of the exercises in some form. I have had both my knees replaced and because of the programe I was in much better physical condition to have the replacement and recovery. I had lost a lot of muscle at the time because of prednisone. It was very good at helping me regain my strength.

[redruth123]

Great to know that it continued to help confused2. Continuing the exercises is the key Luckily they are easy to remember.