Back and neck pain are common conditions that can affect your ability to work, exercise, sleep and enjoy everyday activities. Symptoms may develop suddenly following an injury or gradually due to prolonged postures, reduced activity, repetitive work or changes in strength and mobility.
At Action Physiotherapy in Newcastle, we understand that reducing pain is important—but lasting recovery often requires more than short-term symptom relief. Our GetBack rehabilitation program combines physiotherapy assessment with objective strength and mobility testing to create a personalised and progressive pathway toward better spinal health.
Why Does Back or Neck Pain Keep Returning?
Hands-on physiotherapy can help reduce pain, improve movement and settle muscular tension during an acute episode. However, treatment should also address the factors that may contribute to recurring symptoms.
These can include:
- Reduced spinal mobility
- Weakness of the muscles supporting the spine
- Strength imbalances
- Poor tolerance to lifting or sustained postures
- Reduced confidence in movement
- Inadequate progression back to work, exercise or daily activities
A targeted exercise program can help improve the spine’s strength, mobility and capacity to tolerate everyday demands.
What Is the GetBack Program?
GetBack is an assessment and rehabilitation system specifically designed for people experiencing back and neck pain. It uses specialised devices developed with input from biomechanics and exercise-science professionals.
Unlike a general exercise program, GetBack allows our Newcastle physiotherapists to objectively measure spinal mobility and strength in different directions. Depending on the individual, this may include:
- Lumbar extension and flexion
- Rotation
- Lateral flexion
- Cervical strength and mobility
- Muscular control and movement tolerance
These measurements help identify areas of weakness, restriction or imbalance that may not be obvious during a standard examination.
A Personalised Approach to Back and Neck Rehabilitation
Your GetBack program begins with a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment. We discuss your symptoms, medical history, work requirements, physical activity and personal recovery goals.
When clinically appropriate, we then complete objective testing using the GetBack devices. Your results help establish a baseline and guide a rehabilitation program tailored to your individual needs.
Your program may focus on:
- Improving spinal mobility
- Strengthening the muscles supporting the back and neck
- Addressing specific strength imbalances
- Increasing tolerance to sitting, standing, lifting or repetitive tasks
- Building confidence with movement
- Supporting a safe return to work, sport or exercise
Progress can be reassessed throughout the program, allowing your physiotherapist to adjust your exercises based on measurable results.
Why Is Graduated Exercise Important?
Doing too much too soon can aggravate symptoms, while avoiding movement for too long may contribute to weakness and reduced confidence.
Graduated exercise provides a structured middle ground. Exercises begin at a manageable level and progressively increase as your strength, mobility and tolerance improve.
The GetBack devices provide controlled and supported movement, allowing resistance and range of motion to be carefully adjusted. This is particularly valuable for people who are apprehensive about movement or have struggled to return to exercise following persistent pain.
Moving Beyond Temporary Pain Relief
Passive treatments can be helpful for managing symptoms, particularly during the early stages of recovery. However, active rehabilitation is often an important part of achieving lasting improvement.
Progressive strength and mobility training may help you:
- Feel more confident moving your back or neck
- Improve your physical capacity
- Better tolerate work and daily activities
- Return safely to exercise
- Develop strategies for managing future flare-ups
- Reduce reliance on passive treatment alone
Chronic pain can also affect mood, sleep and confidence. A structured rehabilitation program provides clear goals and measurable progress, helping patients take an active role in their recovery.
Back and Neck Pain Physiotherapy in Newcastle
At Action Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists combine clinical assessment, hands-on treatment where appropriate, education and evidence-informed exercise rehabilitation.
The GetBack program may be suitable for people experiencing:
- Persistent or recurring lower back pain
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Reduced spinal strength or mobility
- Difficulty returning to work or exercise
- Reduced confidence following a back or neck injury
- Ongoing limitations after an acute episode has settled
Every person’s condition is different, so your physiotherapist will determine whether GetBack testing and rehabilitation are appropriate for you.
Start Your Recovery at Action Physiotherapy
If back or neck pain is limiting your work, exercise or everyday activities, an individualised assessment can help identify the next step.
Contact Action Physiotherapy on
02 4940 8300 to book an appointment and learn more about our GetBack back and neck rehabilitation program in Newcastle.
