Spinal Physiotherapy

Spinal Physiotherapy

Do you have neck pain, mid back or lower back pain?  Spinal physiotherapy is quite a broad term describing this sub-specialty of musculoskeletal physiotherapy. A staggering 80% of all adults will suffer from spinal pain at some point in their lives. We understand how frustrating and debilitating neck and back pain can be as it interferes with all aspects of daily life.

After a thorough and detailed assessment our experienced physiotherapists use manual therapy, specific or general exercise and pain relieving interventions to help relieve your pain

Our treatments are clinically justified and evidence-based to achieve solutions  for your spinal problems. Aiming to reduce pain, increase movement and strengthen locally and globally to make a sustainable difference.

What we do:

• Taking a detailed history – history of the presenting problem as well as any relevant medical history
• Postural assessment 
• Joint/muscular flexibility
• Strength and stability assessment
• Palpation of joints/soft tissues 
• Neurological and nervous system assessment

Treatment 

Depending on the findings from your assessment, a variety of techniques may be used including:

• Manual therapy such as soft tissue massage, stretches, trigger point releases, joint mobilisations and manipulations
• Movement correction
• Prescription of exercises specifically for your condition
• Advice and education to reduce symptoms and prevent future recurrences.

Some conditions we see

• Management of acute neck and back pain- wry neck, back spasms etc
• Management chronic longer term neck and back pain
• Nerve-related arm and leg pain
• Whiplash and neck-related headache and dizziness
• Specific spinal conditions (disc herniation, canal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis (pars defects), radicular pain)
• Differentiation and management of hip, sacroiliac joint, low back pain AND neck, shoulder, arm pain.

On rare occasions, surgical intervention can be required for neck and back pain. This is mostly in severe cases, such as when the nerve is being compressed and there has been a loss of strength along the muscles which that nerve supplies. 

Generally conservative management is recommended before surgery. If surgery is the last option, then Physiotherapy is often recommended in the form of pre-surgery rehabilitation. This means that exercises to help strengthen the surrounding muscles before surgery is advised.

After surgery physiotherapy and rehab is endorsed to 

• Engage pain control strategies, give reassurance and advice, monitor neurological status and design graded activity in accordance with the surgery undertaken.
• Strengthening and mobility exercises may be indicated addressing the specific home, work, and recreational goals of the patient.

Why not see one of our Physios to get you on your way to moving better and feeling better.