Exercise therapy for back and neck pain
Most back and neck pain is not caused by serious damage, and current evidence strongly supports staying active and doing targeted exercise as a core part of treatment.
We help you understand what is driving your pain, build strength and mobility around the spine, and give you a plan you can keep doing so the pain is less likely to come back.
This may help if you have
- Lower back pain that keeps coming back
- Neck and shoulder tension from desk work or driving
- Stiffness in the morning or after sitting
- Pain that limits lifting, gardening, training or sport
- Recovery after a disc problem, once your doctor has cleared you for exercise
How it works
- Assess. We look at how you move, sit and lift, and test strength and mobility of the trunk, hips and shoulders.
- Explain. You leave the first session understanding what is likely contributing to your pain and what will help.
- Strengthen. A progressive programme of core, hip and upper-back exercises, adjusted as your pain settles.
- Maintain. We build habits and a home routine so you can manage on your own once the programme ends.
Questions
Should I rest when my back hurts?
Short rest can help in the first day or two, but long rest tends to slow recovery. Gentle movement, and then progressive exercise, is usually better.
When should I see a doctor first?
See a doctor urgently if back pain comes with numbness around the groin, loss of bladder or bowel control, leg weakness that is getting worse, fever, or after a significant fall or accident.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on how long you've had the pain and your goals. We'll give you an estimate after your assessment.
This page is general information, not personal medical advice. Speak to a health professional about your own situation.