Lower Back Pain Program
Overview
Lower Back Pain Program
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons for primary care visits and a major contributor to repeat appointments, imaging requests, and long-term disability. Primary care providers within our Family Health Team (FHT) have expressed strong interest in having condition-specific musculoskeletal (MSK) programs that offer clear referral pathways and timely access to physiotherapy and chiropractic care.
This program offers the following benefits:
- Gives clear, confident referral pathway
- Reduces unnecessary imaging and specialist referrals
- Improves patient self-management and functional outcome
Utilizes physiotherapy and chiropractic care appropriately and collaboratively.
Eligibility
Patients with the following requirements are eligible for this program:
- Adults (20-64)
- Acute, sub-acute, or persistent non-specific low back pain
- Recurrent mechanical low back pain
- LBP with or without referred leg symptoms (non-progressive)
- Able to understand and communicate in English well
How to Access
Referral required from Get Well Family Health Team Physician
Provider
GWFH Interdisciplinary Team:
- Physiotherapist
- Chiropractor
Fees
Covered for Get Well Family Health Team patients
Services included
Initial Individual Assessment (Week 1)
Provider: Physiotherapist & Chiropractor
- Comprehensive assessment and red flag screening
- Functional and strength assessment
- Identification of pain drivers, movement limitations, and positions of relief.
- Individual goal setting.
- Home exercise program
Education and Exercise Series (Weeks 2-3)
Frequency: Weekly sessions (60 minutes each)
Each session includes: (can adjust depending on the education length / also can be group or individual sessions)
- 15 minutes of education
- 30 minutes of supervised therapeutic exercise with progression
- 15 minutes of discussion and questions
Session Topics (for group sessions):
- Understanding Low Back Pain.
- LBP rehabilitation
- Flare ups, Stress & Long-term Management.
Optional Individual Follow-Up (Weeks 4-9)
Based on patient needs:
- Individual physiotherapy for progressive strengthening and functional goals
- Chiropractic care for thoracic, cervical, or shoulder joint mobility as appropriate
- Shared care where combined approaches support recovery
Re-evaluate for further imaging, specialist consultation or injection/pain management.
Are you ready to join the Lower Back Program?
Referral required: Ask a team doctor or nurse practitioner to refer you to the Lower Back Program and begin personalized support for coping with pain.
Learn and Take Control – Join Our Pre-Diabetes Workshops
We also offer free community workshops on topics like nutrition, stress management, and overall wellness. These are open to everyone, no referral needed, and a great way to start building the skills to maintain your health and prevent disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the difference between Physiotherapist and Chiropractor?
Chiropractors mainly focus on spinal alignment and nervous system function using manual adjustments to joints. On the other hand, physiotherapists emphasize muscle rehabilitation, movement patterns, and exercise to restore function.
Chiropractors typically treat acute spinal issues including back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Meanwhile, physiotherapists often address a broader range of conditions including post-surgical recovery, stroke rehabilitation, and extremity injuries (arms, legs, feet) using mobilization techniques and active exercise plans. Since we are a Family Health Team, a referral from your physician or nurse practitioner is required. Please check with your primary care provider.
-
How can I see a Chiropractor?
Since we are a Family Health Team, a referral from your physician or nurse practitioner is required. Please check with your primary care provider.
Lower Back Pain Program
Overview
Lower Back Pain Program
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons for primary care visits and a major contributor to repeat appointments, imaging requests, and long-term disability. Primary care providers within our Family Health Team (FHT) have expressed strong interest in having condition-specific musculoskeletal (MSK) programs that offer clear referral pathways and timely access to physiotherapy and chiropractic care.
This program offers the following benefits:
- Gives clear, confident referral pathway
- Reduces unnecessary imaging and specialist referrals
- Improves patient self-management and functional outcome
Utilizes physiotherapy and chiropractic care appropriately and collaboratively.
Eligibility
Patients with the following requirements are eligible for this program:
- Adults (20-64)
- Acute, sub-acute, or persistent non-specific low back pain
- Recurrent mechanical low back pain
- LBP with or without referred leg symptoms (non-progressive)
- Able to understand and communicate in English well
How to Access
Referral required from Get Well Family Health Team Physician
Provider
GWFH Interdisciplinary Team:
- Physiotherapist
- Chiropractor
Fees
Covered for Get Well Family Health Team patients
Services included
Initial Individual Assessment (Week 1)
Provider: Physiotherapist & Chiropractor
- Comprehensive assessment and red flag screening
- Functional and strength assessment
- Identification of pain drivers, movement limitations, and positions of relief.
- Individual goal setting.
- Home exercise program
Education and Exercise Series (Weeks 2-3)
Frequency: Weekly sessions (60 minutes each)
Each session includes: (can adjust depending on the education length / also can be group or individual sessions)
- 15 minutes of education
- 30 minutes of supervised therapeutic exercise with progression
- 15 minutes of discussion and questions
Session Topics (for group sessions):
- Understanding Low Back Pain.
- LBP rehabilitation
- Flare ups, Stress & Long-term Management.
Optional Individual Follow-Up (Weeks 4-9)
Based on patient needs:
- Individual physiotherapy for progressive strengthening and functional goals
- Chiropractic care for thoracic, cervical, or shoulder joint mobility as appropriate
- Shared care where combined approaches support recovery
Re-evaluate for further imaging, specialist consultation or injection/pain management.
Are you ready to join the Lower Back Program?
Referral required: Ask a team doctor or nurse practitioner to refer you to the Lower Back Program and begin personalized support for coping with pain.
Learn and Take Control – Join Our Pre-Diabetes Workshops
We also offer free community workshops on topics like nutrition, stress management, and overall wellness. These are open to everyone, no referral needed, and a great way to start building the skills to maintain your health and prevent disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the difference between Physiotherapist and Chiropractor?
Chiropractors mainly focus on spinal alignment and nervous system function using manual adjustments to joints. On the other hand, physiotherapists emphasize muscle rehabilitation, movement patterns, and exercise to restore function.
Chiropractors typically treat acute spinal issues including back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Meanwhile, physiotherapists often address a broader range of conditions including post-surgical recovery, stroke rehabilitation, and extremity injuries (arms, legs, feet) using mobilization techniques and active exercise plans. Since we are a Family Health Team, a referral from your physician or nurse practitioner is required. Please check with your primary care provider.
-
How can I see a Chiropractor?
Since we are a Family Health Team, a referral from your physician or nurse practitioner is required. Please check with your primary care provider.