Low back pain is one of the world’s most common injuries and the rates of low back pain in Australia are at an all-time high. At Central Performance our team can relieve your pain, restore your strength and reduce your risk of future problems by using the latest and most effective evidence-based treatments available.
Our physiotherapists use an active, exercise-based treatment approach to keep you active while relieving your pain. We see clients with lower back pain from a wide variety of causes including:
Your physiotherapy program starts with an in-depth initial assessment to examine the causes for your low back pain and correctly diagnose the problem. This includes taking a full subjective history, finding your provocative movements and performing a detailed physical examination. Diagnosing low back pain can be complex because there may be a wide range of contributing factors including mechanical (stiffness, tightness and/or weakness), biological, social and psychological influences. Your physiotherapist will thoroughly explore all of the relevant factors to ensure we make an accurate diagnosis.
Your physiotherapist will also screen the rest of your body to check for any other contributing factors to your low back pain. This is especially important when looking at recurrent or chronic low back pain, for example a restriction in your hip mobility may cause changes in your pelvis biomechanics which can contribute to recurrent low back pain. A thorough functional movement screen will highlight any relevant factors that may be impacting your symptoms.
During your first session your physiotherapist will take time to clearly explain your diagnosis to you. They will highlight relevant anatomy and factors that have caused your pain, plus guide you through your treatment plan and steps to recovery. Your individual goals are very important when planning your treatment, so your physio will discuss your goals with you and clarify how your treatment plan will help you achieve them.
Your physiotherapist will take the time to really understand your goals and expectations for treatment, and work with you to develop your personalised treatment plan. Although each client’s situation and plan are unique, you will usually progress through four main stages;
Your treatment will start with hands-on manual therapy and targeted exercises to relieve your pain and restore movement. As you improve your treatment and exercises will be continuously reviewed and progressed to ensure your recovery is as fast as possible. Your physiotherapist will guide you through specific strengthening and mobility exercises then move you on to more global, functional, whole-body exercises to correct any further biomechanical factors to your low back pain.
Strength exercises and restoring optimal movement co-ordination become a real focus as your recovery continues. Many clients find that progressing on to see one of our exercise physiologists for a personalised strength and conditioning program is a very effective way to fully recover from back pain, and minimise your risk of future problems.
The important last stage of your treatment program involves you transitioning back to your full range of activities, including sport and exercise as well as overall lifestyle activities. Every activity is different and therefore puts different demands on your back and spine, so this stage is highly individualised to target your personal goals and activities of choice. We focus on maximising your resilience and performance through functional strength and conditioning. The goal of this stage is to build your body up to a greater capacity than it was before your injury, thereby maximising your performance ability and reducing your likelihood of future problems. Your physiotherapist may recommend that you complete an exercise physiology or personal training program to complete this stage.