GLA:D® Back

Your active help with back pain

GLA:D® (Good Life with OsteoArthritis in Denmark) is an evidence-based program developed specifically for people with chronic back pain. The aim is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and delay or avoid surgery if possible.

GLA:D® Back

The aim of GLA:D® is to implement international best practice guidelines in a quality-controlled manner and enable people with back pain to enjoy a good quality of life. The program, which consists of three areas – "counseling and instruction," "exercises," and "quality control through data collection" – was introduced in Denmark in 2013. GLA:D® has also been available in Switzerland since May 2019. The program is a comprehensive concept and is offered and implemented by specially trained and certified physical therapists.

For people with chronic or recurring back pain, the program provides knowledge about pain, movement, and healthy back strain, and also supports long-term self-efficacy and active pain management.

Scientifically proven – individually supervised

Who is the GLA:D® back program suitable for?

All patients with lower back pain can participate in the GLA:D® back program, except:

in cases of acute or progressive nerve root involvement
suspected systemic disease as the cause of the pain (e.g., inflammatory back disease or tumor)
the patient does not understand German

How the GLA:D® program works

To ensure you get the most out of the program, the GLA:D® program follows a clearly structured process:

1. Initial examination and consultation

In a personal consultation, we clarify your symptoms, goals, and medical requirements. We carry out standardized tests to assess your current condition.

2. Two information sessions

You will receive in-depth knowledge about back pain – explained in a simple and understandable way. You will learn how pain arises, what happens in the body, and how you can positively influence it through active behavior.

3. Twelve supervised training sessions

For four weeks, you will train twice a week in a group under the guidance of a physiotherapist. In the following four weeks, group training will take place once a week, and you will also practice independently at home once a week. The exercises are specially tailored to your needs – safe, effective, and suitable for everyday use.

4. Final examination

After completing the program, we will repeat the tests from the beginning and discuss your progress together. This will allow you to see in black and white what you have achieved.

5. Follow-up care and long-term effects

Our goal is for you to remain active in the long term. You will receive tips and recommendations on how to continue what you have learned on your own – for a good life despite back pain.

Cost

The following will be charged:

Initial examination
Four individual sessions
14 group sessions

Private insurance coverage is possible.
The individual sessions are scheduled individually before the course begins.

Important: In order for the costs to be covered by the service provider, a physiotherapy prescription for 2 x 9 sessions with the note GLA:D is required.