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GLA:D® Back Program
Avenue Physio – Trusted in downtown Calgary since 1984
At Avenue Physio, we are proud to offer the GLA:D® Back Program, an evidence-based education and exercise program designed to help people with persistent or recurrent back pain move with confidence again.
Back pain affects nearly 80 percent of people at some point in their lives. When it becomes ongoing, it can limit movement, create fear of activity, and affect quality of life. The GLA:D® Back Program provides a proven framework to understand pain, regain control, and build long-term strength and confidence.
What Is the GLA:D® Back Program
GLA:D® Back is a structured seven-week education and exercise program designed for people with ongoing or recurrent low back pain.
Developed by the University of Southern Denmark and now delivered internationally, including in Canada, the program is led by certified physiotherapists and supported by large-scale clinical research demonstrating improvements in pain, function, and confidence in movement.
Program Structure
- Initial Assessment
Your program begins with a one-on-one physiotherapy assessment to confirm suitability, understand your back pain history, and set meaningful personal goals. - Education (2 Sessions)
You’ll attend two online education sessions where you will learn:
- How the back works
- Why pain behaves the way it does
- How to confidently manage flare-ups
- Why movement is safe and beneficial
- Supervised Exercise (12 Sessions)
You’ll participate in physiotherapist-led, in-clinic group exercise sessions focused on:
- Building strength
- Improving control and coordination
- Restoring movement confidence
- Helping you return to valued activities
- Progress Tracking
Outcome measures are recorded before and after the program so we can objectively track your improvement and guide next steps.
Every session is delivered by certified GLA:D® Back physiotherapists who integrate current pain science, progressive exercise, and practical self-management strategies — helping you take charge of your recovery with clarity and confidence.
How the Program Works
GLA:D® Back combines education, supervised exercise, and self-management to improve how you move and how your nervous system processes pain.
Education helps you understand:
- How pain works
- How gradual movement can safely retrain your nervous system
This knowledge reduces fear, improves confidence, and supports long-term self-management.
The program is designed to help you
- Reduce pain and stiffness
- Improve core control, strength, and movement quality
- Increase confidence with daily activity and exercise
- Prevent future flare ups through better self-management
Education is completed online, while supervised exercise sessions take place in person at Avenue Physio. Group sizes are small, supportive, and guided to your individual abilities.
Who Benefits from GLA:D® Back
This program is ideal for adults who:
- Have persistent or recurrent back pain that limits daily activity
- Want to move more confidently without fear of pain
- Are ready to learn, exercise, and take an active role in recovery
- Want to improve core stability and reduce the risk of recurring episodes
GLA:D® Back is suitable for most people with non-specific low back pain, whether symptoms are mild, moderate, or long-standing. Your physiotherapist will ensure you are safe and appropriate before you begin.
Proven Results
Research from GLA:D® Back in Denmark and Canada shows participants report less pain, better function, and increased confidence in movement after completing the program. Many also experience fewer missed workdays or activity limitations and improved overall quality of life.
Our Additional Expertise
Avenue Physio’s GLA:D® Back team includes physiotherapists who have completed official GLA:D® Canada certification and advanced training in pain science, movement analysis, and exercise prescription.
Every program follows internationally recognized GLA:D® protocols for education, exercise, and outcome tracking. With small group sizes and one-on-one guidance, you gain the knowledge and strength to manage your back health for life.
Stories of Movement and Change
Real experiences from patients who have found relief, improved movement, and lasting confidence through hands-on physiotherapy at Avenue Physio.
560 plus five-star Google Reviews.
From post surgical patients regaining mobility to those returning to work or sport, Avenue Physio helps Calgarians move better, recover stronger, and restore confidence.
FAQ
Questions
GLA:D® Back
What does GLA:D® stand for?
GLA:D® means Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark. The same research-based model has been adapted for people with persistent back pain.
What makes this program different from regular physiotherapy or back exercises?
GLA:D® Back follows a standardized protocol that combines education, supervised exercise, and self-management training based on modern pain science. It focuses on long-term function and confidence, not just short-term symptom relief.
Is it safe for chronic or long-term back pain?
Yes. The program was specifically designed for people with persistent back pain. Exercises are gradual, adapted to your comfort level, and supervised by certified physiotherapists.
How long is the program?
The GLA:D® Back Program runs for seven weeks and includes two education sessions and twelve supervised exercise sessions.
Is the program covered by extended health benefits?
Yes. GLA:D® Back is billed as physiotherapy and covered by most extended health plans. We offer direct billing to participating insurers.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No referral is required. Your physiotherapist will assess you first to confirm you are a good fit for the program.
Has GLA:D® Back been tested and proven?
Yes. The program has been validated through international research and real-world data collected through the GLA:D® registry showing meaningful reductions in pain and disability and improved self-management confidence.
How to Register
To join the next seven-week GLA:D® Back Program, please contact our front desk to reserve your spot. Group sizes are limited to ensure quality instruction and individualized support.
Build strength, restore confidence, and manage back pain with an evidence-based program designed for long-term results.
Downtown Calgary | 100% One-on-One Care | Trusted since 1984
