GLA:D Back Program for Low Back Pain.

If long-term or recurring low back pain is holding you back, GLA:D Back offers a structured path forward. Developed at the University of Southern Denmark and delivered in Australia through Macquarie University, the program combines expert-led education with supervised group exercise. Ahmed Mohamed is a certified GLA:D Back provider running the program at our Capalaba clinic — no GP referral required.

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GLA:D Back is more than an exercise class — it's a guideline-based approach to understanding and managing low back pain for the long term, backed by ongoing Australian and international research.

What Is GLA:D Back?

GLA:D Back (Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark — Back) is a structured program combining patient education and supervised exercise for long-term or recurrent low back pain that affects everyday life. It was the first GLA:D program to move beyond osteoarthritis, built specifically to address chronic and recurrent back pain using the same guideline-based, self-management approach. The program was introduced in Australia by a research team at Macquarie University's Spinal Pain Research Centre, in collaboration with researchers in Denmark and Canada.

Program Origin

Developed at the University of Southern Denmark. Delivered in Australia through Macquarie University.

How the Program Works

1

Initial Assessment

Baseline testing, goal-setting, and functional measures.

2

Education Sessions (x2)

Evidence-based understanding of back pain — causes, symptoms, treatment, self-management.

3

Exercise Sessions (x16)

Supervised small-group classes, 2x per week over 8 weeks, targeting back and leg strength.

4

Ongoing Self-Management

Home exercise carryover and long-term flare-up management strategies.

Is GLA:D Back Right for You?

  • Adults aged 18 and over
  • Persistent or recurrent low back pain for three months or more
  • No other significant underlying health conditions
  • No GP referral required — self-referral is fine

See Macquarie's information for patients for full eligibility details.

The Evidence Behind GLA:D Back

Low back pain is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide, yet guideline-recommended first-line care — education and exercise — is often under-delivered. GLA:D Back was built specifically to close that gap, based on the best available research knowledge for back pain treatment and informed by national and international clinical guidelines.

Read more on Macquarie's GLA:D Back research page.

GLA:D Back at Moov Physio

Ahmed Mohamed, principal physiotherapist at Moov Physio, is a certified GLA:D Back provider. The program runs from our Capalaba clinic inside World Gym Bayside. Questions? Get in touch via our Contact page.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is GLA:D Back?

GLA:D Back is an education and supervised exercise program for people with persistent or recurrent low back pain, developed in Denmark and delivered in Australia through Macquarie University's Spinal Pain Research Centre.

Who is GLA:D Back suitable for?

Adults aged 18 and over who have had recurring or persistent low back pain for three months or more, without other significant health conditions driving the pain.

How long does the GLA:D Back program run for?

The program runs over approximately 8–9 weeks: two initial education sessions followed by 16 supervised group exercise sessions, twice weekly.

What happens in the education sessions?

You'll learn about the causes and nature of back pain, what the research says about effective treatment, and practical strategies for managing pain day-to-day.

Do I need a doctor's referral for GLA:D Back?

No — a GP referral is not required. You can book directly with Moov Physio to get started.

Is GLA:D Back backed by research?

Yes. GLA:D Back was developed using national and international clinical guidelines for low back pain and is supported by ongoing research through Macquarie University's Spinal Pain Research Centre.

How is GLA:D Back different from regular physiotherapy for back pain?

GLA:D Back follows a structured, standardised program combining group education and progressive exercise, with outcomes tracked through a national registry — rather than one-off individual treatment sessions.

Where can I access GLA:D Back near Capalaba and the Redlands?

Moov Physio offers GLA:D Back from its Capalaba clinic inside World Gym Bayside, serving Capalaba, Alexandra Hills, Birkdale, Cleveland, Chandler, Wellington Point, Sheldon and Thornlands.