GLA:D Back Program
At Fairview Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Clinic, we are pleased to offer the GLA:D® Back program, an evidence-based education and exercise program designed for individuals experiencing persistent or recurring low back pain.
Low back pain is one of the most common health conditions worldwide and a leading cause of disability. Despite how common it is, many individuals struggle to find clear guidance on how best to manage their symptoms or safely return to normal activities.
The GLA:D Back program was developed to help address this challenge.
Originally developed by researchers at the University of Southern Denmark and implemented in Canada through the University of Alberta, GLA:D Back is designed to help individuals better understand their back pain and regain confidence in movement through structured education and supervised exercise.
Understanding Persistent Low Back Pain
Persistent low back pain can be frustrating and often difficult to manage. Many individuals experience recurring episodes of back pain that interfere with work, physical activity, and daily life.
In many cases, imaging such as X-rays or MRIs does not clearly explain the source of symptoms. Research has shown that many people without pain may still have disc bulges, degeneration, or other structural findings visible on imaging.
Because of this, modern clinical guidelines increasingly emphasize education and exercise as first-line approaches for managing persistent back pain.
Programs that combine structured education with progressive exercise can help individuals improve function, reduce pain, and regain confidence in movement.
What is the GLA:D Back Program?
GLA:D® Back (Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark – Back) is a structured program that combines education and supervised exercise for individuals experiencing persistent or recurrent low back pain.
Participants attend small group sessions led by trained healthcare professionals and learn practical strategies to help them manage their symptoms and return to meaningful activities.
The program focuses on helping participants:
• better understand how back pain works
• develop strategies for managing flare-ups
• improve strength and movement confidence
• return safely to everyday activities
Evidence Behind the Program
GLA:D programs have been widely implemented internationally and are supported by current research and clinical guidelines.
Early implementation of GLA:D Back in Alberta has demonstrated encouraging outcomes. In addition to improvements in pain and physical function, participants often demonstrate a substantial reduction in healthcare visits related to back pain, suggesting that structured education and exercise help patients manage their condition more independently.
These results suggest that structured education and exercise programs can help patients better understand and manage persistent back pain, often reducing reliance on repeated healthcare visits.
Who May Benefit From This Program?
The program may benefit individuals who:
• experience persistent or recurring low back pain
• feel unsure about how to safely return to activity
• want to improve strength and confidence in movement
• are looking for an evidence-based approach to managing their condition
Many participants join the program after trying other treatments but still feeling uncertain about how best to manage their back pain independently.
What Does the Program Include?
The GLA:D® Back program typically includes:
Initial Assessment
Participants begin with a one-on-one assessment to determine whether the program is appropriate and to establish baseline measures.
Education Sessions
Participants learn about:
• how back pain works
• the role of movement in recovery
• strategies for managing flare-ups
• building confidence with activity
Supervised Exercise Sessions
Participants take part in guided exercises designed to improve strength, mobility, and movement confidence.
Each participant’s exercise program is individualized and progressed according to their ability and progress, with clinical documentation completed using standard SOAP charting.
Reassessment and Goal Setting
At the completion of the program, participants undergo a one-on-one reassessment to review progress and establish a plan for ongoing activity and long-term management.
Outcomes From the GLA:D Back Program
Research and implementation data from GLA:D Back programs have demonstrated encouraging outcomes for participants.
Participants in the program have shown:
• clinically significant reduction in back pain intensity
• improved physical function and strength
• reduced fear of movement and activity
reduced use of pain medication
• improvements that are often maintained one year after the program
• 68% of participants say they have achieved their personal goals
These results reflect the benefits of combining education with structured, supervised exercise to help individuals better understand and manage persistent back pain.
Insurance Coverage
Although the program itself is not publicly funded, the sessions are delivered as clinical chiropractic treatment.
Because each session includes individualized instruction, progression, and clinical documentation, many participants are able to submit individual sessions through their extended health benefits under chiropractic care, depending on their insurance plan.
Our clinic would be happy to answer any questions regarding billing or insurance eligibility.
Our Approach at Fairview Chiropractic & Rehab
Fairview Chiropractic & Rehab has been offering the GLA:D® Hip & Knee program for several years and currently runs multiple cohorts annually with referrals from family physicians, rapid access clinics, orthopedic programs, and patient referrals.
We are pleased to extend this same evidence-based approach to individuals experiencing persistent low back pain.
Our goal is not simply to provide treatment, but to help patients develop the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to remain active and manage their condition independently.
Dr. Christopher Tousignant brings over two decades of expertise as a chiropractor, dedicated to enhancing the well-being of his patients. Graduating from The University of Guelph in 1994, Dr. Tousignant continued his education at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, completing the four-year chiropractic program. Utilizing a diverse array of techniques such as spinal manipulation, therapeutic ultrasound, electrotherapy, muscle release techniques, and exercise therapy, Dr. Tousignant works hand-in-hand with his patients to craft tailored management plans that address their individual needs. His unwavering dedication to patient empowerment and motivation is evident in his approach to care.
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