Understanding Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common health concerns in Australia — affecting up to 1 in 6 adults at some point in their lives. While it can feel limiting, the good news is that movement and exercise are among the most effective ways to recover and prevent future pain. An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) helps you rebuild strength, confidence, and resilience safely — without relying solely on rest or pain medication.

Why Exercise Helps
When you move, your body increases blood flow, activates stabilizing muscles, and releases endorphins — your
body’s natural pain relievers. Over time, consistent, guided exercise helps:

• Strengthen deep core and spinal muscles
• Improve posture and mobility
• Reduce fear of movement
• Build long-term confidence in your body

Even gentle movement helps reduce inflammation and stiffness — especially when tailored to your current pain level and fitness. Research from Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) shows that supervised, progressive exercise programs can reduce back pain intensity by up to 40–60% and improve function across daily activities.

Common Causes of Back Pain
While every person’s back pain story is different, common contributing factors include:

• Prolonged sitting or poor posture
• Weakness in stabilizing muscles
• Sudden increase in lifting or activity
• Stress or sleep changes
• Previous injury or surgery
• Deconditioning after illness or inactivity
  

Exercise Physiology addresses these underlying causes, not just the pain itself.

What an Exercise Physiology Program Includes
At Greater Health, back pain programs are evidence-based and client-centered — focusing on what you can do,
not what you can’t. Depending on your assessment, your AEP (Accredited Exercise Physiologist) may include:

• Gentle mobility and stretching exercises
• Core and spinal stability work
• Strength training for hips, glutes, and back
• Posture and ergonomic education
• Gradual progression toward work or sport activities

Sessions are structured to reduce pain sensitivity while restoring confidence in everyday movement — whether at
home, in the gym, or pool (hydrotherapy).

The Mind-Body Connection
Modern pain science highlights that pain is influenced by the brain and nervous system, not just physical
structures. Chronic pain can lead to fear of movement (known as Kinesio phobia), which in turn causes further
deconditioning and pain. Through education, graded exposure, and positive reinforcement, Exercise Physiologists
help break this cycle — showing that movement is safe, controlled, and beneficial.

The Greater Health Approach
At Greater Health, we use an empowering and evidence-based approach to back pain management. We take
time to understand your story, triggers, and goals before creating a plan that fits your daily life.

Our focus:

• Education and movement confidence
• Strength and mobility restoration
• Posture and ergonomic habits
• Mind-body resilience and long-term prevention

We work closely with GPs, physiotherapists, and pain specialists when needed, ensuring a coordinated care plan
that supports your full recovery.

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