Assessment focused on identifying the source of pain, not just the location
Experienced physiotherapists with 10–20+ years in clinical practice
Management of lower back pain, sciatica, disc injuries and recurring episodes
Clear explanation of what’s happening and what to do next
Progressive rehabilitation to restore movement and reduce recurrence
The most common presentation. Lower back pain can range from a dull ache to more severe restriction and typically involves the joints, discs, muscles or nerves in the lumbar spine. It often develops due to overload, reduced tolerance to activity, or changes in movement patterns over time.
Back pain presents differently from person to person, and people often arrive at our Wynnum clinic unsure whether what they're experiencing warrants a physio visit. These are some of the most common patterns we see:
If any of these sound familiar, the sections below explain what is likely happening and how we approach it.
Back pain rarely has a single cause and rarely responds to a single treatment. What works is a combination of approaches chosen for your specific presentation, not a standard protocol applied to everyone who walks in with back pain.
Manual therapy, including joint mobilisation, manipulation where appropriate, and soft tissue techniques, can help reduce pain and improve movement, particularly in the early stages. Used where it adds value rather than as a standalone treatment within physiotherapy.
The most important part of long-term recovery. Structured exercise improves strength, control, and the spine’s ability to tolerate load. Programs are tailored to your assessment findings and progressed over time through clinical rehabilitation.
Understanding what is aggravating your back — and how to modify it — is a key part of recovery. This includes adjusting work setup, activity levels, and movement habits as part of your physiotherapy treatment for back pain.
Used for patients with persistent back pain or reduced core control. Provides a structured, supervised way to rebuild strength, coordination, and confidence with movement through clinical Pilates.
May be used where muscle tension or trigger points are contributing to pain. Typically used as an adjunct alongside exercise and physiotherapy within acupuncture and dry needling.
Helpful where there is a significant muscular component. Often used alongside physiotherapy to reduce tension and support recovery through remedial massage.
For more complex or long-standing presentations, particularly where general conditioning or health factors are involved. Provides supervised, progressive exercise beyond the early rehab phase through exercise physiology.
Most back pain improves with the right management and does not require imaging or specialist care. Physiotherapy is the first-line approach for the majority of back pain presentations.
You should book an appointment if:
Seek urgent medical care if you experience:
If you’re unsure, it’s worth getting your back assessed early — it often leads to a faster and more straightforward recovery.
Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist for back pain?
No. You can book directly without a GP referral. If you have a Chronic Disease Management plan from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates on up to five sessions per year. Bring your referral and we will process it from there.
How many appointments will I need?
It depends on the nature and duration of your back pain. Acute injuries following a specific incident often resolve within four to eight sessions. Persistent or recurrent back pain typically needs a longer rehabilitation period, often eight to sixteen sessions, to address the underlying deficits and build lasting resilience. Your physiotherapist will give you a realistic estimate after your initial assessment.
Should I get an X-ray or MRI before my appointment?
In most cases, no. Research consistently shows that imaging findings including disc bulges and degenerative changes are extremely common in people with no back pain at all, and that early imaging doesn't improve outcomes for most presentations. Your physiotherapist will let you know if imaging is warranted and will write a referral if it is.
A 2015 systematic review published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology found that disc bulges are present in 30% of pain-free 20-year-olds and 84% of pain-free 80-year-olds. The scan finding and the pain are often unrelated.
Link: https://www.ajnr.org/content/36/4/811
Will physiotherapy for back pain be painful?
It shouldn't be significantly painful. Some techniques may cause temporary discomfort, but your physiotherapist will explain what to expect and work within your tolerance throughout. Some post-treatment soreness, similar to what you would feel after exercise, is common in the first day or two.
Can massage help my back pain?
Yes, where there is a significant muscular component. Remedial massage can reduce tension and support recovery alongside physiotherapy. Our massage therapists and physios work collaboratively, so your physio can advise whether massage makes sense for your specific situation or whether it is better used alongside a physiotherapy program.
I've had back pain for years. Is it too late to improve?
No, and this is worth saying clearly. Chronic back pain, even pain that has been present for years, can improve significantly with the right approach. Long-standing pain is often maintained by deconditioned muscles, movement avoidance, and beliefs about the spine being fragile or beyond fixing, all of which physiotherapy directly addresses. Our senior clinicians have extensive experience with complex, persistent presentations and take a thorough approach to identifying what is keeping the pain going.
Do you accept health fund rebates for physiotherapy?
Yes. We accept all major health funds. Your rebate depends on your level of cover and your fund can tell you your entitlement before you book. You can claim on the spot with your health fund card.