Back Spasm and Muscle Strain Physiotherapy in Clapham
Sudden back spasm or a pulled back muscle leaving you stiff, sore and struggling to move? Most strains settle quickly with the right approach. Olivia offers thorough, unhurried care at our Clapham clinic.
Understanding Back Spasm and Muscle Strain
As part of our back pain physiotherapy for women, Olivia treats back spasms and muscle strains in Clapham, helping you ease pain quickly and get back to normal life.
What Is a Back Spasm?
A back spasm is a sudden, painful tightening of the muscles in your back. It often happens when the muscles are protecting an irritated area, for example after lifting, twisting or a sudden movement.
What Is a Pulled Back Muscle?
A back strain, or pulled back muscle, is an overstretch or small tear in the muscles or tendons of the back. It’s one of the most common causes of sudden back pain and usually settles well.
Symptoms
- Sudden pain in your back, often after lifting, twisting or bending
- Muscle tightness or spasm
- Difficulty standing up straight, bending or turning
- Pain that eases with gentle movement and rest
What to Do in the First Few Days
The NHS advises staying as active as possible rather than resting in bed. It can also help to:
- Keep moving gently, such as short walks
- Use heat or ice to ease pain
- Take painkillers such as ibuprofen if suitable for you
- Change position regularly
How Physiotherapy Helps
Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
- Hands-on treatment to ease muscle spasm and stiffness
- Gentle exercises to restore movement
- Strengthening to reduce the chance of it happening again
- Advice on lifting, sitting and daily activities
Lifting Little Ones and Back Strain
Lifting babies, car seats and toddlers is a common cause of back strain. Olivia can show you how to lift and carry more comfortably and build the strength to support your back.
When to Get Urgent Help
The NHS advises calling 999 or going to A&E if you have back pain with:
- Numbness around your bottom or genitals
- Numbness or weakness in both legs
- Difficulty peeing, or loss of control of your bladder or bowels
These can be signs of cauda equina syndrome, which needs emergency treatment. See your GP if your pain isn’t improving, or comes with unexplained weight loss or a high temperature.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment lasts 60 minutes and takes place in a private room at our Clapham clinic. Olivia will:
- Talk through how your pain started, what makes it better or worse, and your goals
- Assess your back, pelvis and hips, your strength and how you move
- Explain what she has found and agree a treatment plan with you
- Give you exercises and practical advice to start at home
Meet Olivia, your Pelvic Floor physio
Chartered Women's Health & MSK Physiotherapist
Olivia Denman
Olivia founded Liv Physio to give women the specialist, unhurried care they deserve, especially those who have felt overlooked by the healthcare system. She is Master’s-qualified, with five years of experience across the NHS and private practice.
She specialises in pelvic floor and urogynaecological conditions, including prolapse, incontinence and pelvic pain, alongside pre- and postnatal care, with advanced training through the POGP. Every appointment is one-to-one, in a safe, judgement-free space where you’ll be truly listened to.
Registered and accredited
Pricing & Appointments
Single Session Initial appointments & follow-ups
A one-to-one, 60-minute appointment with Olivia at our Clapham clinic. Your session includes a thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and a personalised plan, with exercises to continue at home between appointments.
The Clapham Clinic
Inside the clinic
A calm, private space
Liv Physio is ideally situated in the heart of Clapham, London, nestled between the green expanse of Clapham Common and the boutiques of Abbeville Village.
Our clinic at Lion Yard has been designed to feel calm and welcoming from the moment you arrive, with a bright reception, a comfortable waiting area and a private treatment room.
It is a space where you can relax, take your time and talk openly about anything, however personal.
Find us
Clinic location
AddressLiv Physio, 7 Lion Yard, Tremadoc Road, Clapham, London SW4 7NQ
Appointment hoursMonday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
All visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming to the clinic.
Back Spasm FAQs
- How long does a back spasm last?
Most back spasms and strains improve within a few days to a few weeks. The NHS notes back pain usually improves within a few weeks.
- Should I use heat or ice on a back spasm?
Either can help. Many people find heat relaxes tight muscles, while ice can ease pain in the first few days. Use whichever feels better.
- Should I rest with a pulled back muscle?
Short rest is fine if pain is severe, but staying gently active helps you recover faster than bed rest.
- How can I stop my back going into spasm again?
Regular exercise to strengthen your back, hips and core, and good lifting habits, can reduce the chance of it happening again. Olivia can create a plan for you.
- Do I need a referral for back spasm physiotherapy?
No, you can book directly with us. Olivia is happy to work alongside your GP or consultant if needed.
What our patients say
What I’ve appreciated most is how comfortable and at ease she makes you feel. She is kind, understanding and non judgemental, which makes talking about things that can sometimes feel quite personal so much easier. She always takes the time to listen and explains everything clearly, and the exercises are tailored to what I feel comfortable with.
I’m really grateful for all her support and would definitely recommend Olivia to anyone looking for postnatal or pelvic floor support.
Free 15-Minute Initial Consultation Call
This complimentary consultation call is your chance to meet Olivia, discuss your goals, and see if she's the right fit for you. You'll learn about her approach, how physiotherapy can help your condition, and what to expect from sessions including treatment options and pricing.
Please note: No physical treatment, diagnosis or clinical assessment is provided during this consultation.
Get in Touch
We are always on hand to help with any queries you may have.
We suggest you use our contact form to get in touch so we can direct your query to the relevant person.
Call Us or WhatsApp Us
To speak to our specialist, please call us on 020 8058 0762
(our lines are open Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm).
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Care you can trust
Why choose Liv Physio?
Choosing the right specialist makes all the difference. At Liv Physio, you’ll find expert, unhurried care in a calm and private clinic in Clapham, delivered with warmth and a genuine commitment to getting you the results you deserve.
Specialist care: Women’s health is our focus, not an add-on. Every appointment is with a chartered physiotherapist with advanced training in pelvic health.
Time to listen: Unhurried, one-to-one appointments, so we can understand the full picture and you never feel rushed.
A holistic approach: We look beyond your symptoms to the lifestyle, hormonal and day-to-day factors behind them, using evidence-based treatment.
A safe space: A calm, private, judgement-free clinic where you can talk openly about anything, however personal.