Quick Summary
Back pain lasting more than three months can affect sleep, work and confidence. Our assessment looks at your symptoms and the things that matter to you, then builds a manageable plan for activity, strength and appropriate hands-on care.
Understanding Chronic Low Back Pain
Chronic, or persistent, low back pain describes duration rather than a single diagnosis. Pain can continue even when there is no ongoing serious tissue injury. It is real, and its impact can involve movement, sleep, mood and the demands of everyday life.
How we assess your symptoms
We review the history, previous treatment, health changes and any leg symptoms. We screen for reasons to seek medical care and agree meaningful goals. If progress is limited, we reconsider the approach and discuss GP or multidisciplinary pain-service support where appropriate.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Ongoing or recurring lower back pain and stiffness.
- Difficulty sustaining work, exercise or daily routines.
- Flare-ups that affect sleep or make movement feel less predictable.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
What may contribute?
A previous episode, changes in physical capacity and sensitivity can all contribute. Sleep, stress and concern about pain may influence recovery. These factors are explored without blaming you or assuming that all persistent pain is psychological.
A treatment plan built around you
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Manual or soft tissue therapy may help comfort and make activity easier for some people. It is combined with exercise and self-management, with an agreed review of benefit rather than open-ended reliance on repeated passive treatment.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not routinely recommended for chronic low back pain. Your assessment will guide appropriate rehabilitation, symptom management and whether medical or specialist review is needed. We will explain why each proposed treatment fits your symptoms before you decide whether to proceed.
Targeted Exercise Programme
We develop a gradual strength and activity programme you can sustain. Pacing aims to reduce repeated overdoing-and-stopping cycles, while building capacity. Relaxation or psychological approaches may be useful alongside physical rehabilitation when suited to your needs.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Go to A&E immediately for new numbness around your genitals or bottom, difficulty starting or controlling urine, loss of bowel control, or severe or worsening weakness in both legs. These can signal cauda equina compression. Call 999 if you need an ambulance.
- Seek urgent medical advice for rapidly worsening leg weakness, fever or feeling unwell with back pain, or significant pain after an injury. Contact your GP about unexplained weight loss, a cancer history or persistent night pain.
Your questions answered
Does ongoing pain mean ongoing damage?
Not necessarily. Pain and tissue changes do not have a one-to-one relationship. New symptoms still deserve assessment, but a flare does not automatically mean you have injured your back again.
What if previous physiotherapy did not help?
We review what was tried, what felt manageable and what was missing. A different starting level, clearer goals or coordinated medical and pain-management support may be more useful than simply repeating the same treatment.
Which appointment should I book?
Choose a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment for new, persistent or uncertain symptoms. We will assess what is limiting you, explain the options and agree the next steps. If you already have a diagnosis, bring any relevant scan report or specialist advice. For assessed muscle tension, Soft Tissue Therapy with Brigitte may complement your exercise plan. New weakness or nerve symptoms should be assessed before massage.
Visit J&J Therapy on the ground floor of CI Tower, New Malden. Book an assessment or call our reception team on 07935 869938 if you are unsure which service to choose.
Related conditions
Non-specific low back pain · Degenerative disc changes
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information to support informed choices; it is not a diagnosis or a personalised treatment plan. Suitability and any need for referral are assessed individually. Seek urgent medical help for the warning signs listed above.