Managing Low Back Pain: A Movement-Based Approach to Relief and Recovery
Low back pain can affect up to 80% of people worldwide and is one of the most common reasons to seek physiotherapy. Whether it’s a dull ache from prolonged sitting, sharp pain after lifting, or persistent discomfort limiting daily life, back pain can be frustrating—but it’s also highly manageable.
What Can Help?
There’s a common misconception that rest is best for back pain. In reality, avoiding movement often leads to increased stiffness, weakness, and prolonged symptoms. Research consistently supports an active approach.
Key principles include:
Movement: Gentle activity keeps tissues mobile, improves circulation, and reduces sensitivity. Whether walking, swimming, strength training, or Pilates—moving within your limits supports healing. Combining different types of exercise offers a well-rounded recovery.
Strength and Control: Strengthening the deep core, glutes, and postural muscles supports the spine, reduces strain, improves daily function, and helps prevent future injuries.
Education and Reassurance: Pain doesn’t necessarily mean damage. Understanding this reduces fear and empowers confident movement.
Tailored Rehabilitation: Everyone’s experience of back pain is unique. A personalised plan, guided by a physiotherapist, ensures you do the right exercises at the right time—with purpose.
Consistency and confidence are key—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Reformer Pilates for Back Pain
Reformer Pilates provides low-impact, controlled movement to improve posture, spinal stability, and aid recovery. It’s ideal if you’re recovering from a flare-up or want to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Our physio-led Back Care Pilates classes offer tailored exercises, reduce fear of movement, and create a supportive space to build confidence and function.
For balanced recovery, combining Pilates with gentle activities like walking or swimming supports mobility, cardiovascular health, and motivation.
Next Steps
A 1:1 physiotherapy assessment can help determine if Reformer Pilates—or another rehab method—is right for you.