Spinal stenosis
Leg heaviness or pain with walking and standing that eases when you sit or lean forward.
By Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist · Reviewed July 2026
What it is
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space around the nerves in the spine, usually with age. In the lower back it often causes leg heaviness, aching or pins and needles that build with walking or standing and ease when you sit or lean forward.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone is different, but these are common with spinal stenosis. You may have some and not others.
How physiotherapy helps
Physiotherapy can improve comfort and how far you can walk. We assess your movement, use hands on therapy and positions that open the space for the nerves, and build a program to keep you active and strong. We coordinate with your GP and consider imaging where appropriate.
- Walking and movement assessment
- Hands on therapy and positioning
- Strength and walking program
- GP coordination as needed
How we treat it
The right mix depends on your assessment. These are the services we most often draw on for this.
Exercise and rehabilitation
Tailored programs to rebuild mobility, strength and confidence in the movements that matter to you.
Learn more →
Chronic pain physiotherapy
A broader, paced approach for pain that has stayed past the normal healing time.
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Spinal and joint mobilisation
Gentle, controlled movement to improve a stiff joint and ease the pain that comes with it.
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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.
Learn more →
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
Will I keep getting worse?
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 spinal stenosis, 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.