Back Pain & Sciatica Treatment in the City of London
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people come to the Thrive4Life Wellbeing Centre in the Lloyd’s Building, EC3. Long hours at a desk, commuting, lifting and sport can all set it off. Most back pain is not caused by anything serious and gets better with the right treatment and by staying active.
What we treat
- Lower back pain and lumbago
- Sciatica: pain, tingling or numbness travelling down the leg from the lower back
- Stiffness and muscle spasm
- Back pain that keeps coming back
- Back pain linked to posture and desk work
- Pelvic girdle pain
How we treat it
Your first appointment starts with questions about your pain and your medical history, and an examination of how you move. Your practitioner will explain what they think is causing the pain, then start treatment. Depending on the problem, that can include:
- Hands-on treatment: soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation and, where suitable, spinal manipulation
- Medical acupuncture (dry needling) and kinesio taping
- Exercises to do at home to ease pain, build strength and stop it coming back
- Advice on posture, your desk set-up and staying active
Back pain is treated by our chartered physiotherapists Laure Walter and Kurt Walker, and by our osteopaths Simon Chafer and Hollie Lindsay. If your pain has lasted months or years, Pain Reprocessing Therapy may also help.
Prices and insurance
Physiotherapy and osteopathy appointments are £80 for 30 minutes, first or follow-up. Both can be claimed on most private medical insurance; see the physiotherapy and osteopathy pages for which insurers each practitioner works with, and our full price list.
When to get urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E straight away if back pain comes with numbness around your bottom or genitals, problems controlling your bladder or bowels, or weakness or numbness in both legs. These are rare but need emergency treatment.
Where we are
The Thrive4Life Wellbeing Centre is in the Lloyd’s Building, One Lime Street, London EC3M 7HA, a few minutes’ walk from Bank, Monument, Fenchurch Street and Aldgate. We’re open Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm, and you don’t need to work at Lloyd’s: we’ll arrange a visitor pass when you book. See how to find us.
Who you’ll see
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I see a physiotherapist or an osteopath for back pain?
Either can help, and there is a lot of overlap. Physiotherapy puts more weight on rehabilitation exercises; osteopathy is mainly hands-on and looks at the whole body. If you’re not sure, call us on 020 7327 5341 and we’ll point you to the right person.
Can you treat sciatica?
Yes. Our physiotherapists and osteopaths treat sciatica with hands-on treatment and exercises to ease the pressure on the irritated nerve and reduce pain down the leg.
How many sessions will I need for back pain?
It depends on the cause and how long you’ve had it. Many people notice an improvement within two or three sessions. Your practitioner will give you an idea at your first appointment.
Should I rest or keep moving?
For most back pain, staying gently active helps it recover faster than bed rest. Your practitioner will tell you which movements to do and which to avoid for now.
How much does back pain treatment cost?
Physiotherapy and osteopathy appointments at the Thrive4Life Wellbeing Centre are £80 for 30 minutes, first or follow-up.
Can I claim on private medical insurance?
Yes, for physiotherapy and osteopathy, with most private medical insurers. Which insurers you can use depends on the practitioner; see the physiotherapy and osteopathy pages. Check with your insurer whether you need a GP referral or an authorisation number first.
Do I need a GP referral?
No, you can book directly. Some insurers ask for a GP referral before they’ll pay, so check with yours first.
Do I need to work at Lloyd’s to book?
No. Anyone can book. Tell us when you book and we’ll arrange a visitor pass; bring photo ID on the day. See how to find us.