Effective Treatment for Back Pain That Lasts
Get Moving Again with Confidence
Back pain is the most frequent reason people seek our help in Whiteley. Whether your pain started suddenly after a heavy lift, has built up gradually over months of office work, or simply comes and goes without a clear pattern, it can quickly begin to dictate how you live your life. It affects your sleep, your ability to exercise, and your performance at work.
At The Whiteley Physiotherapy Centre, we see patients with back pain every day. Our approach moves beyond just “rubbing the sore spot.” We focus on identifying the specific drivers of your symptoms and building a rehabilitation plan that addresses the underlying cause—not just the pain. We give you the tools to manage your back independently and reduce the risk of it “going” again in the future.
Understanding Back Pain
Common Causes
The spine is a robust, resilient structure, but it can be sensitive to changes in load and posture. Common contributors to back pain include:
- Muscle & Ligament Strains: Often following a sudden “unaccustomed” movement.
- Disc Issues: Bulges or herniations that can sometimes cause “Sciatica” (nerve pain down the leg).
- Facet Joint Irritation: Stiffness in the small joints of the spine, often felt when arching backwards.
- Degenerative Changes: Such as Osteoarthritis, which is a normal part of the ageing process but can become symptomatic.
- Postural Strain: From prolonged sitting, standing, or repetitive manual tasks.
When to Seek Help
Most back pain improves within a few weeks with gentle movement. However, if your pain has lasted more than six weeks, is getting worse, or is waking you up at night, a professional assessment is vital.
Important: Seek urgent medical advice (A&E) if you experience numbness around your groin or buttocks, loss of bladder or bowel control, or sudden weakness in both legs. These are rare but require immediate attention.
How We Treat Back Pain
- Manual Therapy: We use spinal mobilisations, gentle manipulation, and soft tissue techniques to “desensitise” the area and restore fluid movement to stiff segments of the spine.
- Tailored Exercise Prescription: This is the “gold standard” for long-term back health. We move away from “absolute rest” and towards targeted strengthening and mobility drills that help your spine handle the weight of your daily life.
- Clinical Pilates: Led by our specialist therapists, Pilates is an excellent way to build the core stability and spinal flexibility needed to prevent future episodes.
- Hydrotherapy: Our on-site heated pool allows you to perform rehabilitative movements in a weightless environment—perfect for when land-based exercise feels too provocative.
- Education & Pacing: We explain exactly what is happening in your back in plain English. Understanding that “hurt does not always mean harm” is one of the most powerful tools for a faster recovery.
Your First Appointment
At The Whiteley Physiotherapy Centre, we know that back pain can be frightening. Your first session is designed to put you at ease and provide a clear roadmap for recovery.
Practicalities for your visit:
- A Thorough 45-Minute Assessment: Your clinician will discuss your history and perform a physical exam to check your reflexes, muscle power, and spinal mobility.
- What to wear: Please wear comfortable clothing that allows us to see your back and hips clearly (e.g., a vest top and leggings/shorts).
- What to bring: If you have had previous MRI or X-ray reports, please bring them along. However, please note that we treat the person, not just the scan.
- Immediate Treatment: In most cases, treatment or a home exercise plan will begin in this first session so you can start finding relief straight away.
Honesty in Recovery
We believe in realistic expectations. The spine is designed to move, but it doesn’t like to be rushed.
Clinical Note: While manual therapy can often provide a “quick win” in terms of pain relief, the physiological changes required to make a back “resilient” take time.
Most episodes of mechanical back pain show significant improvement within four to eight weeks of consistent exercise. If your condition is more chronic, we focus on a long-term management strategy to keep you functional and active. We won’t keep you coming back for “adjustments” indefinitely; our goal is to graduate you from the clinic with the strength and knowledge to look after your own back for years to come.
Your Treatment Team
- Felicia Fetcu – Physiotherapist and hydrotherapy physiotherapist (CSP: 106027 | HCPC: PH117618)
- Bethany Vance – Physiotherapist (CSP: 127691 | HCPC: PH146896)
- Yves De Vos – Physiotherapist and shockwave therapy (CSP: 54623 | HCPC: PH48182)
- Diane Shaw – Physiotherapist, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy (CSP: 49658 | HCPC: PH41958)
- Simona Jacob – Physiotherapist (CSP: 111102 | HCPC: PH124185)
Pricing and Appointment
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Initial Assessment £79 / 45 minutes
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Follow-Up Session £59 / 30 minutes
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Block Booking £319 for 6 sessions
We are recognised by Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA, Cigna, and Vitality. Contact us before booking if you plan to use insurance.
To book, call 01489 569888 or email info@thewhiteleyphysiocentre.co.uk.
Conveniently Located in Whiteley
Our clinic is at Gull Coppice, Yew Tree Drive, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7LS, close to Whiteley Community Centre and Whiteley Primary School. We serve patients from Whiteley, Fareham, Segensworth, Swanwick, Titchfield, Sarisbury, and Burridge.
Opening hours: Mon 8.30-5.00 / Tue 8.30-8.00 / Wed 8.30-8.00 / Thu 8.30-8.00 / Fri 8.30-6.00
Phone: 01489 569888
Email: info@thewhiteleyphysiocentre.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a scan before starting physiotherapy?
How many sessions will I need?
Should I rest if my back hurts?
Is physiotherapy effective for chronic back pain?
Yes. NICE recommends exercise and manual therapy as first-line treatments for chronic back pain. Physiotherapy is one of the most effective approaches for managing long-term back problems.
Can I exercise with back pain?
In most cases, yes. The right type of exercise can actually help reduce back pain and prevent recurrence. Your physiotherapist will prescribe exercises that are safe and appropriate for your condition.
What if my back pain is caused by a disc problem?
Disc-related back pain responds well to physiotherapy in many cases. Treatment focuses on reducing pain, restoring movement, and building the strength and stability to support the spine. Surgery is rarely needed.
Can you help with back pain during pregnancy?
Yes. Back pain is common during pregnancy and physiotherapy can help. Treatment is adapted to be safe and comfortable throughout pregnancy.
Is back pain covered by health insurance?
Physiotherapy for back pain is typically covered by major health insurers. We are recognised by Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA, Cigna, and Vitality.
Can I self-refer?
Yes. You do not need a GP referral for a self-funded appointment.
Where is the clinic?
Gull Coppice, Yew Tree Drive, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7LS. Serving Whiteley, Fareham, Segensworth, Swanwick, Titchfield, Sarisbury, and Burridge.
Ready to Get Started?
Do not let back pain hold you back. Call 01489 569888 or book online to get your recovery started.