Lower Back Pain Physiotherapy in Adelaide – A Complete Guide to Recovery and Relief

Discover how BodyFit Physiotherapy in Adelaide uses evidence-based treatments to manage and relieve lower back pain. Learn about causes, treatment options, and how our team can help you recover faster.

Lower Back Pain: A Common but Treatable Condition

Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study (2021). In Australia, it's estimated that 70–90% of people will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives (AIHW, 2022). It’s one of the most common reasons for time off work and a major factor in reduced quality of life.

At BodyFit Physiotherapy in Adelaide, we understand how debilitating lower back pain can be — whether it’s a dull ache, sharp spasm, or radiating nerve pain. Our goal is to not only relieve your symptoms but to address the root cause and prevent future episodes through tailored treatment and education.

What Causes Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain can be:

• Acute (lasting less than 6 weeks)

• Subacute (6 to 12 weeks)

• Chronic (more than 12 weeks)

Common causes include:

• Muscle strains from lifting or twisting

• Disc injuries (bulge, herniation, or degeneration)

• Facet joint dysfunction

• Sciatica (compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve)

• Postural dysfunctions

• Stress and psychosocial factors (which can influence pain perception)

Recent research also shows a strong link between low physical activity, poor sleep, and persistent back pain (Maher et al., 2017).

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Evidence-based guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) recommend physiotherapy as a first-line treatment for most types of lower back pain — particularly when symptoms persist beyond a few days.

Here’s how our team at Body Fit will manage your condition:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

Every patient starts with a thorough initial consultation to identify:

• The type and source of pain

• Functional limitations (e.g. walking, sitting, bending)

• Postural or biomechanical issues

• Aggravating and easing factors

• Neurological signs (numbness, tingling, weakness)

We may also perform:

• Musculoskeletal tests

• Nerve tension testing

• Movement screening

• Referral for imaging (MRI or CT) if red flags are present

  
  

  ✳️ Note: Imaging is only recommended if serious pathology is suspected. Most lower back pain improves without scans, and early imaging may not change outcomes (Chou et al., 2011).

  
  

2. Hands-On Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is used to:

• Relieve joint stiffness

• Reduce muscle tension

• Improve movement patterns

Techniques may include:

• Joint mobilisations or manipulations

• Trigger point release

• Soft tissue massage

• Dry needling, if appropriate

3. Individualised Exercise Programs

Exercise therapy is considered the most effective long-term treatment for chronic lower back pain (Hayden et al., 2021). Your program may include:

✅ Core stability training – targeting deep stabilising muscles like the transversus abdominis and multifidus

✅ Mobility exercises – for hips, thoracic spine, and hamstrings

✅ Strengthening – glutes, abdominal wall, lumbar extensors

✅ Neural mobility exercises – to ease sciatica or nerve tension

✅ Functional movement retraining – to improve lifting, bending, walking

4. Posture and Ergonomic Education

We’ll help you adjust:

• Desk setup (ergonomics for work-from-home clients)

• Manual handling techniques

• Sleeping positions

• Sitting, standing, and lifting strategies

Education reduces fear-avoidance behaviour, which is a key factor in chronic back pain (Waddell et al., 1993).

Common Conditions We Treat at Body Fit Adelaide

• Acute and chronic lower back pain

• Lumbar disc injuries (prolapsed, degenerated)

• Sciatica and nerve root compression

• Lumbar facet joint pain

• Postural and occupational back pain

• Recurrent or persistent lower back stiffness

Why Choose BodyFit Physiotherapy Adelaide?

• ✅ Evidence-based, personalised treatment

• ✅ Experienced and accredited physiotherapists

• ✅ Modern clinic in a convenient Adelaide location

• ✅ On-site rehabilitation equipment

• ✅ HICAPS & private health rebates available

Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Life

Don’t let lower back pain control your day. At BodyFit Physiotherapy, we help people in Adelaide just like you recover stronger, faster, and with confidence.

👉 Book your appointment online at www.bodyfit.life or call our friendly team to find the next available session.

References

• Maher C, Underwood M, Buchbinder R. Non-specific low back pain. Lancet. 2017;389(10070):736-747.

• Hayden JA, Ellis J, Ogilvie R, Malmivaara A, van Tulder MW. Exercise therapy for chronic low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021.

• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Back problems. 2022.

• Chou R, Qaseem A, Snow V, et al. Diagnostic imaging for low back pain. Ann Intern Med. 2011.

• Waddell G, Newton M, Henderson I, Somerville D, Main CJ. Fear-avoidance beliefs and chronic low back pain. Spine. 1993.