
Physiotherapy Treatment for Back Pain in Kingston
Assess the cause. Reduce pain. Move better with physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy is an effective treatment approach for persistent back pain
Back pain is common and can be acute, recurrent, or persistent. Every year, approximately 1 in 4 adults will experience low back pain. Back pain is typically benign, meaning it does not stem from a serious cause such as fracture, cancer, etc. Benign back pain can range from short-lived muscle strain, to longer-term pain that affects work, sleep, and daily activities. Of the adults experiencing low back pain, for many this is not the first time. There are those who have persistent low back pain which can ebb and flow over time (days/weeks/months).
Whether you are someone experiencing low back pain for the first time or someone who is having an “episode” of your recurrent pain, it can be difficult to know how to manage your pain so that you can continue to engage in your daily activities. Fortunately, research shows us that most back pain improves with movement, education, and a tailored exercise plan. This is where the GLA:D Back program comes in!
Common causes & contributing factors
- Muscle or ligament strain from lifting, twisting, or sudden movement
- Prolonged postures such as sitting, bending or standing
- Deconditioning or reduced core strength and flexibility
- Recurrent or degenerative changes that may cause stiffness or soreness
- Psychosocial contributors such as stress, worry about pain, and fear of movement
Important to Know: Imaging findings (X-ray/MRI) of your back often does not match your symptoms, so diagnosing your back pain does not require imaging unless there are specific “red flags”.

When to seek care?
Seek assessment if you have:
- Back pain lasting more than a few weeks or recurring episodes
- Pain that is limiting daily activities, sleep, or work
- New or worrying symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fever, or progressive neurological changes in the legs (numbness, weakness, bowel/bladder changes) — these require urgent medical assessment by a physician
Our approach at Best Health Physio
We combine one-on-one physiotherapy with structured education and exercise options. We prioritize active treatment, clear explanations, and helping patients build skills to manage their own recovery. All care is delivered by experienced Kingston physiotherapists who will tailor the plan to your individual needs. At Best Health Physio, we assess the full picture — movement, strength, goals, and barriers — and create a practical plan to help patients move better and regain confidence. If appropriate, you can participate in the GLA:D® Back Program
The GLA:D® Back Program
GLA:D® Back (Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark — Back) was developed by researchers in Denmark to support people with persistent or recurrent low back pain through education and an appropriate, progressive exercise approach. GLA:D Canada provides instructor training and oversees program delivery in Canada.
To deliver GLA:D® Back, physiotherapists must complete specific GLA:D training that incorporates current research on low back pain, pain science, and effective exercise-based management strategies.
The GLA:D® Back approach consists of:
- A standardized, structured exercise program designed to improve strength, mobility, and tolerance to everyday activities
- Exercises that encourage confident, efficient movement patterns, while gradually loading tissues in a safe and progressive way
- 12 physiotherapist supervised small-group exercise sessions, combined with 2 education sessions that provide clear, practical information about back pain and self-management strategies
- Use of validated outcome measures to track changes in pain, function, and quality of life
GLA:D® Back is offered in clinics internationally and has demonstrated many positive outcomes, including improved function, increased confidence in movement, and better long-term self-management for people with persistent back pain.
Best Health Physio is proud to offer GLA:D® Back to our community as part of our physiotherapy services. A physiotherapy assessment is required prior to participation to ensure the program is appropriate for you.
Use the contact form on this page to contact us about physiotherapy for your back or to find out whether the GLA:D® Back class is right for you.
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