Low Back Pain Geelong

Symptoms associated with lower back pain can vary greatly. They can be dependent on many factors, including the individual, the tissue structures involved, pain mechanisms, aggravating factors etc. 

SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:

• Back pain that is sharp, shooting, stabbing, dull or achey
• Pins & needles, tingling and numbness experienced in your legs
• Pain locations can include your low back, gluteals, hip, groin, or leg and foot

SYMPTOMS MAY BE AGGRAVATED BY:

• Functional tasks such as squatting, lifting, getting out of the car or a chair
• Prolonged sitting or standing, driving
• Sport and activity such as walking, running, kicking, change in direction, cricket bowling etc.

SHORT TERM

DIAGNOSE

Diagnosis is a vital part of managing any injury. Not only is it important to determine which structures are responsible for our symptoms, but why they have become symptomatic. Addressing the ‘why’ will ensure adequate recovery and prevention of future injury. Our Geelong Physiotherapists will work with you to ensure an accurate diagnosis of your injury. 

EDUCATION

It is important that you have an understanding of your diagnosis, and what strategies are important for acute management, and reduction of future injury risk

MOTOR CONTROL

As a contributor to low back pain is often deficits in strength, endurance, stability, patterns of muscle activation etc., these need to be accurately assessed and improved

MANUAL THERAPIES

Manual therapies include: Soft tissue techniques, dry needling, joint mobilisation / manipulation etc.; these may be used to assist with symptoms

MODIFICATION OF ACTIVITY

You will often be advised to modify provocative activities to allow tissue recovery

LONG TERM

STRENGTHENING

Strengthening is a vital part of management for low back pain; this often involves progressions into a gym environment to ensure we are appropriately challenging tissues to strengthen, and improving their tolerance to daily living

REFERRAL

As with any injury, sometimes referral to other professionals is required in the management of low back pain. This may include referral for imaging, referral to your GP, or referral pain specialists or orthopaedic surgeons