GLA:D Back Program – Fall 2025

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.

Dr. Rebecca-Jane McAllister offers the GLA:D Back Program both in her private practice in SE Calgary and Okotoks (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 in SE Calgary and Okotoks.

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 2-9 of the 9-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.

There is always more information available!  We’re sure you’re curious at this point.  We invite you to visit jump over and visit GLA:D Back Canada Website and Dr. Rebecca’s Website for more detailed information about this program.

So now what happens? 

For those in the Southern Alberta area (our clinic is located in Okotoks)…who’s a Candidate?

  • People with persistent or recurrent low back pain
  • Patients who are assessed and may benefit from a combined patient education / supervised exercise program
  • Have finished prior care, but lack rehabilitation
  • Need guided exercise to motivate
  • Are motivated but unsure how to exercise
  • Or any other reasons to enter an educational / exercise program!

Inclusion criteria:

  • Nonspecific low back pain
  • Persistent or recurrent pain
  • In need of self-management strategies
  • Patients without:
    • Systemic disease as the cause of their pain
    • Unstable radiculopathy
    • Acute single low back episode

You are not a candidate for this program if:

  • You are under 18 years old
  • You are unable to understand English and do not have assistance with translation
  • You do not have access to email for baseline and follow-up questionnaires

If you’re interested in this program but are unsure if you’re a good candidate for the program, please reach out to schedule a Meet & Greet with Dr. Rebecca to discuss your treatment plan options

Fee Schedule

Please note that the GLA:D Back Program fee is due in full at the end of the initial assessment. If you are deemed ineligible for the program after the initial assessment, the balance of the program fee minus the initial assessment fee will be refunded in full without a withdrawal fee. The initial assessment fee is non-refundable.

Due to the research-based nature of this program, it is important for participants to attend every session. As such, participants will not be reimbursed for any missed sessions. It is the responsibility of the participant to notify Active Balance Health Centre if any extenuating circumstances arise. It is the responsibility of the participant to contact their extended healthcare insurance provider to determine whether GLA:D Back is covered by their extended health plan or health spending account.

*May be covered by chiropractic extended healthcare benefits*

 

GLA:D Back Initial Assessment ($135)

7 Week Program (2x/week for 7 weeks – $33.50/session = $469)

GLA:D Back Follow Up Visit ($95)

TOTAL: $699

 

Proposed Fall 2025 GLA:D Back Program Dates – stay tuned for confirmation!

  • One-on-One Program Assessments to be scheduled 1-2 weeks prior to the program start date
  • Group Education and Exercise Sessions – Every Tuesday & Thursday from 9:00 – 10:00 am, starting October 7, 2025 and ending on November 20, 2025.  Maximum 6 participants – both virtual and in-person options available!
  • One-on-One Follow Up Visits to be scheduled 1-2 weeks post program conclusion

 

For more information, Dr. Rebecca can be reached at: drrebecca@activebalancehealth.ca

For more information about Dr. Rebecca, visit her ABHC webpage, by clicking HERE  or her ‘Dr. Rebecca’ website by clicking HERE.