How long does physiotherapy take to work for facet joint syndrome?

Facet joints guide movement between the small bones at the back of the spine and can become painful with loading or certain positions. Therapy may use spinal mobility, hip movement, trunk control, and gradual strengthening to reduce strain during daily tasks. Progress can mean standing longer, turning more comfortably, recovering faster after activity, or sleeping with fewer interruptions. Pain may vary from day to day, so function and flare recovery are useful markers alongside symptom intensity.

Complete the home exercises in the sequence and dose provided, and increase activity in small steps. Break up prolonged sitting, use a comfortable lifting strategy, and avoid repeatedly testing the painful movement. A brief symptom record can show whether walking, bending, or rotation is improving. If an exercise produces spreading leg symptoms, new numbness, or a sustained flare, stop that movement and contact the physiotherapist for advice.

Seek urgent assessment for new bladder or bowel control problems, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or rapidly worsening leg weakness. Arrange a prompt review for fever, unexplained weight loss, severe night pain, or pain after significant trauma. A clinician should reassess symptoms that steadily worsen despite a suitable treatment plan.

Ask which movements are safe during a flare, how you will measure progress, and when persistent leg symptoms should lead to further examination or imaging.