Facet Joint Pain Physiotherapy in Clapham
Stiff, aching lower back that’s worse first thing in the morning, when you twist or lean backwards? Facet joint pain often responds well to the right exercise. Olivia offers thorough, unhurried care at our Clapham clinic.
Understanding Facet Joint Pain and Arthritis
As part of our back pain physiotherapy for women, Olivia treats facet joint pain in Clapham, helping you loosen up, build strength and stay active.
What Are the Facet Joints?
The facet joints are small joints at the back of your spine that allow it to move and help keep it stable. According to Whittington Health NHS Trust, facet joint arthritis develops when the cartilage in these joints changes over time.
Facet Joint Pain Symptoms
- Aching in the lower back, sometimes on one side
- Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting
- Pain when twisting, bending or leaning backwards
- Pain that can spread into the buttock or thigh
- Tight muscles around the painful area
How Physiotherapy Helps
Depending on your assessment, treatment may include:
- Mobility exercises to ease stiffness
- Strengthening for your back, hips and core
- Hands-on treatment to improve movement
- Advice on posture, sitting and staying active
- Guidance on heat and pacing
Managing Morning Stiffness
Gentle movement soon after you get up, a warm shower and short exercise breaks through the day can all help ease stiffness. Olivia can give you a simple routine to follow.
Facet Joints and Menopause
Many women notice back stiffness and joint aches increasing around perimenopause and menopause. Staying strong and active through this stage can help.
Injections and Other Treatments
If pain persists despite exercise, your GP or a specialist may discuss options such as facet joint injections. Exercise remains an important part of managing symptoms long term.
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 your symptoms, when they’re worst 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.
Facet Joint Pain FAQs
- What causes facet joint pain?
Facet joint pain is often linked to age-related changes in the joints, but posture, muscle strength and how you move can all play a part.
- Is facet joint pain the same as arthritis?
Facet joint arthritis is one cause of facet joint pain. Many people have changes on a scan without pain, so Olivia focuses on your symptoms and how you move.
- Can exercise help facet joint pain?
Yes. Mobility and strengthening exercises are a key part of treatment and help most people manage symptoms well.
- Should I avoid bending backwards?
You don’t need to avoid it forever, but you may need to ease off certain movements for a while. Olivia will guide you on what to adjust.
- Do I need a referral for facet joint 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.