What is the purpose of Gla:D™ back?

Good Life with Osteoarthritis in Denmark

The purpose of GLA:D™ Back is to help patients better manage persistent and/or recurrent low back pain themselves through a well-described and structured treatment program. This program offers patient education and exercise based on high quality scientific evidence. Data from the program is entered in a secure clinical registry so that together, we create new knowledge about chronic low back pain and GLA:D™ Back can be continuously improved.

 

Patient education and exercise have positive effects on back problems and little risk of harms. At the same time, education and exercise have been shown to reduce the risk of new episodes of low back pain. Evidence and theories behind GLA:D™ Back have been published in several academic journals.

What does GLA:D™ Back consist of?

Assessment

Start with a personalized one-on-one physiotherapy assessment to
determine if the GLA:D™ program is the right fit for you. During the assessment, baseline tests will be conducted to help track your progress throughout the program.

Education

The program includes two interactive education sessions, in small groups to foster discussion and shared learning.

Exercise

The program consists of 12 one-hour Neuromuscular Exercise Sessions. All sessions are done twice per week are held in small groups of 8 or fewer participants to ensure personalized attention and support.

REGISTRATION

of clinician and patient data in the GLA:D™ Back registry.

 

Benefits

Results from Denmark for 10,000 participants at one year follow-up include:

Less Pain

  • Immediately after GLA:D Back, the average pain intensity decreased 20% from 5.2 to 3.8 on a 10 point scale.

Better Physical Function

  • The Self-Reported physical function (measured by a questionnaire called the Oswestry Disability Index) improve by 18%.

Reduced Fear-Avoidance Beliefs

  • Immediately after the course, the presence of fear-avoidance beliefs related to physical activity decreased by 17%.

Decreased Meds

  • Immediately after GLA:D Back, the proportion of people reporting taking painkillers for their back dropped from 61% to 41%

Prerequisites

Anyone experiencing persistent or recurrent low back pain that impacts daily life.

Program Overview

The purpose of GLA:D™ Back is to help patients better manage persistent and/or recurrent low back pain themselves through a well-described and structured treatment program. This program offers patient education and exercise based on high quality scientific evidence. Data from the program is entered in a secure clinical registry so that together, we create new knowledge about chronic low back pain and GLA:D™ Back can be continuously improved.

 

Patient education and supervised exercise for patients with persistent and/or recurrent low back pain are recommended as first-line interventions in several international guidelines based on expert reviews of hundreds of randomized controlled trials. Patient education and exercise have positive effects on back problems and little risk of harms. At the same time, education and exercise have been shown to reduce the risk of new episodes of low back pain. Evidence and theories behind GLA:D™ Back have been published in several academic journals.

Schedule & cost

We offer Education Sessions one per month — call us or email to find out the next upcoming dates.

Exercise Classes are available now. Contact us to find out the next start date.
 
Cost: $45 per session for 14 sessions, plus a $150 initial assessment fee. Most private health insurance plans cover the majority of these costs.

Program Pathway

Referral from Family Doctor or Rheumatologist

Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and ask for a referral to join the program. In order to have coverage under some health benefits plans, a referral to physiotherapy is required. 

Self Referral

If you’re experiencing persistent or recurring low back pain or stiffness, you can complete a self-referral. Our GLA:D™ trained physiotherapists will assess your condition to determine if the program is the right fit for you.

DonJoy MalleoForce® Plus Ankle Brace

DonJoy MalleoForce® Plus

Elastic knitted ankle support with malleoli pads and adjustable strap. MalleoForce® Plus uses integrated ankle pads and adjustable strapping to help relieve, stabilize, and protect the ankle joint from abnormal movements, aiding proprioceptive acuity.

Key Features 

  • Removable adjustable ankle strapping – Works like functional tape to help provide added stability
  • Two anatomically contoured ankle pads – Help protect, stabilize, and relieve the malleoli
  • Anatomical 3D knit design – To help provide effective and targeted compression (23-32mmHg, medical standard) and support
  • Breathable, elastic, soft knit – for enhanced comfort
  • Compression-reduced edges – Help divert pressure at the ends of the support to provide a comfortable fit
  • Visual graphics around the malleoli – To help ensure correct application of the support

Characteristics

  • New stylish, modern design
  • Improved fit
  • Knitted construction using a multidirectional elastic fabric
  • Lightweight
  • Low profile, fits easily into a shoe
  • Fits left or right ankle
  • Not made with natural rubber latex
  • Easy to clean, machine washable

Indications

  • Support and compression following acute and chronic ankle injury and mild ankle and foot osteoarthritis.
  • Proprioceptive and neuromuscular stimulation through compression
  • Mild (grade I) ankle sprains and strains
  • Mild ankle instability
  • Prevention of injury

Measurement

  • Measurement taken above the malleoli
Part Number Ankle Circ. Size
82-1754-1 17 – 19 cm 1 = XS
82-1754-2 19 – 21 cm 2 = S
82-1754-3 21 – 23 cm 3 = M
82-1754-4 23 – 25 cm 4 = L
82-1754-5 25 – 27 cm 5 = XL
82-1754-6 27 – 29 cm 6 = XXL

DonJoy MalleoForce® Plus

Elastic knitted ankle support with malleoli pads and adjustable strap.

MalleoForce® Plus uses integrated ankle pads and adjustable strapping to help relieve, stabilize, and protect the ankle joint from abnormal movements, aiding proprioceptive acuity.

Key Features 

  • Removable adjustable ankle strapping – Works like functional tape to help provide added stability
  • Two anatomically contoured ankle pads – Help protect, stabilize, and relieve the malleoli
  • Anatomical 3D knit design – To help provide effective and targeted compression (23-32mmHg, medical standard) and support
  • Breathable, elastic, soft knit – for enhanced comfort
  • Compression-reduced edges – Help divert pressure at the ends of the support to provide a comfortable fit
  • Visual graphics around the malleoli – To help ensure correct application of the support

Physio Team

Frequently
asked questions

Find answers to common questions about the GLA:D™ Back program, designed to help individuals with persistent or recurring back pain reduce discomfort, build spinal resilience, and enhance quality of life through evidence-based exercises and education.

The GLA:D™ program starts with a physiotherapy assessment scheduled at your convenience. The program then consists of 2 education sessions and 12 exercise classes (2 times per week for 6 weeks). This is a total of 7 weeks. Each session is 1 hour in duration.

This program may be covered under extended health insurance, as it is billed as physiotherapy, depending on your provider and plan.

This program is not covered by OHIP but can be covered by most extended health insurance plans.

In order to complete the GLA:D™ program, it is recommended to attend all 14 sessions. This ensures you fully understand the importance of the exercises and have a comprehensive program to continue with after graduation.

Yes, attending the education sessions is mandatory, as they encourage discussion and provide a deeper understanding of osteoarthritis.

The classes are held twice a week for seven consecutive weeks, New classes run every two months, so check with our front desk team to get started.

Yes! This program can be done in concert with other fitness classes or activities. You can always check out the GLA:D™ Hip/Knee or Bone Fitness Physiotherapy  Programs at ReActive.

Please come prepared for class with comfortable clothing that you can move and stretch in.

During each class, participants will follow their own individualized program, specifically tailored to their physical abilities and needs. A physiotherapist will be there to guide them through all exercises, ensuring proper technique and providing appropriate challenges for continued progress.

If you cancel your appointment at least 24 hours in advance, there will be no missed appointment fees. However, missed or late cancellations will incur a $45 fee. You can make up missed classes for up to two sessions, subject to availability, with make-up sessions offered when possible.

Upon completing the GLA:D™ program, you’ll receive your booklet and have the option to purchase equipment, such as resistance bands and exercise balls, to continue your strength program at home. We also offer a refresher class for graduates, and you’re welcome to repeat the program if you need extra support or have fallen behind with your home exercises.

 

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