Back pain: understand it, treat it, get moving again
In the vast majority of cases, back pain is not caused by serious damage and improves with movement, not rest. In physiotherapy we help you understand what is going on, reduce the pain and get back to your activities through therapeutic exercise, manual therapy and pain education.
What we treat
Whether the pain started yesterday or has been with you for years, the starting point is always a thorough assessment.
- Acute back pain The classic "locked back": sudden pain that stops you moving.
- Persistent or recurring back pain Pain that has lasted more than three months or keeps coming back.
- Sciatica or radiculopathy Pain running down the leg, sometimes with tingling.
- Disc herniation or bulge With or without leg pain, even when it has been seen on an MRI.
- After spinal surgery Rehabilitation after spinal canal decompression, laminectomy, spinal fusion or disc surgery. Before and after surgery.
- Back to work and sport Return with confidence to the activities that pain made you put aside.
How we work
- 01 Listening and assessment We listen to your story, rule out signs and symptoms that may need further investigation, and find out what makes the pain worse and what eases it.
- 02 Understanding pain We explain what is happening. Knowing that your back is strong reduces the fear of moving.
- 03 Exercise and manual therapy A tailored exercise programme, with manual therapy when it helps you move better.
- 04 Independence and prevention We give you the tools to manage any flare-ups, with Back School or personal training if you want to keep going.
Three myths to bust
Sources: NICE, guideline on low back pain and sciatica (NG59) · Brinjikji et al., American Journal of Neuroradiology, 2015 · Swain et al., Journal of Physiotherapy, 2020
When to see a doctor straight away
Back pain is rarely a sign of a serious problem. Contact your doctor or the emergency department straight away if you have:
- difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels
- loss of sensation in the genital area or between the buttocks
- leg weakness that is getting worse
- pain after a fall or a major injury
- fever or weight loss for no reason
- a history of cancer and new back pain
Frequently asked questions about back pain
Content by Luca Barbisan, OMT physiotherapist · Updated October 2026
Do I need an MRI before coming?
In most cases, no. Scans are useful when there are warning signs or when the result would change the treatment. If any doubts come up during the assessment, we refer you to your doctor.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the type of pain and how long you have had it. After the first assessment we give you an estimate and set goals together; many people notice an improvement within the first few weeks.
Is physiotherapy for back pain covered by insurance?
Yes. With a medical prescription it is covered by basic health insurance, minus the deductible (franchise) and co-payment.
Can I keep working and doing sport?
Often yes, by adjusting the load. Staying active is part of the treatment: during the assessment we tell you what to keep doing and how to dose it.
How do I stop back pain coming back?
Regular exercise is the most effective strategy. Once your treatment ends, you can continue with Back School or personal training at our practice.
You might also be interested in
Is back pain holding you back? Let's talk.
Write to us on WhatsApp: we will get back to you to find a day and time together.
All we need to book is your name and availability: we go through the details of your health together at the practice.