Back Pain

Your physiotherapist will ask how your back pain started, what changes it and how it affects daily life. We assess movement, strength and relevant nerve symptoms, then explain the findings in plain language.

Back pain is often influenced by several factors, including changes in activity, sleep, stress and general health. Pain does not always mean damage. We help you understand what is safe to do and agree on practical goals, such as walking, lifting, sitting at work or returning to the gym.

If your symptoms need medical investigation, we will discuss referral to your GP or another appropriate clinician.

Your back pain physiotherapy plan may combine education, hands-on treatment for symptom relief and a gradual exercise programme. Exercise can include comfortable movement, strength work and building tolerance for everyday tasks. We adjust the starting point and progress it with you.

Our private treatment rooms and rehabilitation gym in Condon support both assessment and supervised exercise. When appropriate, hydrotherapy can provide another way to exercise. Home visits may suit people who find it difficult to attend the clinic.

We review how you respond and change the plan when needed. No single treatment suits every person, and recovery time varies.

We can assess recent, recurring or persistent back pain, including:

• Lower back pain and stiffness affecting sitting, bending or walking.
• Back pain after changes in lifting, training or work demands.
• Pain affecting running, sport or gym exercise.
• Back and leg pain, including symptoms sometimes described as sciatica.
• Ongoing pain that makes daily activities feel difficult or worrying.

Leg pain can have different causes. New or worsening weakness, numbness or other concerning symptoms need medical review. Your assessment helps determine whether physiotherapy is suitable and whether further investigation is needed.

If your goal is getting back to running, our running physiotherapy service can help plan a gradual return alongside your back rehabilitation.

We help you build confidence with the tasks you need to do, rather than avoiding movement indefinitely. This may involve changing an activity for a short time, practising comfortable lifting and gradually increasing walking, strength work or sport.

There is no single perfect posture for everyone. Changing position, taking movement breaks and building tolerance can be more useful than trying to hold one posture all day. We tailor advice to your symptoms and routine.

For work-related injuries, speak with our team about referral and insurer requirements before booking. Our Funding and Referrals page explains the available appointment pathways.

Do I need a referral?

You can book a private physiotherapy appointment without a GP referral. Funded appointments may have referral, eligibility or approval requirements. Please check these with our team before your visit.

Do I need a scan before my appointment?

Most people do not need an X-ray or MRI before physiotherapy. Your clinician will assess your symptoms and discuss medical review if there are reasons to investigate further.

Should I rest or keep moving?

For many people, gentle movement and a gradual return to normal activity are helpful. Start with manageable amounts and adjust if symptoms increase. Your physiotherapist can help choose an appropriate starting point.

How many appointments will I need?

This depends on your symptoms, health, goals and response to treatment. We discuss a plan after your assessment and review progress together. We cannot promise a fixed recovery time.

Seek urgent medical care for new bladder or bowel control changes, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or new or worsening leg weakness. Do not wait for a routine physiotherapy appointment.

Prompt medical review is also important if back pain follows a serious accident, occurs with fever or feeling unwell, or is associated with unexplained weight loss. Call 000 for an emergency.

For general information, read Healthdirect’s back pain guide. Individual advice depends on your circumstances and assessment.