Back Pain: When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit our clinic. The good news: most episodes settle within a few weeks. The important nuance: some presentations benefit from earlier professional assessment.

When to seek a physiotherapy assessment

Consider seeing a physiotherapist if your back pain: - Has lasted more than 2 weeks - Radiates into your leg - Wakes you at night regularly - Started after a fall or injury - Is affecting your ability to work or sleep - Keeps returning despite rest

What a good assessment looks like

At Physio Hyve, an assessment usually includes: a detailed history, movement testing, strength and neurological screening, and — where appropriate — advice on imaging.

The aim is to understand *your* specific pattern, not to hand you a generic protocol.

Red flags — see a doctor urgently

Certain symptoms warrant urgent medical review rather than physiotherapy alone: loss of bowel/bladder control, saddle numbness, progressive weakness, unexplained weight loss, or fever with back pain.