What can help with back pain?

It depends on what's driving it. For most people, a mix of staying active, hands-on treatment to ease symptoms and a gradual strength programme works well. We'll assess your back and explain the options that suit you.

Can a physiotherapist or sports therapist help with lower back pain?

Yes, many people with lower back pain see one or the other. Our physiotherapists and sports therapists assess how your back moves and what aggravates it, then use soft tissue therapy, joint mobilisation, exercise rehab and advice to help you move with more confidence. If we think you need a medical review, we'll tell you and point you to your GP.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You don't need a referral to book with our physiotherapists or sports therapists. If you have any of the warning signs listed on this page, please see your GP or seek urgent medical help first.

How long will it take to feel better?

Everyone is different, so we don't give one-size-fits-all timelines. After your assessment we'll explain what we expect, set goals with you and review your progress as we go.

Do you help with back pain from disc injuries or sciatica?

Yes. We regularly see people with disc-related back pain and sciatica. Many people manage well without surgery. If we think you need imaging or a specialist opinion, we'll tell you and refer you to your GP.

Back Pain Treatment | Physio & Sports Therapy

Why Injury Active

A clear plan for your back pain

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people come to see us. It can be worrying, but most back pain is not caused by serious damage. Hurt doesn't always mean harm.

Our physiotherapists and sports therapists start by finding out what's likely to be driving your pain. That might be a strained muscle, an irritated disc or joint, or a back that isn't yet used to the load you're asking of it. Then we build a plan that combines hands-on treatment with the right dose of movement and strength work. That's what we mean by Train With Pain.

A thorough assessment to understand what's going on
Physiotherapists and sports therapists in one team
Hands-on treatment, including soft tissue therapy and joint mobilisation
Exercise rehab that builds strength, not just rest
Practical advice on work, sitting and training
No GP referral needed to book

Book Your Assessment

Common Causes

What's causing your back pain?

Back pain has many possible causes. A proper assessment is the first step to choosing the right approach.

Muscle Strain

Overstretched or irritated muscle fibres from lifting, twisting or a sudden movement. One of the most common causes of a sudden bout of lower back pain.

Disc Irritation

A bulging or irritated disc can sensitise nearby nerves. This can cause local back pain and sometimes pain that travels down the leg.

Facet Joint Pain

Irritation of the small joints between the vertebrae. It often causes stiffness and local pain that can feel worse when leaning backwards.

Sciatica

Irritation of the sciatic nerve, which can cause shooting pain, tingling or numbness from the lower back into the buttock and leg.

Postural Pain

Long spells of sitting, an awkward workstation or a lack of strength can leave the back sore and stiff, especially by the end of the day.

Osteoarthritis

Age-related changes in the spinal joints and discs. These changes are very common, can cause stiffness and aching, and don't always mean pain.

Desk Workers & Office Pain

Lower back pain from sitting

If you spend most of your day sitting, at a desk, in a car or on the sofa, and your lower back aches by mid-afternoon, you're not alone. Long spells in one position can leave the back stiff and sore, and many people find a mix of movement breaks, strength work and simple desk changes helps. Common signs include:

A dull ache across the lower back that builds through the day
Stiffness when you stand up after sitting for a long time
Tightness through the hips and buttocks
Pain that eases when you move but returns when you sit again
Occasional aching into the buttocks or upper thighs
Finding it hard to sit comfortably for long spells

Find Us

Back pain help near you

We see people with back pain at our clinics in Cambridge, Saffron Walden, Sawston and Willingham, and in Bishop's Stortford, where you can also carry your rehab on into our strength classes. Wherever you book, we'll explain what we find and agree a plan that's simple to follow at home.

32 Raynham Road, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 5PE

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FAQs

Back pain questions answered

What can help with back pain?: It depends on what's driving it. For most people, a mix of staying active, hands-on treatment to ease symptoms and a gradual strength programme works well. We'll assess your back and explain the options that suit you.
Can a physiotherapist or sports therapist help with lower back pain?: Yes, many people with lower back pain see one or the other. Our physiotherapists and sports therapists assess how your back moves and what aggravates it, then use soft tissue therapy, joint mobilisation, exercise rehab and advice to help you move with more confidence. If we think you need a medical review, we'll tell you and point you to your GP.
Do I need a GP referral?: No. You don't need a referral to book with our physiotherapists or sports therapists. If you have any of the warning signs listed on this page, please see your GP or seek urgent medical help first.
How long will it take to feel better?: Everyone is different, so we don't give one-size-fits-all timelines. After your assessment we'll explain what we expect, set goals with you and review your progress as we go.
Do you help with back pain from disc injuries or sciatica?: Yes. We regularly see people with disc-related back pain and sciatica. Many people manage well without surgery. If we think you need imaging or a specialist opinion, we'll tell you and refer you to your GP.

What People Say

Real People.
Real Stories.

5.0 266 Google Reviews

"Highly recommend for running-related issues. Jess put together a clear plan to get me ready for my marathon, and her communication was excellent throughout. Thank you!"

"Referred after an increasingly painful knee was impacting on my exercise. Hannah was very thorough in her investigation and analysis of the problem. I noticed a steady but sustained improvement following the recommended exercises over the first week. The exercises were subsequently changed up and the improvement sustained over the next two weeks. What definitely helped was the link between the Injury Active Clinic and the Barn. Hannah provided a briefing for the coaches, ensuring the gym sessions reinforced the recommended physio programme."

"Jess was so lovely and supportive throughout my time with her. She really helped build my confidence and get me back to doing the sports I love! I'm so grateful for all her help and would highly recommend :)"

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Back Pain
Treatment

A clear plan for your back pain