Facet joint and degenerative pain
Localised back or neck pain from the spinal joints, often stiffer with age.
By Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist · Reviewed July 2026
What it is
The facet joints are the small joints at the back of the spine. They can become painful from strain or from the normal wear that comes with age. This often causes localised back or neck pain and stiffness that is worse with bending backward or after rest.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone is different, but these are common with facet joint and degenerative pain. You may have some and not others.
How physiotherapy helps
We assess which joints and movements are involved, then use mobilisation and soft tissue work to ease the stiffness and pain. A tailored exercise program keeps the spine moving and strong, which is the best way to manage wear over the long term.
- Spinal movement assessment
- Joint mobilisation
- Soft tissue release
- Mobility and strength program
How we treat it
The right mix depends on your assessment. These are the services we most often draw on for this.
Spinal and joint mobilisation
Gentle, controlled movement to improve a stiff joint and ease the pain that comes with it.
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Exercise and rehabilitation
Tailored programs to rebuild mobility, strength and confidence in the movements that matter to you.
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Soft tissue release
Skilled hands on work through muscles, tendons and ligaments to ease tension and restore flexibility.
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Trigger point dry needling
Fine needles into trigger points to release muscle tension and ease referred pain. A core focus at PACT.
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What you will actually pay
The full fee is $165 for an initial visit and $142 for a follow up, and every appointment is a full, unhurried session with the time to work through complex, persistent problems. Once your cover is applied, here is what you actually pay.
Before any rebate. Private paying is welcome, and your fee buys the whole session, never a rushed 20 minutes.
A GP Chronic Disease Management referral rebates $61.80 on every visit, up to 5 a year.
The usual out of pocket once you claim on the spot, depending on your level of cover.
Nothing for you to pay at any visit. Accepted workers compensation and CTP motor accident claims are billed straight to your insurer, and we handle the paperwork.
The bars compare what an initial and a follow up visit cost you on each pathway.
See full fees and rebates. Telehealth with PACT Virtual Care is charged at the same rates, Australia wide.
Other problems we help with
Pain rarely sits in one neat box. These are commonly linked, and we treat them all.
Good to know before you book
Is wear and tear something I just live with?
How much will it cost?
Do I need a referral?
Can it be managed by telehealth?
Sources and further reading
Written and reviewed by Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist. Last reviewed July 2026.
This page is general information about facet joint and degenerative pain, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an assessment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, book an appointment or see your GP.
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Same day appointments often available at our Miranda clinic, or by telehealth across Australia.