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.