Back Pain Physiotherapy
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy and one of the most misunderstood. It ranges from a sharp strain after lifting something awkward to a persistent ache that builds over months of sitting at a desk. Some back pain resolves quickly. Some keeps coming back. Understanding what is driving yours is the starting point for getting on top of it.
At Onward Physiotherapy in Lidcombe, back pain is one of the most frequently treated presentations. Whether your pain is recent or longstanding, our physiotherapists take the time to assess what is actually happening rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Types of Back Pain We Treat
Acute lower back pain
Sudden onset back pain from lifting, twisting, or an awkward movement. Often sharp and limiting. Most people recover
well with the right guidance in the early stages.
Chronic and recurring back pain
Pain that has been present for more than three months, or pain that keeps returning after periods of improvement.
Often driven by a combination of movement patterns, muscle weakness, and load management.
Sciatica and radicular pain
Pain, tingling, or numbness that travels from the lower back into the buttock, leg, or foot. Often caused by
irritation of the sciatic nerve from a lumbar disc or tight surrounding muscles.
Lumbar disc injury
Including disc bulges, disc herniations, and disc-related nerve irritation. These can cause local back pain as well as
referred leg symptoms depending on the nerve involved.
Postural and work-related back pain
Back pain that builds up from prolonged sitting, desk work, repetitive tasks, or physically demanding jobs. Common in
office workers, tradespeople, and those returning to exercise after a period of inactivity.
SIJ and pelvic pain
Pain around the sacroiliac joint at the base of the spine. Often felt as a deep ache in the lower back or buttock
region, sometimes mistaken for hip pain.
Common Symptoms of Back Pain
Back pain presents differently depending on the cause and the individual. Common symptoms include:
– Lower back pain with bending, lifting, or twisting
– Stiffness first thing in the morning
– Muscle tightness across the lower back or into the glutes
– Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing
– Sharp pain with certain movements
– Aching that builds throughout the day
– Leg pain, tingling, or numbness (with nerve involvement)
– Difficulty finding a comfortable position to sleep
How Physiotherapy Can Help Back Pain
Physiotherapy for back pain goes beyond short-term pain relief. The goal is to understand what is driving your
symptoms, reduce pain, restore movement, and build the strength and habits that reduce the likelihood of it coming
back.
At Onward Physiotherapy, treatment is tailored to your presentation and goals. Depending on what is found at your
assessment, treatment may include:
– Manual therapy to improve joint movement and reduce muscle tension
– Targeted strengthening exercises for the lower back, deep core, and glutes
– Movement retraining to address patterns that are loading the spine unevenly
– Postural education and desk or workstation advice
– Dry needling for muscle tightness and pain management where clinically appropriate
– Load management strategies for those returning to sport, running, or physical work
– Progressive rehabilitation for disc injuries and nerve-related presentations
Sessions run for 40 to 45 minutes, giving our physiotherapists enough time to both treat and progress your rehabilitation within
each appointment.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment is 45 minutes. Our physiotherapists will begin by asking about your pain history, what brings it on, what
eases it, and how it is affecting your daily life and activities.
A physical assessment follows. This looks at how your spine moves, where your symptoms are coming from, which muscles
are underactive or overloaded, and whether there is any nerve involvement. From there, a treatment plan is discussed
with you including a realistic timeframe and what you can do between sessions to keep progressing.
You do not need a referral to book.
Pricing
– Initial consultation: $130 for 45 minutes
– Follow up: $120 for 40 minutes
– Extended consultation: $200 for 90 minutes (for complex or longstanding presentations)
– Medicare: $61.80 rebate processed on the spot with a Chronic Condition Management Plan from your GP
– WorkCover and CTP: billed direct to your insurer with no out-of-pocket cost
FAQ — Back Pain Physiotherapy
How do I know if my back pain needs physiotherapy?
If your back pain is affecting your daily activities, has been present for more than a few days without improvement,
keeps coming back, or is accompanied by leg pain or tingling, physiotherapy is a good next step. You do not need to
wait until the pain is severe.
Do I need a scan before seeing a physiotherapist for back pain?
No. Most back pain is assessed and treated effectively without imaging. Joshua will let you know at your appointment
if a scan would be useful for your presentation.
How many sessions will I need for back pain?
This depends on the type and duration of your pain. Acute back pain often responds within a few sessions.
Longer-standing or recurring pain typically requires a more structured program over several weeks. Joshua will give
you a realistic plan at your first appointment.
Can physiotherapy help with sciatica?
Yes. Physiotherapy is a first-line treatment for sciatica. Treatment addresses the source of nerve irritation as well
as the surrounding muscle tightness and movement patterns that contribute to ongoing symptoms.
Is it safe to exercise with back pain?
In most cases, yes. Staying active with appropriate modifications is generally better than rest alone. Part of
physiotherapy is guiding you on what is safe to do, what to avoid temporarily, and how to build back up to the
activities you want to return to.
Do you treat back pain from desk work?
Yes. Postural and work-related back pain is one of the most common presentations at the clinic. Treatment includes
hands-on work as well as practical advice on workstation setup, movement habits, and strengthening exercises suited to
your daily routine.
Do you treat back pain in workers with physical jobs?
Yes. Tradespeople, warehouse workers, and those in physically demanding roles are seen regularly at the clinic.
WorkCover and Linfox claims are accepted and billed direct to your insurer.
Where is the clinic located?
Onward Physiotherapy is at 9 East Street, Lidcombe NSW 2141, inside Studio D at IMI Entertainment. The clinic is close
to Lidcombe Station on the T1 and T2 lines and serves patients from across Western and Inner West Sydney including
Strathfield, Auburn, Burwood, Parramatta, Rhodes, Homebush, and Sydney Olympic Park.