Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional for advice specific to your condition. If you are experiencing severe pain, numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, call 000 immediately. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability in Australia and the most common reason people visit a physiotherapist. The good news: the vast majority of back pain responds well to evidence-based physiotherapy — without medication, injections, or surgery.
What Causes Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain has many causes, and correctly identifying yours is the most important first step. Common presentations we see at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora include:
- Muscle and ligament strains — from sudden movements, lifting, or sustained postures. Usually acute, resolves with appropriate treatment in days to weeks.
- Disc injuries — including disc bulges, herniations, and degenerative disc disease. Pain may radiate into the buttocks or leg (sciatica) if a nerve is involved.
- Facet joint pain — from the small joints at the back of each vertebra. Often causes localised stiffness and pain that's worse in the morning or after prolonged sitting.
- Sciatica — irritation of the sciatic nerve, causing pain, tingling, or numbness down the back of the leg. Usually treatable with physiotherapy.
- Chronic lower back pain — pain lasting more than 3 months, often involving a combination of tissue sensitivity, movement patterns, and psychosocial factors. Very responsive to a structured physio program.
What Does a Physiotherapist Do for Back Pain?
A physiotherapy assessment for lower back pain goes well beyond "telling you to stretch." At Better Physiotherapy Bundoora, our physiotherapists perform a thorough assessment that includes:
- Full history — when it started, what makes it better or worse, how it affects your daily life
- Physical examination — movement testing, neurological screening, palpation of affected structures
- Diagnosis — identifying the structure(s) involved and contributing factors
- Evidence-based treatment — starting in the same session
Treatment for back pain typically involves a combination of:
- Manual therapy — joint mobilisation and manipulation, soft tissue techniques, trigger point release
- Therapeutic exercise — core stability, strength training, flexibility, and movement retraining
- Dry needling — for muscle trigger points and pain modulation
- Education — understanding your pain, activity modification, ergonomics, and long-term self-management
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This depends on the nature and duration of your back pain:
- Acute back pain (new onset, no nerve symptoms): typically 3–6 sessions over 3–4 weeks
- Subacute with nerve symptoms (sciatica, disc): typically 6–10 sessions over 6–8 weeks
- Chronic back pain (3+ months): typically 8–12 sessions plus a structured home program
- Post-surgical spinal rehab: 12–20+ sessions depending on procedure and goals
Most patients notice meaningful improvement within the first 2–3 sessions. If you're not progressing as expected, your physiotherapist will reassess the treatment plan or refer for imaging/specialist review.
Do I Need a Scan Before Seeing a Physio?
No. In the vast majority of back pain cases, physiotherapy can and should begin before any imaging. Scans are most useful when there are neurological signs (significant leg weakness, loss of bladder/bowel control), suspicion of serious pathology (fracture, cancer, infection), or when conservative treatment has failed after an appropriate trial.
It's also important to know that imaging findings like disc bulges and degenerative changes are extremely common in people with no pain at all. The presence of a disc bulge on an MRI does not necessarily mean it's the cause of your pain — and treating a scan rather than a person can lead to unnecessary anxiety and over-treatment.
Red Flags — When to See a Doctor
Seek urgent medical attention if you have back pain with any of the following:
- • Loss of bladder or bowel control
- • Numbness or tingling in the groin or inner thigh (saddle anaesthesia)
- • Sudden weakness in both legs
- • Back pain after a significant fall or accident
- • Unexplained weight loss alongside back pain
- • Back pain that is constant, severe, and not relieved by any position
Back Pain Physiotherapy at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora
Our physiotherapists have extensive experience managing the full spectrum of lower back conditions — from acute muscle strains to complex post-surgical spinal rehabilitation. Principal physiotherapist Ashley Haleel has specific expertise in spinal physiotherapy and takes a thorough, evidence-based approach that addresses both the immediate pain and the underlying drivers of your condition.
We offer same-day appointments, bulk-billed Medicare EPC sessions (no gap fee with a GP referral), and treatment that focuses on getting you better — not keeping you coming back indefinitely. Call us on (03) 9467 6900 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can physiotherapy cure lower back pain?
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for lower back pain. For acute pain, most patients recover fully with 3–6 sessions. For chronic pain, physiotherapy helps reduce pain, improve function, and build the skills to self-manage flare-ups — often achieving outcomes far better than ongoing medication.
Should I rest or keep moving with lower back pain?
In most cases, gentle movement produces better outcomes than rest. Prolonged bed rest can actually slow recovery by weakening the muscles that support your spine. Your physiotherapist will advise on which movements are safe and help you gradually return to your normal activities.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI for back pain?
Rarely. Most back pain does not require imaging to be effectively treated. Studies show that MRI findings (like disc bulges) are often present in people with no pain at all. If imaging would change your management, your physiotherapist will refer you accordingly.
How many physiotherapy sessions will I need for back pain?
Acute back pain typically improves in 3–6 sessions. Chronic or complex cases may need 8–12. Post-surgical spinal rehabilitation is usually longer. Your physiotherapist will give you a personalised estimate at your first appointment.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora