GLA:D Back Program

Do you experience persistent or recurrent low back pain?

Now Offered With Dr. Rebecca-Jane McAllister!

The GLA:D Back program was developed in Denmark and is an evidence-based treatment program for individuals with persistent and/or recurrent back pain that negatively affects their everyday life and function. The purpose of GLA:D Back is to help patients manage their back pain themselves through a well-described and structured course of treatment.

Annual Report Stats

You don’t have to tackle your pain alone! Book an initial consultation today to learn how I can help!

Less Pain

Immediately after the GLA:D® Back course, the average pain intensity in the back decreased by 34%. One year after starting the GLA:D® Back course, the average reduction in pain intensity was maintained.

Use of Pain Medication Decreased

Immediately after the GLA:D® Back course, the pro-portion who report taking painkillers for their back pain drops from 59% to 37%. One year after starting the GLA:D® Back course, the average reduction in medication use was maintained.

Better Physical Function

Physical function improved on average by 25%. Private level of functioning increased by 13% (from mean ODI score of 45 to 39 (0-100)) in the private group. Endurance of trunk flexor muscles increased by 38% in the private groups. Endurance of trunk extensor muscles increased by 24%.

Many Achieved Individual Goals

At the end of the course, 63% of private groups stated that they partially achieved their goals (5-9/10), and 25% of private stated that they fully achieved their goals (10/10).

Reference: Glumpak, J., Harding, S., Powelske, B., & Kawchuk, G. (2025). GLA:D® Back Alberta: Annual report 2024. GLA:D® Back Canada, Physical Therapy, University of Alberta. http://www.gladback.ca

I had the pleasure to be treated by Dr. Rebecca both in the GLA:D Back Program as well as receiving private, hands-on treatment. In the program, I received valuable training as well as flexibility and strength training for my back. I experienced an 87% improvement in my strength, flexibility, and reduced overall pain. Dr. Rebecca is the only chiropractor I’ve ever seen that uses a variety of methods to improve function and reduce pain. I am so happy I found her and you will be too!

Thanks for checking in. My back has been a bit of a mixed bag this week. Demands of the Christmas season meant I didn’t take time to do the GLAD exercises like I planned. This past weekend, after a particularly energetic session of dancing while sitting in a chair, I stressed a muscle in my back. The pain was sharp and stabbing, and originally I thought it was a kidney stone, I’ve had them before. But, after a few days of muscle relaxants, very gentle stretches, and a yoga class, it’s almost gone. I was going to book to see you this coming weekend if yoga didn’t do the trick, but I’m good right now. I’m glad I learned about overly sensitive pain signals in GLAD, and knowing I needed to teach my brain I wasn’t in danger.

I can highly recommend Dr. Rebecca and the GLA:D Back program for anyone dealing with low back pain. She guided me through the entire process, patiently answered all my questions, and even accommodated makeup classes so I wouldn’t miss a thing. I’ve experienced a marked improvement in both my long-term back pain and overall mobility. It was truly a worthwhile experience.

Both in-Person & Virtual Program Options

Dr. Rebecca-Jane McAllister offers the GLA:D Back Program both in her private practice (in person & virtual) as well as with the University of Calgary.

Both in-person and virtual program options are available to all residents of Alberta in Dr. Rebecca-Jane McAllister’s private practice.

<em>*May be covered by chiropractic extended healthcare benefits*

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GLA:D Schedule

The GLA:D Back Program is a 7-week evidence-based group education and exercise rehabilitation program for people with persistent or recurrent low back pain. The program starts with a 1:1 initial assessment, where we complete a thorough health history, physical examination, and GLA:D Back specific objective tests to ensure you’re a good candidate for the program.

The first week of the 7-week program involves 2 one-hour education sessions, where we review the current research recommendations and treatment guidelines around back pain and back pain management.

Weeks 2-7 of the 7-week program involve twice a week, one hour group exercise sessions, where you get to exercise (under my supervision and guidance) to improve your back pain!

Following completion of the 7-week program, another 1:1 re-evaluation is scheduled where we re-test the GLA:D Back specific objective tests and make a plan together on how you can maintain the progress you’ve made throughout the program!

The pre- and post-program objective test outcomes are provided to the University of Alberta’s GLA:D Back research team, along with online questionnaires you complete throughout the program, to help further understand and develop the research on evidence based treatment options for low back pain.

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