BACK PAIN

Chiropractor checking a woman’s spine as she stands with a towel in a clinic.

Back Assessment

At Bayview Physiotherapy in Nanaimo, every back assessment begins with a detailed postural and movement analysis.

We assess your alignment while sitting, standing and lying down to identify:

  • Spinal curvature asymmetries
  • Pelvic and hip imbalance
  • Forward head posture and shoulder positioning
  • Movement patterns linked to back pain

This is followed by active and passive range-of-motion testing to detect stiffness, pain triggers and any neurological signs that may indicate disc involvement.

Finally, hands-on palpation is used to locate restricted spinal segments and determine the safest, most effective direction for treatment.

Gentle Joint Mobilisation – Muscle Energy Techniques (MET)

Our clinic focuses on osteopathic-based Muscle Energy Techniques rather than forceful joint cracking.

This approach uses precise muscle activation to restore natural joint gap and glide mechanics, allowing the spine to:

  • Reposition itself into its optimal resting alignment
  • Move more freely
  • Reduce post-treatment soreness

This technique is ideal for patients with chronic back pain, postural strain, or sensitivity to traditional manipulation.


Person receiving a lower back massage from a therapist on a massage table
Hands giving a shoulder massage to a person lying face down on a table

Advanced Soft Tissue & Fascial Release Therapy

Restricted fascia and scar-related adhesions are a common hidden cause of back and rib pain.

We use specialised manual soft-tissue mobilisation to:

  • Release fascial tension
  • Restore normal rib mechanics
  • Reduce muscular pulling on the thoracic spine
  • Improve breathing and trunk mobility

Pre-stabilisation of rib joints prevents re-irritation during neck and upper-back movement.


Pain-Relief Modalities to Accelerate Healing

To support your recovery, we integrate evidence-based modalities including:

Interferential Current Therapy (IFC)

Used after manual treatment to:

  • Reduce inflammation
  • Decrease swelling
  • Relax muscle spasm
  • Trigger natural endorphin release for pain control

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Delivers over 1 million micro-vibrations per second, creating a micro-massage effect in deep tissues that:

  • Enhances circulation
  • Improves tissue repair
  • Reduces chronic pain


White electrode pads on a person's upper back and shoulders during electrical muscle stimulation treatment
Woman lifting a kettlebell in a fitness studio, with another person exercising in the background.

Dynamic Core Stability & Spinal Protection Training

Bayview Physiotherapy in Nanaimo is recognised for advanced core-stability rehabilitation.

Our programs are based on research into the timing and quality of muscle activation for spinal protection, focusing on:

  • Multifidus
  • Transversus Abdominis

Correct activation of these deep stabilisers is essential before returning to sport or work, helping prevent re-injury and chronic back pain.