Research-Based Education & Exercise
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
Less Pain
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
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
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
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
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.
*May be covered by chiropractic extended healthcare benefits*
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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.
