Physiotherapy for Back Pain in Singapore
What Is Back Pain?
Back pain refers to pain or discomfort affecting the spine and surrounding tissues. It can occur in the lower, mid or upper back, and may develop suddenly or gradually.
Lower back pain is the most common presentation. In many cases, no single structure can be identified as the cause. Symptoms are usually influenced by a combination of factors, including recent changes in activity, previous injuries, physical capacity, sleep, stress and current tolerance to movement and load.
Mid- and upper-back pain can also have a range of causes. A thorough assessment helps us understand the drivers of your symptoms, screen for anything requiring medical attention, and build the right plan for you.
Back Pain Symptoms:
What You're Feeling and What It Means
Back pain can feel different from person to person. The way your symptoms behave can provide useful clues, although symptoms alone do not always identify the exact cause.
Common symptoms include:
Dull, aching or persistent pain
May develop gradually or vary with activity, movement, posture and other factors.
Sharp pain with certain movements
Some movements or positions may temporarily aggravate your symptoms without necessarily indicating further damage.
Pain spreading into the buttock or leg
Numbness, tingling or weakness
Stiffness after sitting, sleeping or inactivity
Common with many types of back pain and often eases as you start moving.
Pain with sitting, standing or walking
Symptoms may vary depending on the activity or position. Your physiotherapist can assess your movement and help identify what is aggravating your symptoms.
When Should Back Pain Be Medically Assessed?
Most back pain can be assessed and managed conservatively. However, some symptoms require medical assessment by a doctor rather than physiotherapy first.
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:
- New loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness around the inner thighs, groin or buttocks (saddle area)
- New or progressively worsening weakness in one or both legs
- Severe back pain following a significant injury or trauma
- Back pain accompanied by fever, chills or feeling significantly unwell
- Unexplained weight loss or other unexplained systemic symptoms
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain, particularly if it is not relieved by rest or changes in position
If you are unsure whether your symptoms require medical attention, it is better to seek medical advice.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain can have many contributing factors, and it is not always possible or necessary to identify one specific structure as the source of symptoms:
Do You Need a Scan for Back Pain?
Most people with back pain do not need imaging such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI. Imaging may be considered when there are signs of a potentially serious condition, significant or progressive neurological symptoms, or when results are likely to change your pain management.
Scans can also show age-related changes that are common in people without pain. For this reason, findings are interpreted alongside your symptoms and clinical assessment, rather than on their own.
Your physiotherapist can advise whether your presentation suggests that further assessment or imaging may be helpful.
What Does a Physiotherapist Do for Back Pain?
Physiotherapy for back pain begins with understanding your symptoms, medical history, activity levels and goals. We then assess your movement and physical function to develop a rehabilitation plan around your body’s needs.
Assessment and Clinical Evaluation
Your physiotherapist will assess relevant movements, strength and functional activities. Where appropriate, we may also use specific clinical tests to assess for signs of nerve involvement or other conditions that may influence your management.
The assessment is guided by your presentation rather than following the same checklist for every person with back pain.
Progressive Exercise and Strengthening
Exercise is often a central part of back pain rehabilitation. Your programme may include exercises to build strength, movement, endurance and confidence with activities that matter to you.
Rather than focusing on one muscle group, we consider the overall physical capacity required for your work, exercise, sport and daily life.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques may be used where appropriate to help manage symptoms or improve movement. Manual therapy is generally used as part of a broader rehabilitation programme, rather than as a standalone treatment.
Dry Needling
Dry needling may be considered for selected patients as an adjunct to rehabilitation, particularly where muscle-related symptoms are contributing to pain or movement restrictions.
Movement and Load Retraining
We can help you gradually return to movements and activities that have become painful or difficult, such as bending, lifting, sitting, walking or exercising.
The aim is not to teach one perfect posture or movement pattern, but to help you build confidence and capacity to move in ways that are appropriate for your life.
How Long Does Back Pain Take to Recover With Physio
Recovery varies significantly depending on the nature of your symptoms, how long you have had them, your overall health, activity demands and how you respond to rehabilitation.
Some episodes of acute back pain improve over days or weeks, while persistent back pain may require a longer-term approach focused on improving function and building physical capacity.
Rather than working to a fixed timeline, your physiotherapist will review your symptoms and progress and adjust your rehabilitation accordingly.
Back Pain Exercises You Can Start Today
For most uncomplicated back pain, staying gently active is usually more helpful than prolonged rest. The right exercises will depend on your symptoms, but simple movements can be a good place to start.
Try movements that feel comfortable and keep you moving without significantly increasing your pain. For example:
- Walking: Start with short, comfortable walks and gradually increase the distance as your symptoms allow.
- Knee-to-chest movements: Gently bring one or both knees towards your chest, moving only within a comfortable range.
- Pelvic tilts: Gently tilt your pelvis forwards and backwards while lying on your back to move your lower spine.
- Cat-cow: Slowly alternate between gently rounding and extending your back on your hands and knees.
There is no single “best” exercise for back pain. The aim is to gradually restore movement, strength and confidence rather than avoid movements that feel uncomfortable. If an exercise consistently makes your symptoms worse, stop and have your symptoms assessed.
Your physiotherapist can help identify which exercises are most appropriate for your symptoms and how to progress them.
Meet Our Physiotherapists for Back Pain
Our physiotherapists are registered with the Allied Health Professions Council in Singapore, with experience across hospital and private practice settings.
Conor Walsh
Senior Physiotherapist
Conor Walsh
Senior Physiotherapist
BSc (Physio.)
Trinity College Dublin
AHPC Registered
Conor graduated with honours from Trinity College Dublin in 2015. During his time at university he was awarded the Foundation Scholarship and was active as a student member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, assisting at various events including the ISCP Annual Conference and the Dublin City Marathon.
After moving to Singapore in 2016 he worked three years in Changi General Hospital gaining invaluable experience in Orthopaedics, Neurological Rehab, ICU and outpatient settings before specialising in Sports Medicine in 2017, where he was responsible for auditing the ACL post-operative rehabilitation protocol.
Since 2019 Conor has worked in private practice and has established himself in treating a wide range of conditions across all ages, especially post-surgical cases, running injuries, chronic lower back pain and other lower limb injuries. He is a triple certified GEMt Dry Needling therapist and uses this in combination with other treatment modalities like manual therapy and exercise therapy to deliver holistic and evidence-based treatment to his patients.
Outside of clinical practice, Conor is a keen Gaelic footballer, hurler and soccer player. Keen to broaden his professional development further he recently completed a Masters in Business Administration with the University of Manchester.
He is also a musician and can often be found gigging with one of his two bands somewhere on the island.
Debra Ow
Senior Physiotherapist
Debra Ow
Senior Physiotherapist
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (SIT)
AHPC Registered
Debra has more than 10 years of clinical experience in both public and private healthcare settings, specialising in sports injury management and neurological rehabilitation. She first worked at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) for 7 years, where she had the opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary care team supporting frail patients in their transition from hospital back into the community.
She later joined St Luke’s ElderCare, further strengthening her expertise across the full spectrum of rehabilitation. There, she managed an array of musculoskeletal, neurological, and orthopaedic conditions. She also worked closely with community partners to curate exercise programmes and conducted public talks on frailty and healthy ageing.
Before joining The Physio Circle, Debra worked in a private clinic focusing on musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation, where she gained further experience managing post-operative orthopaedic cases and helping patients return safely to work, sport, and daily activities.
In 2022, Debra was certified in Clinical Pilates under Smart Movement International, and has since been actively incorporating Pilates into her rehabilitation approach to facilitate recovery. Her Personal Trainer certification also enables her to curate effective recovery programmes for different populations.
Outside of work, Debra enjoys strength training at the gym and practising Pilates. She also indulges in bubble tea now and then, as she believes life is meant to be lived.
Relevant Certifications:
✅Clinical Educator (SIT)
✅ACE Certified Personal Trainer
✅EBFA Neurosensory Specialist
✅APA Dry Needling
✅Clinical Pilates
Daniel Tan
Senior Physiotherapist
Daniel Tan
Senior Physiotherapist
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
Glasgow Caledonian University
AHPC Registered
Daniel graduated with a BSc Honours in Physiotherapy from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2018.
Upon graduation, he started his career as a Physiotherapist at Changi General Hospital, where he worked with patients of different age groups (teenagers to the elderly).
In this time, he gained a valuable range of experience in cardiopulmonary, orthopaedic, geriatric, neurological as well as pre-and post-operative musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation. With a vast experience as a triathlete and a weightlifter, Daniel has had personal encounters with injury and thereafter the recovery process to return to sport. These experiences have armed him with passion and understanding to help empower people in overcoming their injuries and to maximise their potential.
Daniel believes in a holistic approach that combines first principles thinking and evidence-based treatment to not only improve quality of life but to also help his patients on their recovery journey and ultimately, achieve their goals.
Outside of TPC, Daniel enjoys a good book and a cup of coffee when not training at the gym.
Kajal Kirpalani
Senior Physiotherapist
Kajal Kirpalani
Senior Physiotherapist
BSc Physiotherapy
Curtin University
AHPC Registered
Kajal graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from Curtin University in 2020. She began her career in private practice, focusing on post-surgical rehabilitation and musculoskeletal injuries from sports and accidents. Through working alongside experienced physiotherapists, Kajal refined her practice, embracing a holistic approach to managing her patients.
Kajal believes in empowering and encouraging her patients to have a positive and proactive mindset throughout their rehabilitation journey. On top of this, she also places high importance on educating her patients to understand their bodies, the way it moves and how to manage their rehabilitation.
Having dabbled in various sports throughout her life, Kajal understands the specific demands of different activities and tailors her treatment plans to help athletes return to their sport safely and effectively. She is a firm believer in lifelong learning and continuously seeks to enhance her skills. Kajal has completed clinical courses on shoulder injuries, tendinopathies, and communication skills to improve therapeutic alliance building between her and her patients.
She is also a fully certified STOTT Pilates instructor and enjoys integrating Pilates principles into her rehabilitation sessions.
Outside of physiotherapy, Kajal is an avid bookworm, loves to cook and engages in strength training, pilates, boxing and running.
Isaac Tai
Senior Physiotherapist
Isaac Tai
Senior Physiotherapist
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
Curtin University
AHPC Registered
Isaac graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from Curtin University in 2020.
Even before graduation, he worked as a sports trainer with Australian football and rugby clubs. Upon graduation, he cut his teeth in musculoskeletal physiotherapy with a focus on sports and post-surgical rehabilitation in the private sector. Working alongside, and being trained by, veteran physiotherapists provided invaluable insight into innovative ways of engaging patients and helping them achieve their rehabilitation goals.
With independence and self-management in mind, Isaac works with his patients to uncover the cause of their problems and find a sustainable solution that works for them. A firm believer in education, he seeks first to understand his patient’s goals, then helps them understand how they can achieve these goals by sharing knowledge and developing an individualised treatment plan with them.
Through a tailored programme of strengthening and conditioning exercises, manual therapy and trigger point dry needling, Isaac works with his patients to get them back into their regular functional activities and prevent the recurrence of their pain.
Outside of his time in the clinic, Isaac enjoys recreational boxing, HIIT, running and badminton. When he hits the gym, he prefers his workouts be set to the tune of Red Hot Chili Peppers or Arctic Monkeys. His other joy is experimental cooking and baking in the kitchen on the weekends.
Magdalene Teng
Senior Physiotherapist
Magdalene Teng
Senior Physiotherapist
BPhysio (Hons), MClinPhysio
Curtin University
AHPC Registered
Magdalene is a physiotherapist who believes in challenging outdated norms, debunking common rehab myths, and empowering patients with the knowledge they need to take charge of their recovery. With over 15 years of experience across public and private healthcare, she combines strong clinical expertise with genuine care for each person who walks through her door.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) from the University of South Australia, and later completed a specialist Master’s degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at Curtin University. Her career has included working with a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions, mentoring emerging physiotherapists, and supporting national-team athletes and sports players. She previously served as clinical team lead in the KTPH Inpatient Orthopaedic Team and Extended Diagnostic Treatment Unit (EDTU), where she drove early discharge pathways, and co-managed the Outpatient Trauma Clinic.
What drives Magdalene is the full rehabilitation journey – guiding patients from early mobility challenges back to confident activity and sports participation. She thrives in advanced sports rehabilitation, tailoring each session creatively to meet individual goals. With specialised training in running mechanics and performance science, she has a strong passion for working with long-distance runners and marathoners, helping them continue training safely, reduce pain, and optimise performance, making her our in-house knee physio specialist.
Magdalene is skilled in managing running-related injuries, complex back pain, and lower-limb conditions. She also has extensive experience in post-operative rehabilitation, including ACL and ligament reconstruction/repair, meniscus and cartilage repair, shoulder surgeries, and total knee replacements. Her diagnostic approach is grounded in the Musculoskeletal Clinical Translation Framework,allowing her to identify movement impairments, contributing factors, and rehab priorities with precision. This structured approach, combined with a biopsychosocial perspective, enables her to guide patients who may have plateaued elsewhere toward clearer understanding and meaningful progress.
A firm believer in continuous learning, Magdalene consistently upgrades her skills to stay evidence-based and relevant. Having experienced shoulder and lower-limb injuries herself, she understands the frustration and uncertainty that come with being sidelined by pain. This personal insight shapes her caring, righteous, and patient-first approach – she advocates for her patients the way she would want someone to advocate for her.
Outside the clinic, she enjoys running, experimenting with new workouts around the neighbourhood, boxing fitness classes, and listening to personal development podcasts.
Magdalene believes that every patient deserves a pair of attentive, skilled, and genuinely caring hands to guide them back to the activities and sports they love.
Publications
Caneiro, J. P., et al. (2019). Physiotherapists implicitly evaluate bending and lifting with a round back as dangerous. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 39, 107–114.
Maheen Gul
Senior Physiotherapist
Maheen Gul
Senior Physiotherapist
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
King’s College London
AHPC Registered
Maheen graduated with a BSc Honours in Physiotherapy from King’s College London and moved to Singapore in 2012. She began her career in a rehabilitation hospital, treating neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, before transitioning to private practice in 2015 to focus on musculoskeletal and sports injuries. With over a decade of experience in both surgical and non-surgical cases, Maheen has worked with patients recovering from spinal surgeries, knee and ankle ligament reconstructions, shoulder surgeries, and those managing sports injuries, chronic pain, and everyday aches.
Maheen takes a holistic approach to treatment, combining manual techniques with tailored exercise programs to address the root cause of the issue and prevent future injuries. Her goal is to help patients regain their strength, mobility, and confidence—enabling them to return to the activities they love and live life to the fullest.
Maheen is also trained in reformer pilates and trigger point dry needling, which she integrates into her treatments to address specific musculoskeletal issues.
An active individual herself, Maheen enjoys strength training, running, yoga and pilates. She has participated in events such as marathons and half marathons, Hyrox, Spartans and Urbanathlon. Outside of work, Maheen loves spending time with family (and her dog Albert), traveling, and making lasting memories with loved ones.
Cost, Insurance and Referrals
Initial Physiotherapy Assessment and Treatment
(45 minutes)
$230
Follow-up Consultation and Treatment
(45 minutes)
$210
What to Expect at Your First Session
Your first physiotherapy session at The PhysioCircle will last for 45 minutes. The session begins with a discussion about your back pain, medical history, activity levels and goals. Your physiotherapist will then carry out an assessment based on your symptoms, which may include movement, strength and functional testing.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. You will only need to expose the areas necessary for your assessment, and your physiotherapist will explain what they are doing throughout the session.
You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your symptoms, the next steps in your rehabilitation and, where appropriate, exercises or strategies to begin between sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physiotherapy For Back Pain
What's the best sleeping position for back pain?
There is no single best sleeping position for everyone. Many people find side-lying with a pillow between the knees, or lying on their back with support beneath the knees, more comfortable. The best position is generally one that allows you to sleep comfortably.
Does a firmer mattress actually help back pain?
Not necessarily. Research does not support the idea that the firmest mattress is always best. Comfort and support are individual, although a medium-firm mattress may be suitable for many people.
Does back pain mean something is damaged in my spine?
Not necessarily. Pain does not always correspond directly with structural damage, and many changes seen on spinal scans are also found in people without back pain.
A physiotherapy assessment can help identify whether there are signs of a specific condition that requires further investigation.
Why does my back pain keep coming back?
Back pain can recur for many reasons. Changes in activity, previous episodes, physical capacity, sleep, stress and other factors can all influence symptoms.
Rehabilitation can help you understand your individual triggers and progressively build the capacity needed for your daily activities, work and exercise.
Can massage fix my back pain, or do I need physiotherapy?
Can stress or poor sleep make my back pain worse?
Yes. Pain is influenced by more than just the tissues in your back. Poor sleep, stress and other lifestyle factors can affect how sensitive your body is to pain and how well you recover.
Considering these factors as part of your overall management can help us develop a more complete understanding of your symptoms.
Book Your Physiotherapy Session For Back Pain
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