Virtual Physio : Mum with lower back pain helped in just 4 sessions

Virtual Physiotherapist Nicoleta Popa shares a recent patient case study

Patient: A mother of a 6-month-old baby and a toddler.

Presentation: She was experiencing lower back pain, which restricted her activities.

The patient wanted to help to manage daily tasks and to get back into shape. She had previously been cleared by her doctor to exercise and had received some physiotherapy through the NHS for buttock pain, which had been beneficial at that time. She also maintained a routine of pelvic floor exercises through a monthly subscription.

However, her follow-up physiotherapy sessions were eventually cancelled, leading to the emergence of new lower back pain. Unfortunately, she does not have quick access to a physiotherapist via the NHS and was hoping Teladoc Health could help address her new symptoms. The patient has access to Teladoc Health through her employer.

First virtual physio appointment

During her first appointment, the patient explained she had difficulty getting out of bed, and movements at night would often wake her due to pain. Standing up, getting out of a chair, or rising from the floor became challenging, especially after being active with her little ones, with pain intensifying by the end of the day.

These symptoms appeared to arise from a mix of reduced pelvic stability following pregnancy and the repetitive physical demands of motherhood. Finding time for home exercises was a challenge, so we discussed a realistic plan and adjusted her rehabilitation approach to accommodate her new symptoms. We covered proper baby ergonomics for feeding, transitioning, and carrying her baby without favouring one hip to alleviate lower back strain.

After just two weeks, the patient reported improved symptoms; she no longer experienced pain in bed at night or in the mornings. She slept better and managed her daily tasks with only mild symptoms.

By her fourth session, the patient felt optimistic and had begun cycling at home to improve her fitness. She expressed confidence in self-managing her condition, as her lower back pain no longer hindered her motherhood or exercise activities.