Tag: Back pain

Physiotherapy for Back Pain

Why We Support Choosing Physiotherapy First for Acute Low Back Pain at Healthfix

Posted on | by Ash Cooney
By Caitlan Skillicorn, Senior Physiotherapist on behalf of the Healthfix Physiotherapy team

Hello, Healthfix Community!

At Healthfix, we’re committed to your well-being and providing the best care possible. Today, we want to share our perspective on a recent study that’s been making waves in the world of healthcare. It’s a study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh, and it highlights something that resonates deeply with our approach to physiotherapy and holistic care here at Healthfix.

The Study in Question

The study we’re talking about reveals a simple yet powerful idea: when it comes to acute low back pain, your initial choice of care matters. The research, published in the journal Physical Therapy, suggests that those who begin their journey with physiotherapy tend to experience shorter episodes of pain and spend less on healthcare in the long run.

Why Does This Matter to Us?

As physiotherapists at Healthfix, we’ve always believed in the transformative power of early intervention and a holistic approach to managing low back pain. This study supports our stance and offers validation to what we’ve seen in our practice every day.

Local Relevance

Now, you might be thinking, “But this study was conducted in the United States. How does it relate to my experience here in Australia?” Great question! While the study originates from across the ocean, the principles it highlights are remarkably relevant to our healthcare landscape.

Understanding the Findings

Let’s break down some of the key findings and why they matter to you as someone dealing with acute low back pain:

  1. Time to Pain Relief: The study showed that those who initially sought care from physiotherapists experienced faster relief compared to those who went down other paths (GP, Hospital or medication). This aligns perfectly with our belief that early intervention can make a significant difference in your pain journey.
  1. Cost of Care: Choosing physiotherapy care as your first step resulted in lower healthcare costs. Who doesn’t appreciate saving money while getting the best care possible?
  1. High-Cost Interventions: The study also found that those who started with physiotherapy were less likely to receive high-cost procedures. This means a potentially smoother, more cost-effective healing process as well as being more likely to avoid a surgical intervention.
  1. Opioid Prescriptions: Here’s something we’re all too familiar with in Australia—the concerns around opioid usage. The study highlights that choosing physiotherapy can reduce the need for opioids, aligning with our commitment to safer, non-pharmacological approaches to pain management.

Our Commitment to You

At Healthfix, we’re more than just physiotherapists. We’re your partners in your journey toward wellness. We’re passionate about providing not only the best care but also a holistic experience that addresses the root causes of your pain.

We understand that the traditional approach to managing low back pain may not always be the most effective or cost-efficient. That’s why we’re excited about this study—it supports our belief that early intervention with physiotherapy can lead to better outcomes for you.

What We Offer

Beyond physiotherapy, we’re here to provide a comprehensive approach to your well-being. Our services extend to health coaching, dietetics, pain psychology and exercise. We’re dedicated to ensuring that you receive the most suitable and effective care reducing the chance of needing surgical interventions, injections, or opioids.

Join Us in Shaping a Better Path

We invite you to join us in reshaping the way we think about managing acute low back pain. Let’s ask the important questions:

Why shouldn’t physiotherapists be the primary musculoskeletal providers?

How can we better integrate physiotherapy into emergency departments and primary care?

By choosing physiotherapy as your first step in your low back pain journey, you’re not only helping yourself but also contributing to a shift in healthcare that prioritises holistic wellness.

Conclusion

At Healthfix, we support the idea that your first choice in healthcare matters, and we’re here to provide you with the best possible care. Whether you’re already a part of our community or considering us for your healthcare needs, know that we’re here to support you on your path to wellness.

Have questions or need guidance on managing your low back pain? Reach out to us today, and one of our expert physiotherapy team members will provide the answers and support you need. We’re here to help you on your journey to a more comfortable, healthier life.
  Reference UPMC. (2023, September 26). Managing Low Back Pain. UPMC HealthBeat. https://www.upmc.com/media/news/092623-low-back-pain
Relieving back pain

Focus on: back pain | Help relieve a sore back with these lifestyle tips

Posted on | by Healthfix

Back pain and posture

Poor posture can make back pain worse, especially if you sit for long periods. Be conscious of your posture: sit upright, with your shoulders relaxed and your body supported against the back of your chair. Try putting a pillow or a rolled towel between your lower back and your seat, and keep your feet flat on the floor. If you suffer from back pain, it might be a good idea to invest in an ergonomic chair.

Stay active

It may feel counterintuitive, but bed rest or staying still is one of the worst things you can do for a sore back. It’s important to move, no matter how slowly. Gentle exercise has been found to be one of the most effective ways to relieve back pain quickly. Don’t rest for more than a day or two. Swimming, walking and yoga are all great ways to get moving again. 

Stretch it out

Studies show that yoga can help alleviate neck and back pain. Regularly stretching the muscles, tendons and ligaments that support the spine is an important element of all back exercise programs.  Stretching can reduce tension in muscles supporting the spine; tension in these muscles can worsen pain from any number of back pain conditions. It also helps improve range of motion and overall mobility.

Strengthen your core

Strong back and abdominal muscles can help heal most types of back pain, especially the most common form of back pain caused by soft tissue injury or back muscle strain. Back and abdominal muscles, referred to as core muscles, tend to weaken with age unless specifically exercised. The abdominal muscles and back muscles provide the strength to keep the body upright and for movement. When these core muscles are in poor condition, additional stress is applied to the spine as it supports the body, and back injury or back pain is more likely. Exercises that strengthen these core muscles should be a part of a balanced back/abdominal exercise program. Pilates is great for core strengthening.

Lose the luggage

Carrying an overstuffed handbag or heavy backpack slung over one shoulder can force your spine into a rotated position and cause an asymmetrical posture. It makes the muscles on one side of your back work much harder to maintain balance, which puts you at greater risk of back pain and injury. Backpack wearers, use both straps – distributing weight evenly helps to protect against back strain.

Stress less (or at least try to)

Work, home life and everyday worries – these days, there’s more than a few of them – can leave you stressed. Add that to the frustration of back pain, and it’s not uncommon to feel tense. Which in turn can make pain feel worse, and diminish motivation to stay active – which again, doesn’t help your mood. It’s a vicious cycle. Positive thinking, and relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises can help. 

Start physiotherapy

Physiotherapists can teach you how to sit, stand, and move in a way that keeps your spine in proper alignment and alleviates strain on your back. They’re also experts in specialised exercises that strengthen the core muscles that support your back. A strong core is one of the best ways to prevent more back pain in the future. Studies show that when you increase your strength, flexibility, and endurance, back pain decreases — but it takes time. The Healthfix team benefits from being led by our director Sean Cooney, who studied Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney and is completing his Masters in Sports Physiotherapy at LaTrobe University. He’s also worked extensively as a personal trainer . Sean’s approach blends both performance and injury management. Book in to see how he and the team can help with your back pain.