Lower back pain
The most common pain we see, from strains, joints, discs or simply too much sitting.
By Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist · Reviewed July 2026
What it is
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a physiotherapist. It can come from the muscles, joints or discs of the lower back, and is often linked to lifting, posture or long periods sitting. The good news is most back pain is not serious and settles well with the right plan.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone is different, but these are common with lower back pain. You may have some and not others.
How physiotherapy helps
We assess your back to understand the driver and rule out anything that needs more attention, then ease the pain with hands on therapy and get you moving safely. A tailored exercise program rebuilds strength and confidence, and we give clear advice on lifting and staying active.
- Thorough back assessment
- Hands on therapy and mobilisation
- Graded movement and core strengthening
- Lifting and activity advice
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 pay, with or without cover
Every appointment is a full, unhurried session with the time to work through complex, persistent problems. The fee is $165 for an initial visit and $142 for a follow up, and if you have Medicare, private health extras or an accepted claim, here is what you pay.
Paying privately
No referral or paperwork needed. Every visit is a full, unhurried session with the time it needs.
With a Medicare plan
A GP Chronic Disease Management referral rebates $61.80 on every visit, up to 5 a year.
With private health extras
Claim on the spot through HICAPS. The gap depends on your fund and level of cover. See all health funds
Workers comp & CTP
Accepted workers compensation and CTP claims are billed straight to your insurer, and we handle the paperwork.
Every bar is drawn to the same scale, from $0 to the standard fee. Private health gaps vary with your fund and your level of extras cover.
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
Should I rest my back or keep moving?
How much will it cost?
Do I need a referral?
Can it be managed by telehealth?
Read more on this
Plain English articles from our physiotherapist, written to answer the questions we get asked most.
Sources and further reading
Written and reviewed by Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist. Last reviewed July 2026.
This page is general information about lower back 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.