Back pain treatment in Pennant Hills
Whether it’s a sudden twinge, a back that “goes” when you bend, or pain that’s hung around for months, we look past where it hurts to find what’s driving it — then build a clear plan to get you moving with confidence again.
- No GP referral needed
- AHPRA-registered osteopaths
- HICAPS on-the-spot claims
Back pain is common — and usually very treatable
Most of us will deal with back pain at some point. It can be frightening, especially when it comes on suddenly, but in the vast majority of cases it isn’t caused by serious damage — and it usually improves with the right care.
Here’s what we believe, and what the research supports:
- Pain doesn’t always equal damage. Sensitive tissues and a protective nervous system can cause a lot of pain without anything being “out of place”.
- The sore spot isn’t always the cause. Stiff hips, an upper back that doesn’t move, old injuries, or how you sit and lift can all overload your lower back.
- Movement is medicine. Staying gently active speeds recovery — long periods of bed rest usually make things worse.
- Scans rarely change the plan. Most back pain doesn’t need an X-ray or MRI. We’ll refer you if yours does.
- Hands-on care works best with a plan. Treatment eases pain and restores movement; exercise and education help stop it coming back.
Sound familiar?
- Pain or stiffness that’s worst in the morning or after sitting
- Bending, lifting or putting on shoes is a struggle
- Your back “locks up” or spasms without warning
- Pain that keeps coming back every few months
- You’re avoiding the gym, sport or the garden
- Rest and painkillers just aren’t cutting it
What we commonly see
- Non-specific lower back pain
- Acute strains & “locked” backs
- Facet joint irritation
- Disc-related back pain
- Sacroiliac (SIJ) pain
- Upper back & rib pain
- Back pain from lifting or gym
- Recurring or long-term back pain
Not sure if your pain fits? Call us on 0457 796 468 and we’ll let you know if we can help.
How we treat back pain
Every appointment follows our Assess, Plan, Treat framework — so you always know what’s happening and why.
Assess
We start with your story — when it started, what eases it, and how it’s affecting your life.
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Then we look at how you move: orthopaedic and movement testing, a neurological check of nerves, strength and reflexes where needed, and screening for anything that needs a doctor’s input.
We look beyond your lower back — hips, pelvis and upper back often play a role.
Plan
You’ll leave knowing what’s going on, what we’ll do about it, and roughly how long it should take.
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We explain your diagnosis in plain English, set goals that matter to you — sleeping through the night, sitting at work, getting back to the gym — and map out the stages of your care.
Your plan includes simple home exercises and practical advice for work, sleep and lifting.
Treat
Hands-on treatment to calm pain and restore movement, then rehab to build a stronger, more resilient back.
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Early sessions focus on easing pain and getting you moving. As you improve, the focus shifts to strength, load tolerance and confidence with the things you’ve been avoiding.
The tools we have at our disposal
We choose the right mix for you — every tool is there to ease pain, restore movement and get you back to what you love.
Hands-on osteopathy
Soft tissue work, joint mobilisation and, where appropriate, HVLA adjustments to ease pain and restore movement.
How it helps with back pain
Soft tissue work, joint mobilisation through the lower back, pelvis and hips, and HVLA adjustments where appropriate and with your consent. A large BMJ review found spinal manipulation helps chronic low back pain about as much as other recommended treatments.
Hands-on care works best as part of a plan that includes exercise and advice.
Low-level laser therapy
Painless light therapy that energises your cells to calm pain and support tissue healing.
How it helps with back pain
Laser energises the cells in sore back muscles and joints to calm pain and inflammation and support healing — so you move more comfortably and get more out of your rehab.
Laser energises your cells’ mitochondria to support healing — a powerful adjunct to hands-on care and rehab.
NeuFit (Neubie)
Direct current stimulation while you move, to help switch on muscles that have shut down after pain or injury.
How it helps with back pain
After a back injury, deep stabilising and glute muscles often switch off. We use the Neubie during movement to help reactivate them so your exercises are more effective.
NeuFit helps your nervous system reconnect with muscles that have switched off — so every exercise works harder for you.
Dry needling & cupping
Fine needles and suction cups used to settle tight, overactive muscles and trigger points.
How it helps with back pain
Settles protective spasm in the lower back and glute muscles, making it easier to move and start your exercises.
Studies show dry needling can reduce muscle-related pain in the short term, especially alongside exercise.
Exercise rehab
A progressive program to rebuild strength, control and confidence — the part that keeps you better.
How it helps with back pain
Graded strength and movement work for your trunk, hips and legs — tailored to your goals, from everyday lifting to returning to the gym.
Exercise has the strongest research support for most musculoskeletal pain.
Education & self-care
Understanding your pain, what to do at home, and how to stop it coming back.
How it helps with back pain
Understanding why your back hurts takes the fear out of it. We cover sitting, sleeping, lifting and what to do if it flares up again.
What you can do right now
While you wait for your appointment, these simple steps help most people:
- Keep moving gently — short walks are great
- Avoid long periods of bed rest
- Change positions often and break up long periods of sitting
- Use heat to ease muscle tension if it feels good
- Return to your normal activities gradually
- Don’t panic — most flare-ups settle with the right care
When to see a doctor urgently
Back pain is rarely serious, but please see your GP, go to an emergency department or call 000 if you have:
- Numbness around your groin, buttocks or inner thighs
- New difficulty passing urine, or loss of bladder or bowel control
- Worsening weakness or numbness in one or both legs
- Pain after a significant fall or accident
- Fever, unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer
- Severe pain at night that doesn’t ease with rest or changing position
Common questions
Do I need a GP referral to see an osteopath?
No. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners, so you can book directly. If you have a Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan or a WorkCover claim, bring your referral to your first visit.
Can I claim on my private health insurance?
Osteopathy is covered by most extras policies, and we offer on-the-spot claiming through HICAPS. Check with your fund for your level of cover.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on how long you’ve had the pain, what’s driving it and your goals. After your first assessment we’ll give you a realistic estimate and review your progress as we go.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI first?
Usually not. Most back pain can be assessed and managed without imaging. If your assessment suggests a scan or a doctor’s review is needed, we’ll refer you.
Will you crack my back?
Only if it’s appropriate and you’re comfortable with it. HVLA adjustments are one option among many, and there are plenty of gentle techniques we can use instead.
Related conditions
About osteopathy · All conditions we treat · Meet our osteopaths