What to Expect from Exercise Therapy for Non-Specific Low Back Pain

A therapist checks movement, strength, balance and the activities that bring on symptoms. Early exercises are selected to be controlled and tolerable, then adjusted as your response becomes clearer.

Progress may include resistance, coordination, mobility and task-specific practice. Muscle effort or temporary soreness can happen, but sharp or escalating pain should be reported so the load can be changed.

Follow the home plan at the recommended pace and keep movements controlled. Increase one feature at a time, such as repetitions, resistance, walking time or speed.

Keep useful activity within tolerance and avoid sudden demanding movements until strength and control have improved. Tell your therapist about next-day symptoms, work demands and the activities you want to resume.

Seek prompt medical assessment for severe or rapidly worsening pain, inability to bear weight, major swelling or bruising, new weakness or numbness, fever, or symptoms after significant trauma. Seek review if the programme repeatedly causes a clear deterioration.

Which movements should I modify? What level of discomfort is acceptable? How will you measure progress? When can I return to my usual work, exercise or sport?