Can Physiotherapy Help My Back Pain?

Physiotherapy treatment and management can help to reduce pain and improve function in people with back pain. Physiotherapy is a type of rehabilitation that focuses on improving movement and function, and it can be an effective treatment option for people with back pain.

Physiotherapy can help to reduce pain and improve function in people with back pain through a variety of techniques, including:

• Exercise: Physiotherapists can provide specific exercises and stretches to help people with back pain improve flexibility, strength, and endurance in the muscles that support the back. These exercises can help to reduce pain and improve function in the back.

• Manual therapy: Physiotherapists can also use manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation, to help reduce pain and improve mobility in the back. These techniques can help to alleviate pain and discomfort and enhance overall function in the back.

• Education and support: In addition to exercise and manual therapy, physiotherapists can provide education and support to people with back pain. They can provide information about the causes and treatment of back pain, and they can offer advice on things like appropriate exercise, diet, and lifestyle choices to help manage back pain and prevent future episodes.

Overall, physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for people with back pain. By working with a physiotherapist, people with back pain can reduce pain, improve function, and enhance their overall quality of life.

Does The Research Support Physiotherapy For Back Pain?

Research supports the use of exercise for the treatment of back pain. In people with back pain, exercise can help to reduce pain, improve function, and enhance overall quality of life.

Several studies have demonstrated exercise's effectiveness in treating back pain. 

For example, a systematic review published in Spine Journal found that exercise is an effective treatment for chronic low back pain. The review looked at several different types of exercise, including aerobic exercise, strength training, and flexibility training, and found that all of these exercises effectively reduced pain and improved function in people with chronic low back pain.

Another study published in the journal Physical Therapy found that a combination of aerobic exercise and strength training effectively reduced pain and improved function in people with chronic low back pain. In addition, the study compared a group of people who received aerobic exercise and strength training with those who received education only and found that the group who received exercise had significantly better outcomes in terms of pain and function.

Overall, research supports the use of exercise for the treatment of back pain. Exercise can help reduce pain, improve function, and enhance overall quality of life in people with back pain. It is important for people with back pain to work with a healthcare provider or physiotherapist to develop an appropriate exercise program that meets their individual needs and goals.

What Are Four Of The Best General Exercises For Back Pain?

Several exercises can help to reduce pain and improve function in people with back pain. The specific exercises that are best for an individual will depend on their individual condition and needs, and people need to work with a healthcare provider or physiotherapist to develop an appropriate exercise program.

Here are four exercises that may be beneficial for people with back pain; before commencing them, it's important to note that they should be pain free at all times:

1. Pelvic tilt: This exercise is designed to help improve the stability and alignment of the pelvis, which can help to reduce pain and improve function in the back. To perform the pelvic tilt, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles and flatten your lower back against the floor, holding the position for a few seconds. Repeat the exercise 10-15 times.

2. Knee to chest stretch: This exercise is designed to help stretch the muscles in the lower back, which can help to reduce pain and improve function. To perform the knee to chest stretch, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lift one knee to your chest, using your hands to hold your knee in place. Hold the stretch for a few seconds, and then release. Repeat the exercise with the other leg.

3. Cat-cow stretch: This exercise is designed to help improve flexibility and range of motion in the spine, which can help to reduce pain and improve function in the back. To perform the cat-cow stretch, start on your hands and knees with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, allowing your belly to drop toward the floor. Exhale and round your back, bringing your chin to your chest. Repeat the exercise 10-15 times.

4. Superman: This exercise is designed to help strengthen the muscles in the back, which can help to support the spine and reduce pain. To perform the superman exercise, lie on your stomach with your arms extended.

Remember, not all exercises are suited to everyone with “back pain”, as there are a lot of different structures that can be injured when someone hurts their back, and this is why a specific program to your back injury is often required.

How Aevum Physiotherapy Can Assist

If you’d like to find out more about how physiotherapy can assist your back pain, contact the team at Aevum Physiotherapy for assistance in your local area, including physio Kirrawee, physiotherapy Sutherland Shire, Illawong physio, Engadine physiotherapy, Cronulla physiotherapy and Aevum physio Helensburgh.