Got an MRI report back with the words "disc bulge" on it and immediately assumed the worst? You're not alone. Research actually shows the label itself can create more fear than the finding does — people told they have a "disc bulge" report a higher perceived need for surgery and lower expectations for recovery, even when their actual injury is identical to someone given a milder label. In this post, we break down what a disc bulge really is, why it's often just a normal part of aging, and how physiotherapy at Break Free helps you understand your pain and move forward with confidence instead of fear.

Got an MRI and feeling overwhelmed by the results? You're not alone. Many patients walk into our clinic in despair after seeing words like "disc degeneration" or "spinal stenosis" on their report. The truth is — your image does not define your outcome. Here's what you actually need to know.

Physiotherapist, Corey Kim, at Break Free Physiotherapy, recounts how he completed a 2nd half-marathon after his struggle with chronic low back pain. He reviews some things to look for to figure out if your pain is helpful vs harmful as well as some thoughts on other factors that impacted his pain. If you’re struggling with lower back pain and hoping to get back into an activity, such as running a half-marathon, check out this blog for some tips as well as a story from a Physiotherapist with low back pain.

Experiencing lower back pain and wondering what the best exercises are for you? What exercises to avoid? This blog reviews some common exercises for the lower back and provides some tips on when to do the exercises and when not to. Skilled physiotherapists at Break Free Physiotherapy can determine which specific exercises may be best for you to aid in your recovery.

This blog reviews dry needling and the impact it can have on lower back pain. Dry needling or intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is a technique that we use at Break Free Physiotherapy in London, Ontario to help reduce tension in muscles and relieve compression on nerves. It can help to reduce feelings of constant tightness in muscles as well symptoms related to nerve compression like tingling and numbness in your legs. Check out this blog to learn more about dry needling and how it can help your lower back pain!

Experiencing lower back pain but not sure if it’s your SIJ? Been told your SIJ is out and you have ongoing pain? This blog dives into the sacroiliac joint, aka you SIJ, potential causes of pain as well as different areas where the pain may be coming from. This could include your lower back, hip or the SIJ itself. Our physiotherapists at Break Free are trained to find the source of your pain and provide you with the correct exercises to reduce your pain and help you reach your goals.

Have you had a lower back injury and now your spine is shifted? Your shoulders are going one way and your hips the other way? Are you experiencing pain or tingling down one of your legs? It sounds like you may have a lateral shift. Physiotherapists at Break Free can help you to reduce the shift, reduce your pain, and get you moving again through MDT or the use of repeated movements.

This blog reviews different reasons as to why you may have low back pain from squatting and how you can address this. One of the common culprits is lack of hip range of motion or tightness in the hips. Physiotherapists at Break Free complete comprehensive assessments to determine where your low back pain with squats may be coming from and what specific exercises may help.

Have you been experiencing back pain from lifting your baby or toddler? This blog reviews factors that could contribute to your lower back pain as well as ways in which to modify your positioning and posture while lifting to help reduce the back pain.

Corey Kim, co-owner and physiotherapist at Break Free Physiotherapy, describes his experience with chronic lower back pain and tingling in his leg and foot and how he got relief from his pain. He tried many different treatments prior to finding out what worked for him and has been able to return to activity and is working towards reaching new goals. Even physiotherapists experience low back pain just like you. We can help you get relief and get back to doing what you love.