A Physiotherapist’s Perspective on Chronic Back Pain

rosedalewellness • June 12, 2021

Out of all the conditions we diagnose and treat at our physiotherapy clinic, chronic low back pain is one of the most common. We spend a lot of time educating our patients and their loved ones about this broad health condition—including why it happens and how to avoid it.

Because here’s the thing a lot of people may not realize:

Chronic back pain is not necessarily a “normal” part of aging, and it is possible to live with less pain and greater function even if you’ve been dealing with a troublesome back for years.

We invite you to contact Rosedale Wellness Centre to schedule an initial consultation and keep reading to learn five things our physiotherapist team has learned over the years about chronic back pain.

1. Most People Will Have Back Pain at Least Once

Studies tell us the vast majority of people (as many as 8 out of 10) will experience at least one episode of back pain at some point in their lifetime. Not everyone will have long-lasting pain, and in many cases a person’s symptoms will go away within a few weeks without the need for any special medical care.

But even if a person’s back pain resolves on its own, there’s always the possibility that hidden contributing factors, such as inflexibility or poor body mechanics, still remain. This can increase the likelihood of experiencing recurring back pain and injury. Research even suggests that a history of back pain is itself considered a risk factor for future problems.

It’s a big reason why consulting with a physiotherapist as soon as possible when you have back pain can be so helpful for your long-term spinal health. A physiotherapist can help you uncover and address hidden issues that are putting you at risk for conditions like muscle strains, joint misalignments, degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, and nerve impingement.

2. Most Risk Factors for Chronic Back Pain Are Preventable

The majority of back pain risk factors are preventable, according to research. It’s great news for you, because it means reducing your risk of chronic pain and alleviating your symptoms is largely within your control (and maybe with a bit of help from a physiotherapist).

Common preventable risk factors for chronic back pain include:

Sedentary behavior
Excessive weight
Smoking
Poor posture
Physically demanding jobs, including ones that require frequent sitting, bending, twisting, heavy lifting, or exposure to vibration

Even treatable psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression chronic increase the risk of chronic back pain. That’s one reason our physiotherapy team takes a holistic approach to our treatment plans and is always prepared to refer our patients to mental health professionals as appropriate.

3. In Most Cases, Exercise Makes Chronic Back Pain Better—Not Worse

We understand that moving around when you have chronic back pain can be a huge struggle. But with very few exceptions, participating in some form of daily movement is actually an important part of your pain control plan.

Exercise keeps your muscles and tissues strong, boosts circulation, reduces chronic inflammation, enhances mood, relieves stress, and helps you maintain a healthy body weight—all of which can ease and prevent back pain. A variety of activities are proven effective, including aerobic exercises like walking and cycling, and specific exercises to improve tissue healing, strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Consider that what works for some people may not work ideally for you. By honoring your specific needs and goals, a physiotherapist can help you develop a safe, effective, and sustainable exercise program that you can enjoy as a part of your daily life.

4. Surgery and Long-Term Medications Are Not Always Indicated

A lot of people assume that conditions like herniated discs can only be treated with surgery. But while certain situations do warrant surgical intervention, invasive procedures like spinal fusions are usually not considered the first best option for chronic back pain conditions.

In fact, research indicates only about half of first-time back surgeries successfully alleviate a person’s symptoms and improve their function. Repeat back surgeries fare even worse, with fewer than 30 percent of people reporting successful outcomes after a second spine operation. This problem is so well-documented in the literature that it’s earned its own ominous nickname: failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS).

Don’t forget, surgery also comes with its own challenges, like prolonged recovery time and the risk of post-operative complications like infections and bleeding.

Meanwhile, physiotherapy is recognized by the medical and scientific communities as one of the first lines of treatment for chronic back pain. Research even suggests that working with a physiotherapist can help a person with chronic back pain reduce their dependency on opioid medications. Not only does this make physiotherapy the clear cost-effective choice, but it also shows why physiotherapy is often the safer option.

5. Chronic Back Pain Can Get Better Even If You Don’t Know What’s Causing It

Remember how we said that most people will experience back pain at least once in their lives? Incredibly, research suggests many of these cases are “idiopathic,” meaning that doctors don’t know exactly what’s causing a person’s symptoms.

Even imaging studies aren’t always useful for helping doctors determine the cause of a patient’s back pain. For example, an MRI may reveal a herniated disc in the spine of a person who has no signs or symptoms whatsoever. Meanwhile, a person with debilitating back pain may have a perfectly “normal” spine as seen on an MRI or X-ray.

A physiotherapist receives extensive training in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating spinal conditions. But even if it’s not possible to pinpoint the exact underlying cause of chronic back pain, physiotherapy can still help. By designing a plan of care based on addressing the symptoms and known contributing factors—including poor posture, decreased hip and shoulder range of motion, and weak core muscles—a physiotherapist can you get lasting relief.

Are You Ready to Make Chronic Back Pain a Thing of the Past?

Call Rosedale Wellness Centre if you need help reclaiming your healthy active life and are ready to start living with less pain.

The post A Physiotherapist’s Perspective on Chronic Back Pain appeared first on Rosedale Wellness Centre.

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Service Fee Update

By John Son • August 11, 2026

Rosedale Wellness Centre Service Fee Update Effective September 15, 2026 At Rosedale Wellness Centre, our priority has always been to provide our patients with high-quality, personalized care in a welcoming and professional environment. We recognize that the cost of living has increased significantly and that many individuals and families are being more mindful of their expenses. We understand that healthcare costs are part of that consideration, and we do not take the decision to adjust our fees lightly. Beginning September 15, 2026 , we will be making adjustments to selected service fees. This represents our first general fee adjustment in approximately two years. These changes will allow us to continue investing in our practitioners, staff, equipment, facilities and services while maintaining the quality of care and patient experience you have come to appreciate from Rosedale Wellness Centre. Physiotherapy Initial Assessments & Treatment 40 minutes — $105 60 minutes — $145 Subsequent Treatments 20 minutes — $80 30 minutes — $100 40 minutes — $115 60 minutes — $150 Registered Massage Therapy 30 minutes — $96 45 minutes — $122 60 minutes — $148 75 minutes — $174 90 minutes — $206 The prices shown above represent the final patient cost, including HST. Osteopathy 20 minutes — $80 30 minutes — $102 40 minutes — $133 60 minutes — $170 The prices shown above represent the final patient cost, including HST. Acupuncture 30 minutes — $90 45 minutes — $115 60 minutes — $140 Cosmetic Acupuncture 45 minutes — $120 60 minutes — $145 90 minutes — $175 Chiropody Initial visit — $115 Subsequent treatment — $85 Why Are Our Fees Changing? We have worked carefully to keep these adjustments as reasonable as possible. Over the past two years, the cost of operating a multidisciplinary healthcare clinic has continued to rise. At the same time, we remain committed to maintaining the level of care, service and support our patients expect. The updated fees help us continue to: Attract and retain experienced healthcare practitioners Support ongoing education and professional development Invest in treatment equipment, technology and clinical resources Maintain our treatment rooms, rehabilitation facilities and clinic environment Provide strong front-desk and administrative support Continue offering a broad range of healthcare services under one roof These investments allow our practitioners and staff to focus on what matters most — your health, your recovery and your experience at Rosedale Wellness Centre. When Do the New Fees Take Effect? The updated rates will take effect on September 15, 2026 . Appointments taking place before September 15 will continue to be charged at the current rates. Appointments occurring on or after September 15 will be charged according to the updated fee schedule above. Please be advised that due to the recent price increase, patients whose appointments are booked within their insurance coverage limits may be slightly over their covered amount. We kindly ask that you plan accordingly and be prepared for any potential additional cost . If you have any questions or concerns regarding your coverage or the price increase, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re happy to assist you. Thank You for Your Continued Trust We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support. For more than 30 years, Rosedale Wellness Centre has been committed to helping our patients feel better, move better and live healthier lives. We are grateful for the trust you place in our practitioners and our team. These adjustments will help us continue providing the quality of care and level of service you have come to appreciate from Rosedale Wellness Centre for years to come.