Lower back pain
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How Does Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy is helpful for restricted joint mobility and decreased muscle strength in the same areas, both before and during recovery from surgeries. A physiotherapist helps find solutions for discomfort caused by sedentary work and other musculoskeletal issues.
If possible, bring your test results with you. Exercises are easier to perform when wearing comfortable sportswear.
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems. In most cases, it is non-specific and improves without surgical intervention, that is, with conservative treatment. Evidence-based recommendations are based on the duration and severity of pain (distinguishing between acute, subacute, and chronic pain).
Acute low back pain (up to 6 weeks)
Recommendations:
- Stay active and avoid bed rest — inactivity may prolong recovery time.
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Pain relief as needed:
Paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.
Manual therapy, including mobilisation and manipulation, may help reduce pain in the short term. - Exercise therapy: light physical activity (e.g., walking, gentle mobility exercises).
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) — it is important to consider the role of psychosocial factors.
Reference:
- Continuing movement and short-term use of pain relief medications improve functional recovery more quickly than a passive approach. (van Tulder et al 2018)

Acute low back pain (6–12 weeks)
Recommendations:
- Continue physical activity and therapeutic exercises — focus on muscle strengthening and, if necessary, mobility exercises recommended by your physiotherapist.
- Physiotherapy: supervised exercises and aerobic conditioning.
Reference:
- Exercises provided by our physiotherapists are among the most effective methods for treating subacute low back pain. (Hayden et al 2021)
Chronic low back pain (more than 12 weeks)
Recommendations:
- Multimodal approach: combine exercise therapy, psychological support, and manual therapy.
- Strength and aerobic training: focus on pelvic stabilization and improving muscle endurance.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy and pain neuroscience education help change the patient’s attitude toward pain and reduce fear-avoidance behaviors.
- Return-to-work program and ergonomic assessment.
Reference:
- Combined physiotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy are effective for chronic low back pain. (Kamper et al 2015)
Other Important Aspects
- Imaging diagnostics (MRI, X-ray) are usually not necessary for acute low back pain unless there are warning signs (e.g., cauda equina syndrome, fracture, suspicion of tumor).
- Invasive procedures (injections, surgical treatment) are indicated only if conservative treatment has failed and there is spinal cord compression or severe functional loss.
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About Us
Füsioteraapia Kliinik OÜ is a company established in 2011, whose specialists are recognised Estonian sports physiotherapists.
The clinic’s specialists help find solutions to various musculoskeletal system problems, whether it’s pain limiting daily activities or sports, decreased muscle performance, restricted joint mobility, or other issues.
In practice, the most common reasons for consulting a physiotherapist are muscle tension, pain in the lower back and neck area, as well as painful shoulder and knee joints.
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OÜ Füsioteraapia Kliinik
Registrikood: 12149635
Swedbank: EE082200221053152027
Operating Licence: L06512
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