Back Pain Treatment in Rainham & Medway
Back pain that actually settles
Back pain is the single most common reason people come to see us. The aim is simple: work out what is actually driving it, then give you a clear route out.
“I started my journey with Josh after months and months of pain and discomfort. I'd seen various physios, sports therapists, had several massages, done numerous daily exercises and stretches but with no improvement.”
How I approach back pain
My approach is deeper than simply treating someone's back and trying to get a short term reduction in symptoms.
I work with the whole person, not just the painful area. I want to understand what is going on for them physically, but also the wider factors that can influence their pain experience, things like stress, sleep, lifestyle, habits, activity levels, previous experiences with pain and protective behaviours.
I'm trying to understand the bigger picture and what might be keeping someone stuck, rather than just treating the symptoms in isolation.
Josh Devine, Specialist MSK Physiotherapist
What tends to be behind it
A lot of the people I see for back pain treatment in Medway have had it for months or even years, and arrive with some version of all four of these.
They have tried everything
Different treatments, exercises, massage, medication or other approaches, but the problem keeps coming back.
They have started avoiding things
Bending, lifting, exercise, the gym or activities they enjoy, because they're worried about making their back worse.
Nobody has explained it
They can describe what hurts and what sets it off, but not why it keeps happening, which makes every flare up feel random.
It is more than one thing
Stress, poor sleep, reduced activity, fear and protective behaviours can all influence how the pain system responds.
Hands on treatment plus structured rehabilitation
Manual therapy to settle the irritation, then structured loading to rebuild what your back can tolerate.
Back pain and sciatica
Back pain and sciatica are usually the same problem showing up in two places, which is why treating the leg on its own rarely holds.
Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis
Sciatica describes pain travelling down the leg because a nerve root in the lower back is being irritated or compressed. The source is almost always the back, even when the back itself barely aches and the leg is by far the loudest part.
The back stays part of the plan
Assessment covers the back, the nerve and the leg together, and the back still needs its own rehabilitation once the nerve has settled.
“Finally, a physiotherapist that doesn't just spend 5 minutes printing off complex exercises that no one understands. Josh actually listens and comes up with a unique approach that incorporates many different elements.”
What makes my approach different
I don't just want to crack your back
Hands on treatment can have a place, and I'll use it where I think it will be helpful. But I don't want someone to become dependent on treatment every time their back hurts.
The pain is absolutely real
But there can be much more to address than simply the painful area. A big part of my role is helping people understand this.
Rebuilding confidence in your body
The goal is to help people feel like they have control over their pain, rather than their pain controlling their life.
Ten years of back pain, resolved
Elizabeth in her own words, on what the assessment found that everybody else had missed.
What our patients say
Six physios, one irritated back
“I came to Josh and BetterMe physio after a year of back pain that no one could explain or make go away, millions of sets of corrective exercises and stretches, 6 different physios and 1 really irritated back.”
Finally felt listened to
“After one session I felt better and more positive. For once I felt listened to. Chronic back pain is so debilitating but Josh provides hope, his knowledge and professionalism is 100%.”
Years of osteopaths without success
“After years of visiting osteopaths and chiropractors without success, Josh is a breath of fresh air. He listens and advises honestly. I have been to Josh twice now and can honestly say my lower back issue feels much better.”
What good looks like
Common questions
How long is an appointment and how many will I need?
How long does back pain take to settle?
Do I need a scan first?
Can you help if I have had back pain for years?
Get your back assessed
Name, number, email and a line about what is going on.
- No referral needed
- Evenings until 9pm plus weekends
- Free 10 minute call if you would rather talk first
- We will say if physiotherapy is not the right answer
Find us
The clinic is at 9 Eastwood Meadow in Rainham, with parking directly outside.
BetterMe Physiotherapy
9 Eastwood Meadow
Rainham, Gillingham
ME8 8FA
Parking
Dedicated spaces for patients, with step free access from the car to the treatment room.
Opening hours
Mon to Fri 09:00 to 21:00
Saturday 09:00 to 18:00
Sunday 09:00 to 14:00
Take the first step
One assessment will tell you what is actually driving your back pain, and what to do about it.
110+ five star Google reviews · HCPC registered · MACP accredited