If your lower back pain keeps coming back, or just won’t settle, you’re not alone.

Up to 80% of people experience back pain at some point — but ongoing pain is a sign that your body needs more than just rest.

At Back on Track Sports Physiotherapy in Glen Iris, we help people every day who’ve had lower back pain for weeks, months, or even years. Often, they've tried massage, stretches, or heat packs — but the pain returns. So what’s actually going on?

Common Causes of Persistent Lower Back Pain:

1. Muscle Imbalance or Weakness

When your core, torso, glutes, or deep spinal stabilisers aren’t activating properly, your lower back takes the load — especially when sitting, lifting, or twisting.

2. Disc-Related Pain

Bulging or irritated spinal discs with nerve root compression can refer pain down the legs (sciatica-like symptoms), especially with bending or prolonged sitting. Physios can help manage this safely — no MRI scans usually needed for most clients.

3. Poor Movement Mechanics

The way you bend, lift, or even walk can slowly overload the lower back. If your hips or thoracic spine are stiff, your lower back often compensates.

4. Nerve Tension or Irritation

This often causes pain that travels down your leg, or includes pins and needles, burning, or numbness. A physio can assess this and help release the irritation safely.

5. Stress & Sedentary Lifestyles

Yes — stress, long hours at a desk, or lack of movement can all contribute to tight muscles and sensitivity in the nervous system.

How Physiotherapy Helps

At your first physio appointment, we’ll:

  • Diagnose what’s really causing the pain
  • Identify contributing factors like movement patterns, strength deficits, or nerve irritation
  • Start hands-on treatment — which may include:
  • Spinal mobilisation or manipulation
  • Soft tissue release and dry needling
  • Neurodynamic mobilisation for nerve tension
  • Personalised strengthening programs and exercise prescription 
  • Shock wave therapy (for chronic pain or tendon issues)

We’ll also create a clear treatment plan — including education on body mechanics, posture, and pain management — to help you take control of your recovery.

What If I Just Want Massage?

Massage can be very effective for short-term relief from muscle tightness, fatigue, and general tension. It’s often used to support recovery and manage discomfort — especially in active individuals or those under physical or mental stress.

However, if your pain is persistent or keeps recurring, it’s important to understand the underlying cause. Physiotherapy provides a more comprehensive approach — starting with a detailed assessment, diagnosis, and tailored treatment plan to address the source of the issue, not just the symptoms.

At Back on Track Sports Physiotherapy, we offer massage appointments delivered by qualified physiotherapists. If you're unsure whether physiotherapy might be more appropriate for your condition, you can speak to your physio during your massage appointment — they’ll guide you on whether a physiotherapy session would be more suitable for your goals and recovery. 

Ready to Get Started?

📍 We’re located at 19-21 High Street Glen Iris, serving the Ashburton, Malvern, Camberwell communities since 2012
🕐 Appointments available Monday–Saturday

Book online via our website here www.backontracksportsphysiotherapy.com.au, or call us on 03 9813 8852 to speak with our friendly admin team who can help you find the right appointment type and practitioner for your needs.

We look forward to helping you get Back on Track.