London Sports Physiotherapy provides specialist care for back pain and sciatica in the Sutton and Surrey area. Our highly experienced physiotherapists combine advanced assessment, hands-on treatment, and progressive rehabilitation to address the root causes of your pain, not just the symptoms.
Whether you are experiencing acute back pain, persistent sciatica, or recurrent flare-ups, we deliver comprehensive care based on modern evidence and NICE clinical guidelines.
From office workers experiencing desk-related pain to athletes managing sports injuries, we treat patients of all ages and activity levels. We welcome self-funded patients and those claiming through private health insurance at our easily accessible central Sutton clinic.
Back pain is extremely common and can affect anyone, whether you are regularly exercising or sedentary. Pain may start after a specific incident such as lifting, a fall, or sporting impact, or develop gradually through repetitive strain and prolonged postures.
Effective physiotherapy is about understanding the drivers of your pain, restoring movement capacity, and enabling you to return to activities that matter, from everyday lifting and walking to high-level sport.
Modern evidence and NICE guidance show that back pain does not always have one clear structural cause. In many cases, scans reveal normal age-related changes that cannot fully explain symptoms. While this can feel frustrating, it is also reassuring: pain is not always a sign of damage.
Detailed Expert Assessment: We take time to fully understand your presentation and health status, rule out serious pathology, and identify specific movement and loading factors contributing to your pain. This includes advanced assessment techniques and, where appropriate, objective strength testing.
Comprehensive Treatment may include:
Sciatica Treatment
For sciatica, our focus is on reducing nerve sensitivity, improving functional movement, rebuilding strength, and restoring confidence. The goal is returning you safely to normal activity and sport while preventing recurrence.
Our Sutton physiotherapy clinic treats a comprehensive range of spine and nerve-related conditions:
Whether your pain is new or long-standing, mild or severely limiting, our team will guide you with a clear plan aligned with your goals.
Whether you are experiencing acute back pain, persistent sciatica, or recurrent flare-ups, we deliver comprehensive care based on modern evidence and NICE clinical guidelines.
From office workers experiencing desk-related pain to athletes managing sports injuries, we treat patients of all ages and activity levels. We welcome self-funded patients and those claiming through private health insurance at our easily accessible central Sutton clinic.
Advanced Practice Expertise: Extensive post-graduate qualifications and experience in award-winning chronic pain services.
Manual Therapy Plus Advanced Rehabilitation: Hands-on physiotherapy with progressive strength and conditioning for lasting improvement, not just temporary symptom relief.
State-of-the-Art Assessment and Equipment: We ensure your rehabilitation is targeted and trackable, while our dedicated rehabilitation space provides the facilities required to rebuild full strength, tolerance, and confidence.
Research-Informed Clinical Care: Modern sports medicine rehabilitation principles, not outdated models.
Holistic, Person-Centred Approach: Back pain treatment is more than reducing pain short-term. We aim to help you feel stronger, more capable, and in control so you can live confidently and return to activities you enjoy.
Secondary care: Excellent working relationships with local and central London based consultants in Spinal Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery and Pain Management services. Discounted referral pathways for further imaging such as MRIs’s and CT scans.
If physiotherapy cannot help, we ensure you are seen by the right people at the right time with the right investigations.
Effective physiotherapy is about understanding the drivers of your pain, restoring movement capacity, and enabling you to return to activities that matter, from everyday lifting and walking to high-level sport.
Modern evidence and NICE guidance show that back pain does not always have one clear structural cause. In many cases, scans reveal normal age-related changes that cannot fully explain symptoms. While this can feel frustrating, it is also reassuring: pain is not always a sign of damage.
Often not. NICE guidance suggests scans are not routinely required unless there are specific warning signs (such as unexplained weight loss, severe trauma, or progressive neurological symptoms). Many scan findings show normal age-related changes unrelated to your pain. Your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if imaging is necessary.
In most cases, yes. Exercise is one of the most effective tools for back pain recovery when progressed correctly and tailored to your tolerance. We design programmes that start at an appropriate level and build gradually, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
This varies depending on your condition, severity, and response to treatment. Some cases resolve within 3-6 sessions, while persistent or complex presentations may require longer-term rehabilitation. We focus on efficiency and outcomes, providing clear timeframes and not booking unnecessary appointments.
Yes. Physiotherapy can be highly effective for sciatica by reducing nerve sensitivity, restoring mobility, and building strength and confidence. Many patients experience significant improvement without needing injections or surgery when following a structured rehabilitation programme.
It's usually best to stay active with guidance. Complete rest can lead to increased stiffness, heightened sensitivity, and reduced confidence with movement. We'll help you understand which movements are safe and beneficial, and how to modify activities during recovery.
Acute back pain typically lasts less than 12 weeks and often resolves with appropriate treatment and activity modification. Chronic back pain persists beyond 12 weeks and may require a different approach focusing on pain management, movement confidence, and gradual reconditioning rather than seeking a structural "cure."
Yes. We regularly treat patients with desk-related postural pain, manual handling injuries, and occupational back problems. Treatment includes ergonomic advice, workplace modifications, and rehabilitation to safely return you to your job role.
Absolutely. If we identify warning signs during assessment or if your condition doesn't respond as expected to physiotherapy, we have excellent relationships with GPs and specialist consultants in orthopaedics, neurology, and pain management across Sutton and central London. We can arrange imaging or specialist referrals when clinically appropriate.
On very rare occasions, some people experience symptoms
that require urgent medical opinion
If you suffer with back pain and have experienced any of the below symptoms within the last 2 weeks you need to seek urgent medical attention at your local A&E.
– Reduced sensation, pins and needles or numbness around your inner thigh, genitals back passage
– Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowel including leaking
– Reduced sensation when opening your bladder
– Altered sensation when wiping yourself after using the toilet
– Pain, reduced feeling or control, numbness in both legs
– Sexual dysfunction including an inability to achieve erection or ejaculation
You do not have to keep living in pain. Specialist help is available, and the sooner you seek it, the sooner you can start feeling better. The team at London Sports Physiotherapy in Sutton provides expert treatment for back pain in a friendly, professional and supportive environment.
Contact us today to book your initial assessment or to speak with one of our specialist physiotherapists about your symptoms. Located in central Sutton, we are easily accessible for patients across SM1, SM2, Cheam, Carshalton, and the wider Surrey area.
