Mon to Sat: 8am-9pm

Room 708, Manning House, 38 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Low back pain physiotherapy

Experiencing lower back pain (LBP)? You're not alone.

Physiotherapist Gary understands firsthand—he too struggled with lower back pain in his youth. Lower back pain is a prevalent issue (~80% of us experiencing at some point in our lives). If left untreated, besides the persistent pain, can impact our physical abilities, including sports performance, as well as our comfort while sitting or standing. It may also affect emotions and the quality of our sleep.

Sources of low back pain

Lower back pain is an umbrella term that encompasses various issues causing discomfort in the lower back region. It often involves multiple areas of concern or structures rather than a single problem. Common sources of low back pain include:

Facet joint (zygapophyseal joint) with ligament strain: The facet joint is stuck in either the opening (bending forward) or closing (bending backward) direction
Muscle, tendon strain: muscle imbalance/ weakness, sudden movements or excessive loading of the back can result in strain on the muscles and tendons
Disc bulge (Herniated Disc): often caused by repetitive bending forward, leading to tears in the outer protective structure known as the annulus fibrosus from the inside out
Arthritis in disc and facet joint: aging and overuse without proper muscle strength protection to the passive joint could lead to degeneration of the lower back joint and disc

*Other spinal diseases: Spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis

disc bulge with nerve impingement compressed

people at risk of experiencing lbp

Muscle imbalance (overactive/underactive muscles): For example, if the hamstring muscles are underactive or shortened, the lumbar spine may compensate for hip movement, leading to what is known as “compensatory movement”
Scoliosis/ listing in the spine: The abnormal sideways curvature of the spine can cause back ache due to imbalances and pressure on the muscles and joints
Poor spinal posture: including kyphosis, swayback posture, flat back posture, and improper standing or sitting weight bearing
Poor form in gym lifting or sports: improper body mechanics and technique could reduced performance/ strength and increase risk of spinal injury
White-collar (office) workers: Office workers often face back pain due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and lack of movement
Contact or extreme sports: The repetitive stress and intense movements involved in sports like rugby and bouldering can strain the back muscles and structures
Aging: As we age, changes in the spine such as disc degeneration and decreased muscle mass can increase the likelihood of back pain

symptoms & how back pain affect us

Persistent Ache in the lower back: pain that persists even with rest and fails to fully resolve
Sharp Shooting pain: acute back pain that hinders spinal movement
Referred Pain to rib and leg: pain felt in the ribs or legs originating from a back injury
Back stiffness with limited flexibility: impairs daily activities like bending, lifting, twisting, walking, or getting out of bed comfortably
Numbness or tingling in the lower back or leg: an altered sensation that arises when a nerve is compressed in the lumbar spine region

In addition to the physical impact, low back pain could also lead to emotional distress (e.g., feelings of frustration, anxiety), sleep disturbances, and reduced work productivity

how physio can help back pain

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing and alleviating low back pain through a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plan.

Evaluation and Diagnosis: Including flexibility, muscle strength, spinal & pelvic alignment, sitting & standing posture etc. Identifying the root causes of low back pain is essential for developing personalized treatment plans
Pain Relief Treatment: We employ a range of evidence-based modalities, including manual therapy, spinal manipulation, modern acupuncture, shock-wave therapy, and specific exercises, to help alleviate pain and inflammation, while addressing muscle and joint tension in the affected back area.
Posture Training: Our tailored exercise programs, grounded in body mechanics and ergonomics, are designed to strengthen the specific muscle groups that support the spine, improve flexibility, and correct postural imbalances (e.g. sitting, walking, running).
Exercise Performance and Functional Rehabilitation: We focus on enhancing your function and daily activities through functional rehabilitation exercises that replicate real-life or sports movements, ultimately boosting performance and reducing discomfort.
Lifestyle Modifications and Preventive Strategies: Our team offers guidance on lifestyle adjustments, such as modifications to activities, ergonomic and postural adaptations in both work and home environments, as well as strategies to foster a healthy lifestyle that can effectively manage and prevent low back pain.

why choose gary ng physiotherapy?

Our Value and Promise for You: We are here to guide you on a journey towards a life free from pain and enhanced efficiency. At Gary Ng Physiotherapy, we go beyond traditional care to target your pain, imbalances, and weaknesses. Our holistic approach guarantees immediate relief and sustainable progress.
Experienced Physiotherapist: We leverage cutting-edge advancements in addressing lower back pain, muscle imbalances, and scoliosis, incorporating techniques such as Schroth Therapy, McKenzie method, and Fascia Approach. Combined with the most up-to-date treatment including spinal manipulation and modern acupuncture, we offer our patients with the optimal care of the highest standard.
Personalized Expert Care: At Gary Ng Physiotherapy, we take pride in delivering one-on-one, customized expert care designed to meet your unique needs. We firmly believe that "the devil is in the details." Employing a "divide and conquer" strategy, we address every facet of your treatment and care.
Accurate Diagnosis and Individualized Exercise Program: Recognizing that an accurate diagnosis is fundamental to effective treatment, we prioritize understanding the root causes of your issues. Following the session, you will receive a precise diagnosis and a tailored Exercise Program, complete with videos and detailed exercise descriptions to support your recovery journey.

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more about gary

"Initially, I turned to Gary for help with soreness in the back & upper buttocks.

Through his thorough examination, he identified issues with the gluteus medius and the way that I weight bear through my legs. After two to three months of training and manual therapy, I have now been able to recover to normal! (I can even walk 20,000 steps a day without pain!) I am grateful for Gary's patient support and look forward to how his future training can help me address other issues."

ping-chun hsu

"I had been suffering from lower back pain for weeks and decided to see a physiotherapist to address it. It turns out the issue was related to my glutes.

He carefully assessed and identified the root causes of my pain. Gary is incredibly professional. After just a few sessions, my pain was completely resolved. I also gained a better understanding of the relationship between muscles and posture, something I hadn‘t experienced with other therapists. Gary taught me various exercises to improve glute flexibility.

I highly recommend Gary for anyone looking to solve posture issues long-term."

david tam

“I underwent a medical procedure to decompress nerves on my spine at L4, L5, and S1.

I find Gary to be very professional, confident, and knowledgeable. He is very attentive in designing a program that caters to each client's treatment needs. If I feel uncomfortable with a particular exercise, he promptly addresses it and finds a suitable alternative. This personalized approach tailored to my needs is the best aspect for me.”

christina hau

"I’ve had chronic lower back and hip joint pain for many years.

Gary has provided an extremely high level of expertise, empathy and service. With his help, I have experience very meaningful improvements and am confident that the recovery is on track. He is one of the best physiotherapist you could ever go to in Hong Kong and I highly recommend him to everyone."

philip shin

"Experienced lower back pain from deadlifting in the gym and decided to pay Gary a visit as a precautionary measure.

Gary provided relief to the soreness in the problem area but more importantly did assessments and taught me exercises, through which I can improve weight bearing, posture and learn how to use my muscles more efficiently. Hopefully with Gary's help, I will have less injuries and perform better in the gym / on the tennis court!"

kristy tang

"After I injured my lower back from an accident, a friend recommended for me to go see Gary.

Not only did he come up with a plan to relieve my pain, he also gave me exercises to strengthen other parts of my body so my pain will not return. After 3-4 sessions I felt noticeably stronger and better, because his treatment methods helped me continue with the my yoga career."

allison pan

view more patient testimonials

Low back pain physiotherapy

Sources of low back pain

Lower back pain is an umbrella term that encompasses various issues causing discomfort in the lower back region. It often involves multiple areas of concern or structures rather than a single problem. Common sources of low back pain include:

Facet joint (zygapophyseal joint) with ligament strain: The facet joint is stuck in either the opening (bending forward) or closing (bending backward) direction

Muscle, tendon strain: muscle imbalance/ weakness, sudden movements or excessive loading of the back can result in strain on the muscles and tendons

Disc bulge (Herniated Disc): often caused by repetitive bending forward, leading to tears in the outer protective structure known as the annulus fibrosus from the inside out

Arthritis in disc and facet joint: aging and overuse without proper muscle strength protection to the passive joint could lead to degeneration of the lower back joint and disc

*Other spinal diseases: Spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis

people at risk of experiencing lbp

Muscle imbalance (overactive/underactive muscles): For example, if the hamstring muscles are underactive or shortened, the lumbar spine may compensate for hip movement, leading to what is known as “compensatory movement”

Scoliosis/ listing in the spine: The abnormal sideways curvature of the spine can cause back ache due to imbalances and pressure on the muscles and joints

Poor spinal posture: including kyphosis, swayback posture, flat back posture, and improper standing or sitting weight bearing

Poor form in gym lifting or sports: improper body mechanics and technique could reduced performance/ strength and increase risk of spinal injury

White-collar (office) workers: Office workers often face back pain due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and lack of movement

Contact or extreme sports: The repetitive stress and intense movements involved in sports like rugby and bouldering can strain the back muscles and structures

Aging: As we age, changes in the spine such as disc degeneration and decreased muscle mass can increase the likelihood of back pain

symptoms & how back pain affect us

Persistent Ache in the lower back: pain that persists even with rest and fails to fully resolve

Sharp Shooting pain: acute back pain that hinders spinal movement

Referred Pain to rib and leg: pain felt in the ribs or legs originating from a back injury

Back stiffness with limited flexibility: impairs daily activities like bending, lifting, twisting, walking, or getting out of bed comfortably

Numbness or tingling in the lower back or leg: an altered sensation that arises when a nerve is compressed in the lumbar spine region

In addition to the physical impact, low back pain could also lead to emotional distress (e.g., feelings of frustration, anxiety), sleep disturbances, and reduced work productivity

how physio can help back pain

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing and alleviating low back pain through a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plan.

Evaluation and Diagnosis: Including flexibility, muscle strength, spinal & pelvic alignment, sitting & standing posture etc. Identifying the root causes of low back pain is essential for developing personalized treatment plans

Pain Relief Treatment: We employ a range of evidence-based modalities, including manual therapy, spinal manipulation, modern acupuncture, shock-wave therapy, and specific exercises, to help alleviate pain and inflammation, while addressing muscle and joint tension in the affected back area.

Posture Training: Our tailored exercise programs, grounded in body mechanics and ergonomics, are designed to strengthen the specific muscle groups that support the spine, improve flexibility, and correct postural imbalances (e.g. sitting, walking, running).

Exercise Performance and Functional Rehabilitation: We focus on enhancing your function and daily activities through functional rehabilitation exercises that replicate real-life or sports movements, ultimately boosting performance and reducing discomfort.

why choose gary ng physiotherapy?

Personalized Expert Care: At Gary Ng Physiotherapy, we take pride in delivering one-on-one, customized expert care designed to meet your unique needs. We firmly believe that "the devil is in the details." Employing a "divide and conquer" strategy, we address every facet of your treatment and care.