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Lower back pain

How we can treat Lower Back Pain:

Most lower back pain injuries will respond quickly with the correct physiotherapy intervention. Improvements should be felt after your first physiotherapy session. Treatment will be focused around reducing spasm and increasing vertebral movement. This is effective for acute and chronic back pain and will also reduce any sciatica symptoms that may be present.

At The Physio Guys, we use a combination of innovative treatment techniques learnt from world class international physiotherapists. Treatment will include:

  • Vertebral mobilisations to decrease pain and inflammation around the painful area and to release muscle spasm 
  • Soft tissue massage to decrease sensitivity and inflammation around the inflamed vertebrae
  • Dry Needling to reduce muscle spasm
  • Ultrasound to decrease inflammation and reduce pain
  • Strapping/kinesiology tape to protect and support the area during the acute phase of low back pain.
  • Pilates exercises to strengthen the weakened muscles and develop core stability
  • Stretches to improve flexibility and improve posture
  • Orthotics (insoles) can be fitted in some cases to reduce the stress on the lower back
  • Ergonomic and lifestyle education to prevent recurrence

What is lower back pain?

Lower back pain is the most common condition seen by chartered Physiotherapists. Experts estimate that as much as 80% of the population will experience acute low back pain at some time in their lives.  Reoccurrence rates have been found to be extremely high with 60-69% of sufferers having another episode of low back pain. This is because even though the pain may go away after a few days, inflammation and stiffness could still be present along with some muscle spasm and weakness and if not treated properly may hang around.

Causes of lower back pain:

Back pain can be caused by a slipped disc, a bulging disc, the facet joints being inflamed, irritated ligaments, weak core muscles or a combination of these.

The risk of lower back pain increases with poor posture, prolonged immobility (eg people who sit at desks all day), people who are overweight and people with poor foot mechanics (flat footed or high arches).

In rare cases it can be caused by systemic conditions such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. However, most lower back pain cases are musculoskeletal in origin and known as mechanical low back pain. Most commonly, these back injuries are caused by muscular strains, ligament sprains and joint dysfunction, especially when the pain has come on suddenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Each session is €70. Students and Medical Card holders cost €60.

Each appointment usually lasts 30mins.

No. You can make an appointment without a referral from your GP. If on assessment we deem your condition requires GP input we will refer you on.

Yes, we accept all major cards.

We are recognized by all the major insurance companies and you do not need a referral letter from your provider. The amount that can be claimed varies depending on your plan. Treatment costs are also tax deductible via a Med-1 form.
So for example, if you spend €60.00 on physiotherapy and you receive €40 from your health insurance company, then the remainder €20 is subject to tax relief. If you’re in the 42% bracket you can receive a further €8.40 in tax relief.

We would advise to wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. We usually need to inspect the affected area so please wear clothing that allows for this. If your leg is the the injured area then it’s a good idea to wear shorts.

The treatment for each individual varies. However, following your first appointment we will discuss the anticipated number of treatments. You will be reassessed on each visit. On average, most patients usually require 2-3 treatments.

This varies between people. Some people do experience some short term discomfort which quickly subsides. This is taken into account during your treatment.

Yes, there is plenty of on-street parking available on Bath Avenue, or around the corner on South Lotts Road. For driving directions and information on other transport options you can call us and we will provide you with instructions.