Physiotherapy conditions

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide — but it responds exceptionally well to physiotherapy when the underlying cause is properly identified and treated.

Book an Appointment About Physiotherapy

Understanding Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain affects around 80% of Australians at some point in their lives. Physiotherapy takes a comprehensive, movement-based approach to assessment and treatment — identifying the specific structures involved, the contributing movement and strength deficits, and the lifestyle factors perpetuating the problem. At Sera Spine & Rehab, our physiotherapists combine hands-on manual therapy with targeted exercise rehabilitation to deliver lasting relief rather than temporary symptom management.

Root causes

What causes lower back pain?

Muscle Strains & Ligament Sprains

Sudden movements, heavy lifting, or awkward postures overstretch the muscles and ligaments of the lower back, causing acute pain and protective spasm that physiotherapy can resolve quickly.

Disc Bulge or Herniation

Intervertebral discs can bulge or herniate under load, pressing on nearby nerve roots. Physiotherapy — including neural mobilisation and progressive loading — is a first-line treatment.

Movement & Strength Deficits

Weakness in the deep core stabilisers, glutes, and hip muscles is a primary driver of recurrent lower back pain. Physiotherapy directly addresses these deficits through targeted exercise.

Poor Ergonomics & Sustained Postures

Prolonged sitting in a poorly set-up workstation creates cumulative load on the lumbar spine. Physiotherapy includes ergonomic assessment and postural retraining.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

The SI joint connects the spine to the pelvis and is a common source of lower back and buttock pain, particularly in active individuals and during pregnancy.

Degenerative Changes

Osteoarthritis and disc degeneration cause chronic stiffness and intermittent pain. Physiotherapy-guided exercise is the most evidence-supported long-term management strategy.

Signs & symptoms

How does it present?

Dull, aching pain in the lower back, buttocks, or upper legs
Sharp pain with bending, twisting, lifting, or standing from a seated position
Morning stiffness that eases with gentle movement
Muscle spasm or tightness across the lower back
Pain that radiates into the leg or foot (may indicate nerve involvement)
Difficulty maintaining posture during prolonged sitting or standing
Recurrent episodes that seem to come on with less and less provocation

Our approach

How Sera Spine & Rehab treats lower back pain

Physiotherapy

Our physiotherapists use a combination of joint mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, dry needling, and a progressive exercise program tailored to your specific diagnosis. The goal is full resolution — not just pain relief.

Exercise Rehabilitation

For chronic or recurrent lower back pain, supervised exercise rehabilitation builds the core and gluteal strength needed to protect the lumbar spine long-term and prevent future episodes.

Chiropractic

When joint restriction is a primary contributor, chiropractic adjustments complement physiotherapy by restoring segmental mobility and reducing nerve irritation more rapidly.

Myotherapy

Deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy release the muscular tension and fascial restrictions that accompany lower back pain, supporting faster recovery between physiotherapy sessions.

Your first visit

What to expect at your appointment

1
A thorough subjective history covering the onset, nature, and behaviour of your pain, plus occupational, lifestyle, and activity factors.
2
A physical examination including lumbar range of motion, neurological screening, muscle strength testing, and movement analysis.
3
A clear diagnosis in plain language — we explain exactly what is happening and why.
4
Hands-on treatment in your first appointment: joint mobilisation, soft tissue work, or dry needling depending on your presentation.
5
A personalised home exercise program and practical advice on activity modification, posture, and what to expect over the coming weeks.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How is physiotherapy different from chiropractic for lower back pain?

Physiotherapy places a stronger emphasis on exercise-based rehabilitation and movement retraining, while chiropractic focuses more on joint manipulation. Both are effective — and many patients benefit from both. Our team will advise the best approach for your specific presentation.

Do I need a referral for physiotherapy?

No referral is needed to book directly. If you are claiming through Medicare's Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, your GP will need to provide a referral. We accept all major private health funds.

How many sessions will I need?

Acute lower back pain often responds within 4–6 sessions. Chronic or complex presentations typically require a longer course of care with a progressive exercise component. We will give you a clear plan at your first appointment.

Can physiotherapy help if I have been told I need surgery?

In many cases, yes. The evidence consistently shows that physiotherapy-guided exercise is as effective as surgery for most common causes of lower back pain, including disc herniations and spinal stenosis. We will give you an honest assessment of what conservative care can achieve for your specific situation.