Back pain comes in different forms, and each type requires a specific approach to physiotherapy for effective treatment. The two main categories – acute and chronic back pain – present distinct challenges in patient care. Acute back pain typically develops suddenly and lasts up to six weeks. On the other hand, chronic back pain persists beyond three months. Both types can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.
At Perth Physiotherapy and Pilates, we embrace a holistic treatment philosophy that addresses various aspects of back health. Our approach includes managing physical symptoms through targeted exercises, identifying underlying causes through comprehensive assessment, and examining lifestyle factors affecting back health. We also focus on implementing prevention strategies to minimise the risk of future episodes.
This guide will explore the most common types of back pain that benefit from physiotherapy treatment, helping you understand when professional intervention might be necessary for your condition.
1. Axial Back Pain
Axial back pain presents as localised discomfort concentrated in the spine, ranging from the neck to the lower back region. This common type of back pain affects specific areas without radiating to other body parts.
It typically manifests as a dull, aching sensation in the back that intensifies with specific movements, accompanied by muscle stiffness and reduced flexibility. The discomfort tends to vary throughout the day, affecting patients differently at various times. Several factors can trigger this condition, including poor posture during work or daily activities, excess body weight placing strain on the spine, prolonged sitting or standing, pregnancy-related physical changes, muscle deconditioning, and stress-induced muscle tension.
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing axial back pain through targeted interventions. A qualified physiotherapist at Perth Physiotherapy and Pilates creates personalised treatment plans incorporating evidence-based treatment methods. These methods include gentle stretching exercises targeting tight muscles, core strengthening routines, postural correction techniques, manual therapy for muscle tension relief, ergonomic advice for workplace setup, and movement pattern retraining.
These therapeutic approaches work together to address the root cause of axial back pain, restore proper muscle function, and prevent future episodes. Regular physiotherapy sessions help patients develop better body awareness and movement habits for long-term pain management.
2. Sciatica
Sciatica creates a distinct pattern of pain that radiates from your lower back through your buttocks and down the back of your leg. This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve – the longest nerve in your body – experiences compression or irritation.
Sciatica manifests through several distinctive symptoms, including a sharp, burning sensation along the nerve pathway, numbness or tingling in legs and feet, muscle weakness in the affected leg, pain that intensifies during sitting, and difficulties with walking or standing. The condition can arise from various causes, such as herniated or slipped discs, bone spurs on the spine, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome (where the sciatic nerve experiences compression from the piriformis muscle), and pregnancy-related pressure.
Our approach to managing sciatic pain involves creating personalised treatment plans with targeted interventions. Our comprehensive treatment strategy includes specific stretches for the piriformis muscle and hamstrings, neural mobilisation exercises to reduce nerve irritation, core strengthening activities to support proper spine alignment, manual therapy techniques to relieve pressure points, and postural education to prevent future episodes.
These evidence-based treatments work together to reduce inflammation around the sciatic nerve, restore normal movement patterns, and strengthen supporting muscles. Many patients experience significant relief within several sessions when following their prescribed exercise programme consistently.
3. Post-Surgical Pain
Post-surgical pain presents unique challenges for spine surgery patients during their recovery journey. This specific type of back pain requires careful management through structured physiotherapy protocols, such as our clinical rehabilitation services, to ensure optimal healing and prevent complications.
Common post-surgical pain characteristics include localised discomfort around the surgical site, muscle stiffness and reduced mobility, potential nerve-related symptoms, and variable pain intensity during different activities.
A structured rehabilitation programme becomes essential immediately after surgery. The initial phase focuses on gentle movements and basic mobility, progressing towards more advanced exercises as healing occurs.
Key components of post-surgical physiotherapy encompass pain management techniques, guided movement patterns, progressive strength training, posture re-education, and activity modification strategies.
Our physiotherapists create individualised treatment plans that adapt to each patient’s surgical procedure and recovery timeline. These programmes incorporate early mobilisation with safe movement strategies to prevent stiffness, targeted exercises with specific movements to rebuild strength and flexibility, manual therapy using gentle techniques to manage scar tissue and restore mobility, and education about proper body mechanics and movement patterns for daily activities.
Successful post-surgical rehabilitation requires consistent monitoring and adjustment of treatment approaches. Our team works closely with surgeons to ensure treatment aligns with surgical protocols and healing timeframes.
4. Chronic Low Back Pain
Chronic low back pain persists for 12 weeks or longer, creating significant challenges in daily activities. This persistent discomfort can affect sleep patterns, work performance, and social interactions, leading to a decreased quality of life.
This type of back pain is characterised by a deep, constant ache in the lower back region, pain that worsens with specific movements, morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes, reduced range of motion, and associated muscle weakness. Unlike acute pain that resolves within weeks, chronic low back pain requires a structured, long-term management approach. The pain patterns might fluctuate but rarely disappear completely without professional intervention.
A comprehensive physiotherapy programme addresses chronic low back pain through various solutions.
- Targeted Exercise Therapy – includes core strengthening routines, flexibility training, posture correction exercises, and low-impact aerobic activities.
- Manual Therapy Techniques – comprise soft tissue mobilisation, joint manipulation, and myofascial release.
Our physiotherapists develop personalised treatment plans incorporating both active and passive techniques. We focus on building core stability, improving posture, and enhancing muscle flexibility to manage pain effectively. Regular assessment and programme adjustments ensure optimal progress in pain management and functional improvement.
Incorporating circuit training into your routine can be particularly beneficial for those over 50, as it helps build strength, improve flexibility and boost heart health.
5. Muscle Strains or Sprains in the Back Area
Muscle strains and sprains are common back injuries that can happen during everyday activities. These injuries usually occur due to improper lifting techniques, sudden twisting movements, excessive physical effort, poor posture during repetitive tasks and sports-related incidents.
A muscle strain happens when muscle fibres stretch or tear, while a sprain involves damage to ligaments connecting bones. Both conditions can cause immediate, sharp pain along with muscle spasms, limited movement ability, localised swelling, tenderness when touched and difficulty doing daily tasks.
Physiotherapy Treatment Approach
Professional physiotherapy treatment for back strains and sprains includes initial assessment to identify the exact location and severity of the injury, manual therapy involving hands-on techniques to reduce pain and promote healing, targeted exercises with specific movements to strengthen affected muscles, and postural education to learn correct body mechanics for injury prevention.
Our physiotherapists create personalised rehabilitation programs incorporating gentle stretching exercises, progressive strengthening techniques, and practical guidance for daily activities. This approach helps restore muscle function while preventing future injuries through improved body awareness and movement patterns.
Recovery primarily relies on heat therapy, gentle massage, and controlled exercises. Treatment plans are modified based on individual progress and response to therapy.
The Benefits Of Physiotherapy For Effective Management Of Back Pain Issues
Physiotherapy is a powerful solution for addressing various back pain conditions through evidence-based treatments and personalised care approaches. At Perth Physiotherapy and Pilates, our comprehensive treatment methods target the root causes of back pain, delivering lasting relief and improved mobility.
1. Targeted Pain Management
Physiotherapists provide specific exercises tailored to individual back conditions, alongside manual therapy techniques that offer immediate relief. They also implement progressive strengthening programmes to support long-term recovery and rehabilitation.
2. Holistic Health Integration
Physiotherapists provide comprehensive guidance on posture correction strategies and lifestyle modification guidance, along with detailed work ergonomics assessment to help patients maintain proper alignment and reduce strain during daily activities.
3. Personalised Treatment Plans
Our approach combines thorough assessment, custom exercises, and regular monitoring to ensure optimal outcomes. We provide education on body mechanics, self-management, prevention, and home exercises.
We focus on active participation and empower patients with practical tools for back health. Our treatments adapt as your healing progresses.
Our Longevity Lifters program caters to over-50s, whilst we offer specialised care for sacroiliac joint pain. Our team uses effective physiotherapy techniques for sacroiliitis pain management.
Take Control of Your Back Health Today
Back pain doesn’t have to control your life. Each type of back problem – from axial pain to sciatica – has specific treatment pathways that can lead to relief and recovery. At Perth Physiotherapy and Pilates, our qualified practitioners create personalised treatment plans that address your unique back care needs.
Our experienced team is ready to help you understand and treat your back pain through proven physiotherapy methods. We offer a variety of services including Gym Rehab, which is designed to support your recovery journey and strengthen your body, and Reformer Pilates that can improve strength, flexibility, and posture.
Don’t let back problems limit your daily activities or affect your quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with sports injuries, motor vehicle injuries, or navigating through workers’ compensation claims, we have the expertise to assist you.
Call us or book your consultation today and take the first step towards a stronger, healthier back.
