Physiotherapy for Back Pain in London
Back Pain
Are you experiencing ongoing back pain that takes away from your ability to fully enjoy your life? Physit’s in-home physiotherapy helps ease discomfort, improve ease of movement and posture, and gets you back on the road to a pain-free life.
What Is Back Pain?
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people experience discomfort, and it can affect any part of the back, from the neck and shoulders down to the lower back. For some, it feels like a dull ache or tightness that comes and goes. For others, it may be a sharper pain, stiffness, or tension that makes certain movements feel a lot harder than they should be.
This kind of pain can range from mild and occasional to more persistent or severe, sometimes making it difficult to bend, twist, lift, or even sit or stand comfortably for long periods of time.
The good news is that while back pain is common, you don’t have to put up with it. With the right care and proper support, including physiotherapy, it’s possible to ease your discomfort, build strength, and move with more confidence and freedom in your day-to-day life.
Common Symptoms of Back Pain
Back pain can feel different from person to person. Some feel it as a dull, nagging ache, and other times it’s a sharper, more intense discomfort. Here are some of the most common symptoms people experience:
- Aching, sharp, or shooting pain anywhere in the back, from the neck to the lower spine
- Stiffness or difficulty standing up straight or moving comfortably after sitting or lying down
- Pain that worsens with certain movements like bending, lifting, or twisting, or after staying in one position for too long
- Muscle spasms or tightness in the back, often making movement feel tense or restricted
- Discomfort that spreads to the hips, legs, or buttocks, sometimes known as sciatica. This is caused by irritation of the nerve that runs from the lower back down the leg
These symptoms can make everyday tasks like walking, lifting groceries, gardening, or even getting a good night’s sleep feel a whole lot harder than they should be. But with the right approach, including physiotherapy, it’s possible to ease these challenges and feel more comfortable in your body again.
What Can Increase Your Risk of Back Pain?
Back pain can affect anyone, but certain habits, movements, or even health factors may increase your chances of it showing up or sticking around longer than it should. These are some of the most common risk factors for back pain.
- Poor posture when sitting, standing, or lifting: Slouching or awkward positioning puts extra strain on your back muscles and your spine.
- Weak core or back muscles: The muscles around your spine help keep it supported, and, if they’re not strong enough, your back may have to work harder than it should.
- Previous back injuries or strains: Even older injuries that seem fully healed can sometimes leave certain areas more prone to discomfort or tension.
- Repetitive bending, lifting, or twisting movements: Jobs, hobbies, or daily activities that involve repeated motions can place ongoing stress on your back.
- Long periods of sitting or inactivity: Staying in one position for too long can lead to stiffness, tight muscles, and joint discomfort.
- Carrying extra body weight: Additional weight puts more pressure on the spine and surrounding muscles, which may lead to soreness or strain as time goes on.
- Pregnancy: 70% of women experience back pain during pregnancy, primarily due to a mix of these factors. Not only are they carrying more weight, but their centre of gravity is changing. This can put a lot of strain on the back muscles, especially the lower back.
- Stress and muscle tension: Feeling stressed can cause the muscles in your back to tighten without you even realising it, which may lead to ongoing pain or discomfort.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain can happen for many reasons. Often due to a combination of factors rather than just one single cause. Understanding what’s behind your discomfort is an important first step toward feeling better.
- Muscle strain or soft tissue injury: Overstretching, lifting awkwardly, or overusing the muscles in your back can lead to small tears or irritation, causing soreness, tightness, or muscle spasms.
- Disc problems: The discs in your spine work like little cushions between the bones. Sometimes these discs can bulge or slip out of place (a herniated disc), pressing on nearby nerves and leading to pain, tingling, or numbness.
- Postural strain: Poor alignment during daily activities (like sitting, standing, or lifting) can put extra pressure on the muscles and joints in your back, leading to ongoing discomfort.
- Arthritis in the spine: Just like other joints in the body, the small joints in the spine can experience wear and tear that leads to arthritis over time. This can cause stiffness, swelling, and reduced flexibility in the back.
- Stress-related muscle tension: Stress and worry can cause the muscles in your back, neck, and shoulders to tighten, sometimes without you even realising it. Over time, this tension can lead to soreness and discomfort.
- Injuries and accidents: Falls, slips, or sudden impacts (even if they seemed minor at the time) can cause strains, sprains, or other injuries to the muscles, ligaments, or discs in the back. Sometimes these injuries lead to ongoing pain if they aren’t properly treated.
How Physit Treats Back Pain
Physit brings expert physiotherapy care straight to your home, giving you hands-on, personalised treatment designed to ease pain, improve your strength, and boost your long-term back health.
Our approach involves taking the time to truly understand what’s causing your discomfort, how it’s affecting your daily life, and what goals are most important to you.
Whether your pain is the result of a recent injury, postural strain, or long-standing muscle tension, we work with you to create a plan that fits your body and your lifestyle. Here’s a look at what we may include in your treatment plan.
- Gentle, hands-on techniques: Massage, joint mobilisation, and soft tissue release to help reduce stiffness, ease muscle tension, and improve how well your back moves.
- Targeted exercise therapy: Strength-building exercises that focus on your core and back muscles, along with flexibility work, to help with balance, posture, and steady movement.
- Practical education and advice: Guidance on safe ways to move, lift, and carry out everyday activities, with tips on posture and pacing that will help prevent future flare-ups.
- Personalised care plans with ongoing support: We stay with you every step of the way, tracking your progress, adjusting your exercises as needed, and ensuring your plan continues to meet your needs.
We believe that the best results come from care that’s consistent, supportive, and made just for you. Our goal is to help you move more comfortably, feel stronger, and stay independent and active.
Conditions We Treat
Our London home and work visit physiotherapists are highly experienced in assessing and treating a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
0204 570 2391- Post-surgical rehabilitation (knee, hip, shoulder, and spinal surgeries, as well as general surgical recovery)
- Age-related mobility issues, including falls prevention and balance training
- Chronic pain management (back pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness)
- Neurological conditions impacting mobility and coordination
- Post-hospital deconditioning and general rehabilitation to restore strength, balance, and independence
- All musculoskeletal realted injuries or pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Physio for Back Pain
1. What does a physiotherapist do for back pain?
A physiotherapist helps ease back pain by using hands-on techniques and specialised exercises to reduce discomfort, improve your range of movement, and strengthen the muscles that support your spine. At Physit, your treatment is personalised and given right in the comfort of your own home.
2. What is the fastest way to heal a lower back strain?
Gentle movement, guided exercises, and hands-on care are often the quickest and safest ways to boost healing. You should know that there is no “shortcut” to feeling better. We help you find the right balance between activity and rest to ease the strain and encourage ongoing, steady recovery and relief that will last.
3. Can back pain be prevented with exercise?
Yes. The right exercises can strengthen your back and core, improve your level of flexibility, and reduce the risk of future pain. A physiotherapist can guide you through safe movements that are designed to help your back health, especially if you’re a regular gym-goer who still experiences back pain.
4. Do I need a referral to get started with Physit for back pain?
No referral is needed! You can book directly with Physit, and we’ll visit you at home for your assessment and create a plan that works for you.
Take Control of Your Back Pain Without Leaving Home
Back pain shouldn’t stand between you and the life you enjoy. With Physit’s expert physiotherapy, care comes right to your home, helping ease the pain, rebuild strength, and give you lasting, confident movement.
