Make your assessment practical
Note what eases and aggravates it.
Sitting in the car, bending to the dishwasher or getting out of bed can each affect the back differently. Notice which positions and times of day are harder, and whether symptoms travel into the buttock or leg.
About low back pain
Most episodes of low back pain are not linked to a serious underlying cause, although they can still be painful and worrying. Symptoms may come on after an activity or without an obvious reason. Some people also notice pain, tingling or altered feeling in the buttock or leg; this is sometimes described as sciatica.
Every person’s situation is different, so we focus on your symptoms, your health history and the activities you want to get back to rather than on a label.
What happens at your appointment
Your physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms, general health and daily routine, then assess relevant movements, strength and nerve function where appropriate. The findings are explained in plain language and you can ask questions at any point.
If anything in the assessment suggests you need medical review or imaging, we will discuss this with you and your GP.
Care options we may discuss
- Information about your back and how to stay active.
- Exercises chosen for your current abilities and goals.
- Hands-on treatment where appropriate and agreed with you.
- Advice on work, lifting and pacing everyday tasks.
- Reviews to check your progress and adjust the plan.
The number of appointments and the approach depend on your individual needs. Responses to care vary from person to person.
When to seek medical help first
Seek urgent medical care if back pain comes with new difficulty controlling your bladder or bowel, numbness around the groin or buttocks, or rapidly worsening weakness in the legs.
Physiotherapy is not an emergency service. Call 000 or go to an emergency department for a serious injury, chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you feel very unwell. See your GP promptly if pain follows a fall or accident, keeps getting worse, wakes you every night, or comes with fever, unexplained weight loss or other new symptoms.
Your physiotherapy appointment.
See Jency Donda, physiotherapist, at our Elizabeth Park clinic – open Mondays 9:00am–5:00pm. No referral is needed for a private appointment. For a GP care plan, NDIS, DVA, Support at Home or WorkCover appointment, check the relevant referral and plan information and our fees and rebates page before booking.
Helpful questions.
Do I need a scan before seeing a physio?
Not usually. Many people with back pain do not need imaging. Bring any reports you already have, and your physiotherapist can discuss whether a GP review or further tests may be appropriate.
Should I rest or keep moving?
General guidance is to stay as active as you comfortably can, but the right balance depends on you. Your physiotherapist can help you plan activity around your symptoms.
Can I use a GP care plan?
If you have a long-term condition and your GP decides a plan and referral are appropriate, Medicare rebates may apply. Read our GP care plan guide before booking.
More information: healthdirect: back pain. This page is general information and is not a substitute for individual advice.
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