Introduction to back pain
Research has found that 1 in 6 people have some form of back pain in the UK right now! So, you aren`t alone.
Back pain feels different to each person and that is why at Infinite Physio we take an individual approach to helping you with your back pain whether that is by looking at your daily routine and making modifications or prescribing unique exercises.
Fortunately, 99% of all back pain is musculoskeletal and does not last for more than 12 weeks on average with minimal disability. We would love to help you manage and aim for the earliest resolution of your back pain.
Key Aspects of Our Care
- Advice and early activity – Early movement has been shown to significantly improve low back pain, but often when back pain sweeps over us we feel afraid to move normally. Our Physios will help you to understand your condition, teach you how to move safely and comfortably, and support you in your recovery.
- Rehabilitation – Once your individual condition has been assessed and it’s causes thoroughly understood, your Physio will design a personalised rehabilitation plan. This will take into account your existing levels of fitness and your home-life, work and hobbies. Your rehabilitation plan may include exercises designed to either stretch or strengthen the structures in and around your back. Your rehabilitation plan will be shared with you in paper form or on Physitrack, our interactive and supportive app.
- Ergonomic advice – Since work-related activities account for more than 65% of lower back problems, your Physio may feel it’s appropriate to provide you with ergonomic advice and may recommend ergonomic devices.
- Taping – Supportive kinesiology tape can be applied to your back to provide short term relief. This technique can also be taught to a family member or friend so that they can repeat this for you at home. We can provide a video to allow you to check back in with the technique between visits.
- Follow Up – Once you have attended your First Appointment and have been provided with your Care Plan; our care doesn’t end. We’ll want to see you back within a few weeks to check on your progress, respond to any problems, and advance your rehabilitation plan. This method of supportive, ongoing management has been shown to give the best results, which is what we want for you.
Adjunct Therapies
Gait Analysis is the study of human motion and may be indicated for you if your back pain is being caused by the way your body is moving. Gait Analysis focuses heavily on the foot and lower limb and the way these structures impact on the whole chain of your body during motion. For example, flat feet, and osteoarthritic joints in the feet can contribute to poor mobility, which in turn aggravates back pain. Gait Analysis involves a thorough foot and ankle assessment, both in sitting and standing, followed by a short walk or run on a treadmill, while being observed directly by your Podiatrist and via a camera. The video of your walk or run can then be slowed down to allow us to see small motions and problems.
The information uncovered by your Gait Analysis will then inform your rehabilitation plan.
If your Physiotherapist determines that your back pain is being caused by a problem with your feet, you may be recommended to have a review with our Musculoskeletal Podiatrists. This may lead to a prescription for a fully customised orthotic made using a direct cast of your feet, ensuring perfect fit and comfort. Bespoke orthotics can be accurately designed to address your specific foot needs and can fit into a range of shoe styles.