Treatment for Back Pain

Are You Struggling with Back Pain?

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek out physiotherapy, as the pain can affect daily movements such as standing, bending or sitting, as well as sleep. The continual strain of living with back pain can create a sense of loss of control over one’s body and routine, as well as the emotional fragility that can accompany pain, even affecting personal relationships.

Physio for back pain can help bring back strength and comfortable movement. Using proven techniques, physiotherapy can settle down acute flare-ups and treat back pain episodes that need a longer term management strategy.

At Vitalis Physio, we specialise in treating back pain.  

Our aim is simple: to help you take control and feel stronger, so you can get back to doing the things you love.

Expert Physio for Lower Back Pain

No two cases of lower back pain are the same. That’s why our approach is centred around you, your body and what’s important to you. We use a structured assessment to uncover the underlying causes of your symptoms - why it hurts. Starting physio for lower back pain can strengthen your lumbar area, help retrain your posture and movements and ease pain in a way that lasts.

This thorough assessment includes:

  • Listening to your beliefs, fears and how pain disrupts your life.  We take time to understand the context and how these hinder your valued life activities.

  • Analysis of how you move through painful movements, especially if you are guarded or anxious.

  • Understanding how you think or feel about your symptoms -  fears can be reframed with an understanding that pain does not always equal damage.

  • How your body, lifestyle and stresses interact.

  • Ruling out serious pathology (illness).

Following the assessment, the physiotherapist will create a back pain treatment plan tailored to your story, contributing factors and your unique pain triggers.  This may include:

  • Graded movement re-training - patients test their troublesome movements (e.g. bending and lifting) in a safe, graded way.

  • Stretching, strengthening and conditioning your muscles with your new posture incorporated.

  • Soft tissue release.

  • Dry needling.

  • Manual therapy to loosen any stiff joints.

Our goal is long-term back pain recovery, not just a quick fix.

Back Pain Physiotherapy That Works

Research continues to show that physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to treat back pain. At Vitalis Physio, we provide evidence-based treatments that help restore function and reduce pain quickly and safely. If you're searching for a trusted physio for back pain treatment, you're in the right place.

Your Trusted Back Pain Physio in Oxfordshire

Conveniently located at Watlington Wellness Centre, we’re proud to support the local community with expert physiotherapy services. Whether your back pain is acute, chronic or recurring, we are ready to help you find lasting relief.

Email: info@vitalisphysio.com

Address: 1 Cuxham Road, Watlington, OX49 5JW

Phone: 07432 690233

FAQs About Physiotherapy for Back Pain

  • Some people feel significantly better after a few sessions, while others may benefit from a longer-term plan with sessions spaced out.  The latter works well if your symptoms are persistent and a strength and conditioning programme is needed to build strength and resilience.  We'll always be transparent and work within a framework that works well for you.

  • Physiotherapy can be extremely effective for persistent back pain. 

  • If your back pain is radiating into your buttock, down your leg and into your calf or foot, it may be caused by a nerve root irritation such as sciatica.  We can help minimise your symptoms and get you back to normal as soon as possible.  In cases such as these, using physio tape for back pain is often helpful, as well as dry needling and gentle soft tissue release.  We can help with strategies for pain management and activity modification during the acute phase. Your back pain physio will also perform a neurological examination to assess for nerve compression.

  • If you have stiff joints in your spine and your symptoms are not too irritable, manual joint mobilisations will be of help.  Others have too much mobility in their joints and benefit from strength exercises to further support the spinal joints.  Soft tissue release is often very helpful to release painful muscle guarding or spasm.

  • Intermittent back pain often indicates an underlying issue that hasn’t been fully addressed. Timely treatment can prevent it from becoming persistent, and booster sessions can also be really helpful.

  • Backs love to move. We’ll guide you on which exercises are helpful based on your individual condition.

  • It’s always better to stay active. We’ll help you find the right balance.

  • No referral is needed. You can contact us directly to book an appointment.

  • Wear comfortable clothes that allow access to your back and legs; shorts are ideal.

  • What Our Patients Say

    ‘I cannot thank Emma-Jane enough for her professional care. I have been suffering from a persistent sciatic nerve injury and had almost lost hope until I discovered Emma-Jane’s unique approach to treatment. By combining hands on treatment, exercise, dry needling and advice, she alleviated pain and restored my mobility. The professionalism, compassion and attention to detail she demonstrated throughout my treatment were phenomenal. I am extremely happy with the results and highly recommend her services to anyone in need of expert physiotherapy care.’

    Charlie, Whitchurch

  • What our Colleagues Say

    'As a Consultant Sports Physician working closely with athletes of all levels, I have high standards when referring patients for physiotherapy.  Emma-Jane's clinical expertise in musculoskeletal assessment and rehab is exceptional.  What truly sets her apart is her ability to blend evidence-based practice with a supportive compassionate approach and excellent communication.’

    Dr Rhodri Martin, Consultant in Sport and Exercise Medicine
    Team Doctor, Men’s National Team Football Association of Wales
    Lead Doctor, Welsh Institute of Sport 

  • What Our Patients Say

    I can’t recommend Emma-Jane Harding at Vitalis Physio highly enough. I have mild hip dysplasia in my right hip which became excruciatingly painful over the summer. Within just four weeks of seeing Emma, I was able to walk normally again, and I now continue to see her fortnightly as we work towards getting everything fully back to normal.

    Emma takes her profession very seriously and has an exceptional understanding of the body. Her attention to detail, focus, and the way she explains things have been phenomenal. What really makes the difference is not just seeing her, but also following the rehab she sets - it’s every bit as important as the sessions themselves.

    If you’re experiencing pain, I would wholeheartedly recommend going to see Emma-Jane. She’s been brilliant and has made a huge difference for me.

    James C

  • What Our Patients Say

    It was Emma-Jane’s expertise in hip and other conditions, together with her extensive experience that were the deciding factors in booking an appointment with her at Watlington Wellness Centre, after a painful hip had not eased after a few sessions with an osteopath (I now know I should have seen a physio!).

    I knew I was in safe, professional and thorough hands from the first appointment – Emma-Jane confirmed I had developed gluteal tendinopathy as a result of my outside hip muscles working overtime to compensate for weakness in my hip flexors, inner thigh muscles and hamstrings. She also wrote a letter for my GP requesting an X-ray. A few weeks on and my bespoke exercise plan, which she reviews and updates each session, plus soft tissue release and dry needling around my hip muscles has all made a difference and I am delighted that I am improving.

    I am so glad I found Emma-Jane and I highly recommend her.

    Sarah C

  • What Our Patients Say

    Highly recommend Emma-Jane, I have seen various practitioners for my neck and shoulder and Emma-Jane is the only one who has made a lasting difference. She uses a combination of hands on physical therapy, medical acupuncture and exercises to produce the desired result. She is also a very kind and understanding practitioner, who takes the time to listen to problems thoroughly without rushing and explains what she is doing at every step.

    Sarah D