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Back Pain Treatment

Specialized physiotherapy treatment for lower back pain in South Surrey. Get relief from acute and chronic back pain with personalized care.

Call +1 604 923 8323

How do I know if my back pain is serious?

Most back pain is not serious and improves with physiotherapy treatment. However, seek immediate medical attention if you experience loss of bladder/bowel control, severe weakness in your legs, numbness in the groin area, or back pain with fever and chills. Also consult a doctor if pain follows significant trauma or if you have unexplained weight loss. We'll assess your condition and refer you if necessary.

Symptoms & causes

Common symptoms

  • Dull, aching pain in the lower back
  • Sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with movement
  • Pain that radiates down one or both legs (sciatica)
  • Muscle spasms in the lower back
  • Stiffness, especially in the morning
  • Difficulty standing up straight or changing positions
  • Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing
  • Reduced range of motion when bending or twisting

Common causes

  • Muscle or ligament strain from lifting or sudden movements
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Herniated or bulging disc pressing on nerves
  • Facet joint dysfunction
  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal)
  • Arthritis in the lumbar spine
  • Poor posture and core weakness
  • Sedentary lifestyle or prolonged sitting

How We Treat Back Pain

At At Ease Physio, we provide evidence-based treatment for all types of back pain - whether acute or chronic, disc-related or muscular. Our comprehensive approach includes hands-on manual therapy to reduce pain and restore movement, dry needling for muscle tension, targeted exercises to strengthen your core and back muscles, and education on proper body mechanics to prevent future episodes. We work closely with you to understand your goals and create a personalized treatment plan. Our South Surrey clinic welcomes patients from White Rock, Langley, and Delta.

What to Expect

Your initial assessment includes a detailed evaluation of your posture, movement patterns, and spinal mechanics to identify the root cause of your back pain. Treatment typically combines manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilizations and soft tissue release, dry needling for muscle tension, specific exercises to improve core stability, and practical advice on activity modification. For those who benefit from structured movement patterns, Clinical Pilates can be particularly effective for building core strength and preventing recurrence. Visceral manipulation and kinesiology may also be incorporated to address underlying movement patterns and optimize recovery. Most patients see significant improvement within 6-8 sessions, with ongoing focus on preventing recurrence through strengthening and movement re-education.

Learn more: Our blog covers key topics including core activation and back pain, why visceral manipulation helps back pain, and the role of the dural layers in spinal pain.

Our treatment services

Manual Therapy
Skilled hands-on techniques to restore mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing
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Dry Needling
Targeted trigger point therapy to release muscle tension and reduce pain
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Clinical Pilates
Physiotherapist-led Pilates tailored to your rehabilitation and functional goals
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Prevention & self-care

Prevention tips

  • Maintain strong core muscles through regular exercise
  • Practice proper lifting technique (bend at knees, not back)
  • Maintain good posture while sitting and standing
  • Take regular breaks from prolonged sitting
  • Use ergonomic support at your workstation
  • Stay active with low-impact activities like walking or swimming
  • Maintain a healthy body weight
  • Warm up before physical activities or sports
  • Stretch regularly, especially hip flexors and hamstrings

When to see a physiotherapist

  • Back pain lasting more than a few days
  • Severe pain that doesn't improve with rest
  • Pain radiating down your leg below the knee (may indicate sciatica)
  • Numbness or tingling in your legs
  • Previous back problems are recurring more frequently

Meet the Practitioners

Our team of experienced physiotherapists and kinesiologists are ready to help you on your path to recovery.

Megan Davis

Megan Davis

Registered Physiotherapist

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Michaela Toffoli

Michaela Toffoli

Registered Physiotherapist

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Larissa Vishniakoff

Larissa Vishniakoff

Registered Physiotherapist

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New to physiotherapy?

Start with an assessment. You do not need to choose a treatment technique.

First visit & fees

Frequently asked questions

How long will it take for my back pain to improve?
Recovery time depends on the cause and severity of your back pain. Acute back pain from muscle strain often improves within 2-6 weeks with appropriate treatment. Chronic back pain or disc-related issues may take 8-12 weeks to see significant improvement. Consistency with your physiotherapy sessions and home exercises will help speed your recovery. We'll track your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Should I rest or stay active with back pain?
While rest may be needed for severe pain, prolonged bed rest can actually slow recovery. We recommend staying as active as possible within your pain limits. Gentle movement helps reduce stiffness, maintain muscle function, and promote healing. We'll guide you on which activities are safe and provide modifications for daily tasks. The key is finding the right balance between activity and rest.
Can physiotherapy help with disc herniation?
Yes, physiotherapy is highly effective for herniated discs. Many disc herniations respond well to conservative treatment including specific exercises, manual therapy, and traction techniques. We'll assess your condition and create a program to reduce pressure on the affected disc, strengthen supporting muscles, and improve your posture. Surgery is rarely needed when disc herniations are managed properly with physiotherapy.
Will I need to do core exercises?
Core strengthening is a crucial part of back pain recovery and prevention. Weak core muscles force your spine to work harder, increasing injury risk. We'll prescribe specific core exercises tailored to your ability level - starting gently and progressing as you improve. These exercises typically take 10-15 minutes daily and significantly reduce the risk of future back pain episodes.
Can Clinical Pilates help my back pain?
Clinical Pilates is an excellent option for back pain, especially chronic or recurrent cases. It focuses on core stability, postural alignment, and controlled movement - all essential for a healthy back. Our physiotherapists can guide you through Clinical Pilates exercises specifically chosen for your condition, ensuring proper technique and progression to prevent injury and maximize benefits.

Related Articles

Decoding Core Activation: Muscles in Harmony

Understanding how your core muscles work together to provide stability, support posture, and prevent injuries - and who can benefit from core assessment.

Read more

Clinical Pilates with a Registered Physiotherapist

Learn how Clinical Pilates differs from traditional Pilates and how our physiotherapists use it for rehabilitation, injury recovery, and movement retraining.

Read more

Why Visceral Manipulation?

Learn how visceral manipulation addresses the soft tissues around internal organs to help when muscular treatment alone provides only temporary relief.

Read more

Ready to Start Your Recovery?

Book your initial assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists at South Surrey.

Book an appointment Call +1 604 923 8323