GLA:D Back Program

GLA:D Back is a treatment option for patients with long-term or recurrent low back pain that affects everyday life. The program combines both education and exercise to improve self-management skills in patients with back pain.

Originally developed in Denmark (GLA:D Good Life with osteoarthritis in Denmark), GLA:D Back was developed to provide evidence-based self-management programs for people with persistent or recurrent low back pain. The program's purpose is to provide patients with the knowledge and tools to help them reduce their back pain and to better manage the pain that is present.

GLA:D supports long-term health

The GLA:D program is built on the idea that education and guided movement can significantly improve function. Delivered by physiotherapists trained in the GLA:D methodology, this program helps you feel more in control of your back pain. Research suggests that participants may experience:

  • Reduced back pain and stiffness

  • Improved ability to move and stay active

  • Less reliance on pain medication

  • Increased confidence in managing daily activities

Program structure

  1. Initial testing, setting goals and recording baseline questionnaires.

  2. During this consultation patients determine their starting point for training and their goals for the course.

  3. Two patient education sessions.

  4. These sessions are taken in groups, where participants learn about the back, why back pain occurs and what can be done to improve their back to better meet the demands of everyday life.

  5. 16 exercise classes over eight weeks.

  6. Exercise training classes take place twice a week for eight weeks, with the opportunity to customise it to the patient’s needs. The exercises can be performed with varying degrees of difficulty and adapted to the individual participant. The purpose of the exercises is to achieve greater strength, suppleness, balance and variation in the movements of the spine, so that patients can use the spine more easily and have more confidence to move naturally and freely.

  7. Final testing, goals and follow-up questionnaire.

  8. At the conclusion of the program the clinician will perform an evaluation of the patient’s outcomes, both with physical tests and assessment of goals

    • The program typically runs over eight weeks. It includes two education sessions with your physiotherapist, followed by twice-weekly exercise sessions designed to support mobility and joint care.

    • No referral is required to start the program. However, if you have a Medicare Team Care Arrangement (Chronic Disease Management Plan), you are welcome to bring this to your initial assessment.

    • Coverage for the GLA:D program depends on your private health insurance provider and level of cover. We recommend checking with your insurer for specific details.