Following an acute episode of lower back pain in November 2025, the patient experienced persistent pain that significantly affected her ability to care for her young daughter and complete everyday activities.
Although imaging explained part of the problem, the patient’s symptoms were also influenced by reduced movement confidence, muscle guarding, decreased core stability, and the physical demands of caring for a young child.
Simple daily tasks became increasingly difficult.
These limitations affected not only her physical function but also her confidence in performing normal parenting activities.
Our physiotherapy assessment focused on understanding both the structural diagnosis and the functional factors contributing to her ongoing pain.
The assessment identified:
Rather than focusing solely on pain relief, the goal was to restore efficient movement patterns and gradually rebuild strength so she could safely return to the physical demands of motherhood.
Because her symptoms had developed over several months and involved both pain and movement dysfunction, rehabilitation required a staged, evidence-based approach. Over approximately 35 to 40 physiotherapy and clinical Pilates sessions, treatment progressed from pain management to functional rehabilitation and eventually strength and conditioning.
Phase 1
The first stage focused on reducing pain, muscle guarding, and inflammation while restoring comfortable movement.
These treatments were combined with gentle mobility exercises to reduce stiffness and improve confidence in movement.
Phase 2
As pain improved, treatment shifted toward rebuilding the body’s natural support system.
Breathing retraining played an important role in improving trunk control and reducing unnecessary muscle tension during everyday movements.
Phase 3
Once movement quality improved, strengthening exercises were gradually introduced. The rehabilitation programme progressed to include
Exercise intensity was gradually increased according to the patient’s progress while ensuring symptoms remained well-managed.
Phase 4
One of the foremost important goals was helping the patient perform real-life tasks without aggravating her symptoms. Treatment therefore, incorporated
The patient also followed a structured home exercise programme to reinforce improvements between clinic visits.
Focus on reducing pain, relieving muscle spasms, improving mobility, and restoring comfortable movement.
Progressive core activation, breathing retraining, hip mobility, and spinal stability exercises.
Advanced strengthening, functional retraining, increased exercise tolerance, and preparation for higher-level activities, including running.
Following completion of approximately 35 to 40 sessions, the patient achieved significant improvements across multiple areas of daily function.
More importantly, she regained the ability to participate more comfortably in her everyday life.
By the end of rehabilitation, treatment had progressed beyond pain management into higher-level strength development, helping prepare her body for long-term resilience and future physical activity. The patient reported feeling noticeably stronger, more confident, and pleasantly surprised by how much activity she could complete without aggravating her back. If you’re experiencing symptoms similar to this patient’s, learn more about our lower back pain physiotherapy services or book an assessment with our team.
Lower back pain following pregnancy is often influenced by much more than spinal imaging findings alone. Successful rehabilitation frequently requires a combination of:
This case demonstrates how a structured physiotherapy and clinical Pilates programme can help patients regain confidence, improve function, and return to the physical demands of parenting and exercise.
This rehabilitation programme was planned and delivered by Aparna Shah, one of the experienced physiotherapists at Rapid Physiocare. Throughout the patient’s recovery, the treatment plan was tailored to her symptoms, functional goals, and progress, combining evidence-based physiotherapy techniques with Clinical Pilates to help restore strength, mobility, and confidence in movement.
About Aparna Shah
Qualifications: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) & Master of Health Science (MHS)
Clinical Interests: Specialises in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, Clinical Pilates, functional recovery for orthopaedic, post-surgical, and women’s health conditions.
Experience: 20 years of clinical experience
