A new evidence-based group treatment program for long-term back pain is now available at the MQ Health Physiotherapy Clinic.

The clinic is one of the first in Australia to offer GLA:D BACK, which was developed by the University of Southern Denmark.

The nine-week program is suitable for adults of all ages who have had recurring lower back pain for at least three months and who do not have other significant health issues.

Following an initial consultation for assessment and goal setting, patients complete two education sessions, then 16 exercise classes that include back and leg strengthening that they can continue to do at home after completing the course.

One of GLA:D BACK’s key benefits is its strong evidence base. Researchers from Macquarie’s Department of Health Sciences have been working with the University of Southern Denmark to evaluate the program in Australia since 2019 and are continuing to collect data.

The latest research report showed that immediately after completing the course, patients reported a 31 per cent drop in the intensity of their pain, and their physical function improved by 25 per cent.

MQ Health Associate Physiotherapist Philip Arndt says GLA:D BACK is different from other treatments in that it helps people understand their pain better and manage it in the long term.

“The focus is on regaining natural movement patterns and reinforcing key messages about back pain, such as exercise strengthens the back, and pain does not equal harm,” he says.

“Maintaining back strength and flexibility is beneficial for managing pain, so we encourage people to continue doing the exercises they learn through GLA:D BACK after they finish the course.”

The cost of the initial consultation and group exercise sessions can be partially covered by physiotherapy extras for people holding private health insurance. Medicare can subsidise up to five visits to a physiotherapist if your GP completes a chronic conditions treatment plan.

MQ Health Physiotherapy also offers the GLA:D Hip and Knee program, which works on similar principles and is targeted to people with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.

Contact MQ Health Physiotherapy Clinic to discuss whether GLA:D BACK or GLA:D Hip and Knee are suitable for your condition.

Learn more about what GLA:D BACK involves

Training is also available at Macquarie University for physiotherapists and chiropractors who want to provide GLA:D BACK to their patients.