Low Back Pain
Low back pain is extremely common and usually responds well to the right physiotherapy. We find the cause and ease the pain with hands-on treatment, targeted exercises and clear advice at our Marple clinic.

Understanding Your Condition
Low back pain affects most of us at some point, and it can range from a mild, nagging ache to severe pain and spasm that makes movement difficult. The good news is that the vast majority of low back pain settles well with the right physiotherapy — and understanding the cause is the first step.
At Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple, we identify what's causing your back pain, ease it with hands-on treatment and targeted exercises, and give you the strength and knowledge to manage it confidently and prevent it returning.

What You Feel
- Aching or sharp pain in the lower back
- Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after sitting
- Muscle spasm and tightness in the back
- Pain that worsens with bending, sitting or lifting
- Discomfort that eases with movement or changing position
- Pain referring into the buttock or thigh
- Difficulty straightening up or standing for long periods
- Pain that's worse after a long day or poor sleep
Common Causes
- Joint and ligament strain in the lower back
- Disc irritation or bulge
- Muscle spasm and protective tightness
- Poor bending and lifting mechanics
- Prolonged sitting and sedentary postures
- Weak core and glute muscles
- Sudden awkward movements or lifting
- Stress, fatigue and poor sleep
Who Physiotherapy Can Help
Low back pain affects people of every age and occupation — desk workers, manual labourers, drivers, gardeners, new parents and athletes. We help with acute, sudden back pain that appeared overnight and longer-standing, recurring back pain that comes and goes.
If your back pain is accompanied by leg pain, numbness, weakness, or bladder or bowel changes, it's important to seek prompt medical attention — we screen for these 'red flags' carefully at your first appointment.
Struggling with Low Back Pain?
Book your assessment today. We'll find the root cause and start hands-on treatment in your first session.
Your Assessment
Your assessment is thorough and reassuring. We take a detailed history, examine your spine movement, test your nerve mobility and reflexes, and perform specific tests to identify the cause of your pain.
Importantly, we screen for any signs that need medical review or imaging, so you're always safe. By the end of your first session, you'll understand what's causing your back pain and what to do about it.
How We Treat It
Our hands-on treatment approach:
- Detailed assessment to identify the cause of your back pain
- Hands-on treatment to mobilise the spine and ease muscle spasm
- Targeted exercises to restore movement and strength
- Strengthening of the core, glutes and back muscles
- Advice on bending, lifting, sitting and posture
- A progressive plan to restore full, pain-free movement
Expected Recovery
Most low back pain improves significantly within 2–6 weeks with the right treatment. Acute pain often settles faster, while longer-standing, recurrent back pain takes a little longer to fully resolve.
The key is addressing the underlying cause — not just the pain — so the problem doesn't keep returning. We give you the strength, knowledge and habits to manage your back confidently and keep it healthy long-term.
Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
No GP referral needed. Direct access appointments available — often same-day or within a few days.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first session is a 45-minute comprehensive assessment. We start by listening — understanding your symptoms, your history, and what you want to get back to. We then carry out a thorough hands-on physical examination to identify the root cause of your problem. You'll receive a clear explanation of what's going on, a personalised treatment plan, and hands-on treatment begins in that very first session. You leave knowing exactly what's wrong, what we'll do about it, and how long recovery will take.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area we're treating. For knee, hip, or leg problems, shorts are ideal. For shoulder, neck, or back issues, a loose top or vest works well. You'll never be asked to undress beyond what's necessary for examination and treatment, and you'll always be treated with dignity and respect in our private treatment room.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and your goals. Many patients feel significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. Acute injuries often resolve faster, while long-standing or complex conditions may need more. We'll give you a clear treatment timeline at your first appointment — and we only ever recommend sessions you genuinely need. Our goal is to get you independent and pain-free as quickly as possible, not to keep you coming back.
Can I Claim Through Insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by most major health insurance providers including AXA, Vitality, Bupa, WPA, and Healix. We can bill your insurer directly so you don't need to pay upfront — simply bring your insurance authorisation number to your appointment. If you're not sure whether you're covered, call us and we'll help you check before you book.
Treated by a Qualified, Experienced Professional

Rob Wood
Head Physio & Clinic Owner
Meet Rob, founder of Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple.
Low Back Pain Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Complete Recovery Physiotherapy?
Root Cause, Not Just the Pain
We find what's actually causing your back pain — not just where you feel it — so treatment targets the real problem and the pain doesn't keep returning.
Careful Red-Flag Screening
We screen for signs that need medical review or imaging at your first appointment, so you're always safe and always in the right place for your care.
Hands-On Every Session
Spinal mobilisation, soft tissue work and targeted treatment in every session — combined with specific exercises, not just a generic advice sheet.
Clear Reassurance
Back pain can be worrying. We explain your symptoms clearly, reassure you and give you a plan, so you understand exactly what's happening.
Same Physio Every Time
Continuity of care with a physio who knows your back, your history and your goals throughout your recovery.
Free Parking in Marple
Easy visits at Bowden Hall with free parking right at the door — important when your back makes moving uncomfortable.
Related Conditions We Treat

Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common problems we treat at Complete Recovery Physio in Marple. Whether you're struggling with acute lower back pain, sciatica, upper back tension, disc-related issues, or chronic stiffness, our experienced physiotherapists can help you find lasting relief and regain confidence in your movement.
Learn More
Sciatica
Sciatica is nerve pain that radiates from your lower back down through your buttock and leg, often with pins and needles or numbness. We assess the exact cause and relieve it with hands-on treatment, targeted exercises and clear guidance at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Disc Injury
A disc injury — sometimes called a slipped or herniated disc — can cause back and leg pain when it presses on a nerve. We settle the irritation and rebuild a strong, supported spine at our Marple clinic.
Learn More
Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome causes buttock and leg pain when a tight muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. We ease the tightness and restore balanced hip strength at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreRelated Services

Physiotherapy
At Complete Recovery Physio, everything we do is built around high-quality physiotherapy. Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with ongoing pain, or looking to move more freely, we're here to support you.
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Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is the hands-on heart of physiotherapy — skilled joint mobilisation, soft tissue release and manipulation that reduces pain, restores movement and helps your body move freely again, delivered by experienced physiotherapists in Marple.
Learn More
Exercise Rehabilitation
Exercise rehabilitation is the structured, progressive programme that rebuilds your strength, movement and confidence after injury or surgery — turning short-term relief into lasting recovery, guided by physiotherapists at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreDon't Let Pain Hold You Back
Expert, hands-on physiotherapy in Marple. Free parking. Same-day and short-notice appointments often available.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book your assessment today and take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Free parking at our Marple clinic.


