Back Pain
From sudden strains to nagging chronic aches, we find the source and build the path back to comfortable, confident movement.
Back pain is the single most common reason people seek physiotherapy — and one of the most treatable. At some point around 8 in 10 adults will experience it, whether as a sudden strain from lifting, a slow build-up from long hours at a desk, or a flare-up that seems to arrive out of nowhere.
The good news is that the vast majority of back pain is mechanical, not sinister. It comes from the muscles, joints, discs and ligaments of the spine being overloaded, deconditioned or irritated — and these structures respond extremely well to the right movement and hands-on treatment. Imaging like X-rays and MRIs often shows changes that are completely normal for your age and unrelated to your pain, which is why we treat the person in front of us, not the scan.
Our role is to settle your pain quickly, get you moving again safely, and then rebuild the strength and resilience that stops it returning. We also help you understand what's actually going on, because confidence and clear information are powerful parts of recovery.
Common causes
- Muscle or ligament strain from lifting, twisting or sudden movement
- Disc irritation or bulging placing pressure on nearby structures
- Prolonged sitting, poor posture and a deconditioned core
- Stiff or arthritic spinal joints reducing normal movement
- Stress, poor sleep and inactivity amplifying pain sensitivity
Signs & symptoms
- Aching, stiffness or tightness across the lower or upper back
- Sharp pain with bending, lifting, twisting or standing up
- Pain that radiates into the buttock, hip or leg
- Difficulty staying in one position — sitting or standing — for long
- Morning stiffness that eases as you start to move
How we treat back pain
A clear, step-by-step path from settling your symptoms to lasting recovery — tailored to you at every stage.
Thorough assessment
We examine how your spine moves, test the muscles and nerves, and talk through your history and goals to pinpoint what's driving your pain and rule out anything that needs onward referral.
Hands-on relief
Manual therapy, joint mobilisation and soft-tissue release calm the immediate pain and stiffness so you can move more freely from the very first sessions.
Active rehabilitation
A progressive, individualised exercise plan rebuilds core stability, strength and mobility — the foundations that protect your back under real-world load.
Prevention & self-management
We coach you on posture, lifting, workstation setup and a simple home routine so you stay strong and confident long after treatment ends.
What to expect
Most episodes of back pain improve significantly within a few weeks of starting the right treatment, and many people feel meaningful relief after only a handful of sessions. Recovery isn't always perfectly linear — a flare-up along the way is normal and not a sign of damage.
We'll set clear, realistic milestones together, from easing your pain to returning to work, sport or lifting your kids. Throughout, you stay active within comfortable limits, because rest beyond a day or two actually slows recovery.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about back pain and how we treat it.
Do I need a scan or X-ray first?
Usually not. Most back pain is diagnosed accurately from a hands-on assessment, and scans often show normal age-related changes that don't explain symptoms. We'll advise you if imaging is genuinely warranted.
Should I rest or keep moving?
Keep moving within comfortable limits. Gentle activity helps your back recover faster than bed rest, which can actually prolong pain and stiffness.
Will the pain come back?
With the right strengthening and self-management, the risk of recurrence drops dramatically. We focus as much on prevention as on relief.
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Your recovery starts with one appointment
Book online in under two minutes, or call us and we'll find a time that works. Most extended health plans accepted with direct billing.