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Prestige Physiotherapy Inc.
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Lower back pain

Lasting relief from chronic and acute back pain, not just symptom cover-up.

Man holding his lower back, showing chronic back pain

About lower back pain

Most lower back pain is mechanical — strained muscles, irritated joints, or stiff segments that aren't moving well. The good news is that the vast majority of cases settle within 6 to 12 weeks with the right combination of movement, hands-on care, and graded loading. The bad news is that without a plan, episodes recur. We focus on both — settling the current episode AND building the resilience to prevent the next one.

Imaging is rarely needed for typical low back pain. We screen for the red flags that warrant medical referral and treat the rest with the tools we have: manual therapy, dry needling, specific exercise, and education about what's actually safe to do.

Person holding their lower back, illustrating the typical pain pattern of lumbar strain

Symptoms we see

  • Stiffness when changing position

    Trouble getting out of a chair or rolling over in bed.

  • Localised back ache

    Dull pain across the lumbar area, often worse at the end of the day.

  • Sharp pain with certain movements

    A sudden catch when bending, twisting, or lifting.

  • Limited range of motion

    Can't fully bend forward, twist, or extend back without pain.

  • Radiating pain or numbness

    Pain travelling into the buttock or leg — often a nerve-irritation pattern.

  • Avoidance of activity

    Skipping things you used to do because you're not sure what's safe.

How we approach treatment

Your first visit includes a thorough movement assessment, a clear explanation of what\'s likely driving your pain, and same-session treatment. We pair hands-on work — joint mobilisation, soft-tissue release, and dry needling where it fits — with a graded exercise program you can actually do at home. Most patients see meaningful change within 4 to 6 visits.

Common questions

  • How long until I feel better?
    Most patients notice progress within 3 to 6 visits. Recovery timelines depend on the injury, your overall health, and how consistently you follow your home program. Your therapist sets clear milestones at your first visit so you know what to expect.
  • Do you direct-bill my insurance?
    Yes. We bill most major extended health insurers directly, as well as Motor Vehicle Accident claims and Workers’ Compensation. Bring your insurance details to your first appointment and we handle the paperwork.
  • Do I need a doctor’s referral?
    No. Physiotherapy is a primary-care profession in Alberta, so you can book directly. Some insurance plans do ask for a referral, so we recommend checking with your provider before your first visit.
  • What should I bring to my first visit?
    Comfortable clothing you can move in (shorts or yoga pants work well for most assessments). Your insurance info, any imaging or specialist reports if you have them, and your questions.
  • How many visits will I need?
    It varies. A simple flare-up may resolve in 2 to 4 visits; chronic or post-surgical conditions can take longer. We track your progress visit-by-visit and adjust the plan to reach your goals as efficiently as we can.

Ready to feel better?

Book online in under 60 seconds, or give us a call.