CQU Chiropractic hosts international GLA:D® BACK program

By Greg Chapman

CQUniversity Brisbane recently brought together the world’s leading chiropractors by hosting the internationally recognised GLA:D® BACK program for the first time.

GLA:D^® BACK is a treatment option for patients with persistent or recurrent low back pain that affects everyday life. The program was developed by researchers and clinicians at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU).

Run in collaboration with Macquarie University and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), clinicians from across the discipline converged on the Brisbane campus to learn the latest insights into the program and chiropractic care more generally.

CQU Head of Course for the Chiropractic Discipline, Matthew Fernandez, was part of the program’s expert instructional team. 

“We delivered cutting-edge education and exercises for registered chiropractors and physiotherapists who work with people experiencing persistent low back pain,” he said.

“With more than 100 trained GLA:D^® BACK clinicians across Australia, the program continues to redefine back pain management—empowering practitioners and transforming patient care from the ground up.”

Dr Natalie Clohesy who completed her PhD at CQU, was one of the clinicians who participated in the course. 

“I recently completed the GLA:D^® BACK course, which was an incredibly valuable learning experience, providing evidence-based tools and strategies to support my patients with persistent recurrent back pain," Dr Clohesy said.

“The GLA:D principles focus on patient education, active self-management, and structured exercise which aligns with current best practices. 

“I was able to start to implement the GLA:D^® BACK principles into my clinic immediately to help empower patients, improve function, and encourage long-term resilience in managing back pain.”

Learn more about GLA:D^® BACK