Physiotherapy for Back and Neck Pain

Back and neck pain are among the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy. Whether your pain started suddenly after lifting, developed gradually from posture and desk work, or has been ongoing for months or years, physiotherapy can help reduce pain, restore movement, and improve function.

At our clinic, we take a thorough, evidence-based approach to assessing and treating spinal pain so you can return to work, sport, exercise, and daily activities with confidence.

Common Causes of Back and Neck Pain

Back and neck pain can arise from many different structures including muscles, joints, discs, nerves, and ligaments. Common conditions we treat include:

Lower Back Pain

• Acute lower back pain and “back strains”

• Persistent or chronic lower back pain

• Disc injuries and disc bulges

• Sciatica and nerve irritation

• Facet joint irritation

• Sacroiliac joint pain

• Pregnancy-related back pain

• Postural and work-related back pain

Neck Pain

• Acute neck pain and stiffness

• Postural-related pain

• Cervicogenic headaches 

• Whiplash injuries

• Cervical joint dysfunction

• Disc-related neck pain

• Nerve irritation causing arm pain, pins and needles, or numbness

How Physiotherapists Assess Back and Neck Pain

Your physiotherapist will begin with a detailed assessment to understand:

• When and how your symptoms started

• What movements or activities aggravate your pain

• Your work, exercise, and lifestyle demands

• Previous injuries or episodes

• Any nerve symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or pins and needles

We then perform a physical examination which may include:

• Posture and movement assessment

• Spinal mobility testing

• Muscle strength and flexibility testing

• Joint assessment

• Neurological testing

• Functional movement assessment

Our goal is not just to identify where the pain is coming from, but also why it developed and what factors may be contributing to it.

How Physiotherapy Treats Back and Neck Pain

Treatment is tailored to your specific condition, goals, and lifestyle. Physiotherapy may include:

Hands-On Treatment

Manual therapy can help reduce pain and improve movement, including:

• Joint mobilisation

• Soft tissue massage

• Trigger point therapy

• Muscle release techniques

Exercise Rehabilitation

Specific exercises help:

• Improve mobility and flexibility

• Restore strength and stability

• Reduce recurrence of pain

• Improve posture and movement control

Exercise programs are individualised and progressed over time to help you return safely to normal activity.

Education and Advice

Understanding your condition is an important part of recovery. We provide guidance on:

• Posture and workstation setup

• Lifting and movement strategies

• Activity modification

• Sleep positioning

• Managing flare-ups

• Returning to sport and exercise

Dry Needling

Dry needling may be used to reduce muscle tension and relieve pain in tight or overactive muscles.

Our Approach

We understand that back and neck pain can affect every part of life- work, sleep, exercise, and day-to-day activities. Our focus is on helping you:

• Reduce pain

• Improve movement

• Build strength and confidence

• Prevent future episodes

• Return to the activities you enjoy

Whether your pain is recent or longstanding, physiotherapy can play an important role in your recovery.