Low back pain is a very common clinical presentation, and as such, there is a lot of information on the internet about how you can best treat this issue. The information can be contradictory, lack clinical evidence or reasoning, and quite often, the exercises do not help!
It is understandable that, subsequent to trying “recommended” exercise that doesn’t work, people in pain give up on using exercise as a therapeutic tool and disengage from seeking physiotherapy.
Do not lose hope! Just because generic exercises on the internet don’t work for you does not mean you will not benefit from physiotherapy. It just means that things aren’t always as straightforward as a one-size fits all approach!
Here are some reasons why there are no best exercises for low back pain and why a nuanced, person-centred approach is key!
Not All Low Back Pain Is The Same
Despite pain existing in a particular area, not all pain in this area can be treated the same. While some low back pain exercises might help some people, they may not be appropriate for others. Low back pain treatment varies from person to person. On the other hand, a physiotherapist can help you work out what exercises will be useful for your unique circumstances so you do not have to waste time trying to work it out on your own!
Understanding Pain And The Best Way To Treat It Requires An Assessment And A Personalised Plan
Pain and dysfunction are complex phenomena, and there are a number of factors that contribute to the experience of injury, niggles or persistent conditions. Sometimes, exercise alone may be insufficient to address your concerns.
Sometimes activity modification, behaviour change, sleep, nutrition, stress and load management strategies, as well as passive modalities, such as manual therapy, might also be ingredients that become a part of the recipe that is used to remedy your pain! Developing a personalised plan with your physiotherapist is a quick way to make sure you are addressing all of your body’s needs so that it can get better.
Rehabilitation Of An Injury Is A Recipe, And Everyone’s Recipe Is Different
A trained allied health professional, such as a physiotherapist, specialises in gathering all the important information to decide how best to manage a person’s pain and dysfunction. The internet lacks this nuance!
Rehabilitation Is A Process And Requires Appropriate Monitoring And Progression Over Time
Rehabilitation is a process and should be staged and progressed in a manner that helps you achieve your goals. This is why having a plan, not just exercises, is important!
The Best Exercises For Each Individual Are Different (They Do Exist, But You Are Unlikely To Find Them On The Internet)
The internet is a great source of inspiration for exercises for low back pain, and this is great! Pair this inspiration with clinical reasoning, and we are good to go! Get a professional to help you discern which exercises are suitable for you and your goals.
If you need help working out how best to manage your low back pain, come and see one of our physiotherapists today.
Physiotherapy exercises for lower back pain typically focus on strengthening core muscles, improving flexibility, and promoting better posture. Pelvic tilts, cat-cow stretches, and child’s pose can help release tension. Bridging and bird-dog exercises engage the core and back muscles.
Gentle stretches like hamstring and piriformis stretches alleviate tightness. Gradual progression and proper form are crucial to prevent exacerbating pain.
Consultation with a physiotherapist is recommended to tailor exercises to individual needs and ensure safe execution. Regular practice of these exercises can enhance lower back stability, reduce discomfort, and contribute to long-term pain management.
In your journey to conquer low back pain, remember that personalised care matters. Trust in PhysioChoice’s expertise to tailor solutions just for you. Take a step towards relief – book your appointment today!
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