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Half a Year of Giving Back

 Half a Year of Giving Back 

It’s been six months since we began this journey, and our purpose has remained the same:
to give back to the community around our clinic.

We feel incredibly lucky to know Khun Aor, who has been deeply involved in charity work across Phuket, especially in this area. Her heart for helping others has made a lasting impact, and we’re proud to walk alongside her and Bumrungrad Hospital in this mission.

To all our amazing clients, thank you for your continued support.


Because of you, we’re able to reach and support even more people in our local community.

Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to teach more than 100 people. I know not everyone will take action—but even if just 10% do, that’s enough to create real change. And the truth is, some already have. They’ve shown up, done the work, and felt the difference.

That’s what brings me the greatest joy, knowing I’ve helped someone improve their life.

This is why we do what we do.
And with your support, we’ll keep going—together.

Physio First Phuket & TCM

What a physiotherapist actually does for lower back pain:

Exercise therapy — Targeted exercises form the core of treatment. These typically include core strengthening to stabilize the spine, flexibility work (like hamstring stretches), and aerobic activity such as walking or aqua therapy. Specific movements like pelvic tilts, bridges, bird dogs, and side planks are commonly prescribed.

Manual therapy — Hands-on techniques including spinal mobilization, joint manipulation, and soft tissue massage help relieve nerve irritation, restore joint movement, and ease muscle tension.

 Modalities —  Ultrasound / Shockwave are often used alongside exercise to reduce pain and inflammation.

Education — Therapists teach you about posture, safe movement, ergonomics, and activity modification, empowering you to manage and prevent recurrence.

What Is Chronic Lower Back Pain And Why Doesn’t It Just Go Away?

Chronic lower back pain is defined as pain that persists for three months or more. Unlike acute pain — which usually has a clear trigger like a fall or a sudden strain — chronic pain often develops gradually, without an obvious cause, and has a habit of coming and going in frustrating cycles.

Common underlying reasons include weak core muscles that leave the spine undersupported, prolonged sitting or poor posture (especially common in desk workers and drivers), tight hip flexors from sedentary habits, previous injuries that never fully healed, and age-related changes to the discs and joints of the spine.

The reason chronic lower back pain persists in so many people is that rest alone doesn’t fix it. The body needs targeted movement, guided rehabilitation, and sometimes a change in everyday habits to truly recover.

How Exercise Therapy Treats Chronic Lower Back Pain

At Physio First Phuket and TCM, exercise therapy is at the heart of our approach to chronic back pain — and for very good reason. Decades of research confirm that specific, guided movement is one of the most effective treatments available.

Exercise therapy for lower back pain isn’t about going to a gym or pushing through pain. It’s a carefully designed programme, personalised to your body, your lifestyle, and the specific nature of your pain.

Rebuilding Core Stability

Your core muscles — including the deep muscles around your spine — act as a natural brace. When these muscles are weak or poorly coordinated, the spine takes on more load than it should. A physiotherapist will guide you through exercises that target these specific muscles: movements like bridges, bird-dogs, and modified planks that rebuild support from the inside out.

Restoring Flexibility and Mobility

Tight muscles around the hips, hamstrings, and lower back can pull the spine out of alignment and increase pain. Stretching and mobility work done consistently — and correctly — gradually relieves this tension and gives you more freedom of movement.

Retraining Movement Patterns

Many people with chronic back pain have unconsciously started moving differently to protect the painful area. Over time, this can create new problems. Part of rehabilitation is helping you relearn natural, efficient movement — whether that’s how you lift, sit, walk, or sleep.

Progressive Loading

As your strength and confidence grow, your therapist will gradually increase the challenge of your exercises. This progressive approach builds real resilience in the spine, reducing the likelihood of future flare-ups.

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What to Expect at Physio First Phuket and TCM

We understand that starting physiotherapy can feel uncertain, especially if you’ve been in pain for a long time. Here’s what typically happens when you come to us:

Your first session begins with a thorough assessment. We want to understand your full story not just where it hurts, but how it affects your daily life, what makes it better or worse, and what your goals are. From there, we build a treatment plan that is entirely personal to you.

Sessions are hands-on and collaborative. You’re not just given a sheet of exercises to do at home; we work with you, correct your technique, track your progress, and adjust your programme as you improve. Our clinic combines physiotherapy with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which means we can also explore complementary approaches such as acupuncture if that suits your needs.

We’re based in Bangjo, Thalang conveniently accessible for residents across the north of Phuket, including Cherng Talay, Laguna, and Surin.

Signs That Exercise Therapy Could Be Right for You

Exercise-based rehabilitation tends to work well for people who:

  • Have had lower back pain for three months or longer with no clear resolution
  • Experience pain that flares up with prolonged sitting, standing, or certain activities
  • Have been told there is no structural issue requiring surgery
  • Want to address the root cause of their pain rather than managing symptoms indefinitely
  • Are motivated to play an active role in their own recovery

If you’re unsure whether this approach is appropriate for your situation, a physiotherapy assessment is always the best starting point.

FAQ: Physiotherapy for Lower Back Pain in Phuket

How much does physiotherapy cost in Phuket?

Physiotherapy costs in Phuket vary depending on the clinic, the type of treatment, and the length of the session. At most clinics in the area, a standard physiotherapy session ranges from approximately 800 to 2,500 Thai Baht. Initial assessments may be priced slightly differently. At Physio First Phuket and TCM, we aim to offer transparent, fair pricing — we encourage you to contact us directly for current session rates and any available packages, particularly if you are considering a course of treatment for chronic back pain.

Many international health insurance policies cover physiotherapy in Thailand. It’s worth checking with your insurer before your first appointment.

You Don’t Have to Keep Living With This

Chronic lower back pain can wear you down not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. It affects sleep, work, relationships, and your sense of what’s possible. But it is treatable. With the right support and a structured rehabilitation programme, most people with chronic lower back pain do get significantly better.

At Physio First Phuket and TCM in Bangjo, Thalang, we’re here to help you understand your pain, take back control, and move well again without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to explore more on our blog and take the next step toward feeling better.

 

External Authority Reference: For evidence-based guidance on exercise therapy for chronic lower back pain, the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on non-surgical management of chronic primary low back pain offer a solid foundation: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240081789

What Is Yang Sheng? The 2,000-Year-Old Chinese Longevity Practice Modern Science Is Now Confirming

Yang Sheng (养生, "nourishing life") is a foundational concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine centered on preventing illness through daily lifestyle choices, diet, sleep, movement, breath, and emotional balance rather than treating disease after it appears. It rests on cultivating three "treasures": Jing (essence), Qi (vital energy), and Shen (spirit). Modern longevity science, from Blue Zones demography to circadian biology and autophagy research, is independently arriving at strikingly similar conclusions: eat in rhythm with your body's clock, move daily but don't overexert, manage stress, and prioritize prevention over cure. Yang Sheng isn't a competitor to modern medicine - it's a 2,000-year head start on the same questions.

What Does Yang Sheng Actually Mean?
Yang Sheng (养生) is built from two characters: yang, meaning to nourish, cultivate, or care for, and sheng, meaning life, birth, or vitality. Put together, it translates roughly to “nourishing life” and it’s one of the oldest organizing ideas in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Unlike acupuncture or herbal medicine, which are typically applied to treat something, Yang Sheng is something you practice daily, whether or not you’re sick. It’s less a treatment and more a way of living. The core belief, first laid out in the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic, compiled roughly 2,000–2,500 years ago), is that the “superior physician” treats a patient before illness appears not after. That single idea — prevention over cure — is arguably Yang Sheng’s most radical claim, and it’s one that modern healthspan science has only recently caught up to.

he Three Treasures: Jing, Qi, Shen

Classical Yang Sheng theory holds that life is sustained by three interdependent resources:

  • Jing (精) — Essence. Your foundational reserve, often compared to genetic or constitutional vitality. It’s inherited at birth in limited supply and depletes with age, overwork, and excess.
  • Qi (气) — Vital energy. The animating force behind bodily function, breath, and circulation. Qi can be cultivated and replenished through diet, movement, and rest — or drained by stress and exhaustion.
  • Shen (神) — Spirit. Mental and emotional vitality; clarity of mind, presence, and calm.

Traditionally, Yang Sheng practice is about protecting Jing, cultivating Qi, and nourishing Shen simultaneously — because in TCM theory, neglecting one eventually depletes the others.

The Core Pillars of Yang Sheng Practice

While Yang Sheng touches nearly every part of daily life, most classical texts and modern practitioners organize it around a handful of consistent pillars:

1. Seasonal and circadian alignment. Eat, sleep, and work in rhythm with the day and the seasons — warming foods and earlier bedtimes in winter, lighter foods and later evenings in summer.

2. Dietary regulation. Food is treated as medicine. Emphasis is placed on eating in moderation, favoring warm and cooked foods for digestion, and adjusting diet seasonally rather than following a fixed universal plan.

3. Movement without depletion. Practices like Qigong and Tai Chi are gentle by design — the goal is circulating Qi and maintaining mobility, not maximal exertion that could deplete Jing.

4. Breath and stillness. Breathing exercises and meditation are used to calm Shen, regulate the nervous system, and conserve energy.

5. Emotional regulation. Classical TCM ties specific emotions to specific organs (anger to the liver, worry to the spleen, and so on), so emotional balance is treated as a physiological practice, not just a psychological one.

6. Rest and restraint. Sufficient sleep, avoiding overwork, and moderating “excess” of any kind — including sensory stimulation and overexertion — are treated as essential, not optional.

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Where Modern Longevity Science Lines Up With Yang Sheng

This is where it gets genuinely interesting. Researchers studying human longevity today weren’t working from TCM texts  they arrived at their conclusions through demography, cell biology, and epidemiology. And yet, several major findings echo Yang Sheng principles almost precisely.

Blue Zones and the prevention-first lifestyle

The “Blue Zones” 
regions such as Sardinia, Okinawa, and Nicoya with unusually high concentrations of people living into their 90s and 100s  have faced skepticism in recent years over whether the underlying age data holds up.
A peer-reviewed December 2025 response published in The Gerontologist addressed this head-on, laying out decades of demographic verification work behind the blue zones data, cross-checked against civil birth and death records, church archives, genealogical reconstruction, and military and electoral registries, with any unverifiable cases excluded from the analysis. The takeaway: the longevity of these populations isn’t an artifact of sloppy record-keeping.

What these populations actually share isn’t a supplement or a single diet. it’s daily, moderate movement, strong social ties, largely plant-based eating, and low chronic stress. In other words: lifestyle as prevention, sustained over a lifetime. That’s Yang Sheng’s central thesis, arrived at independently.

Circadian biology and time-restricted eating

One of Yang Sheng’s oldest instructions eat and sleep in alignment with natural daily rhythms has a direct modern parallel in circadian biology. Studies on time-restricted feeding have shown that the body’s circadian clock regulates autophagy (the cellular “cleanup” process that clears damaged components), and that this circadian regulation plays a measurable role in how restricted-timing diets extend lifespan in animal models. This builds on earlier, well-established findings that fasting and time-restricted eating patterns aligned with the body’s natural rhythms support healthier lifespan outcomes. The mechanism is different from anything in classical Chinese texts, but the behavioral instruction don’t eat out of rhythm with your body’s clock is nearly identical to Yang Sheng’s seasonal and daily eating guidance.

The multisystem view of aging

A 2025 narrative review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences examined longevity through what researchers call a systems lens, concluding that healthy aging emerges from the complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, microbial, behavioral, and environmental factors with particular emphasis on how the brain and autonomic nervous system interact with epigenetic regulation, telomere dynamics, the gut microbiome, and environmental exposures to jointly shape biological aging. This “everything is connected” framing – mind, gut, environment, and body as one interdependent system is essentially a molecular-biology restatement of the Jing-Qi-Shen model, where no single treasure can be nourished in isolation.

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Where the science is still catching up

It’s worth being honest about the gap here too. A 2026 review in npj Aging concluded plainly that despite major advances, precise, validated recommendations for humans to reliably reach beyond 100 years remain elusive. Modern longevity science has strong evidence for directional practices — moderate eating, good sleep, stress reduction, movement but it hasn’t produced a single validated formula for maximum human lifespan. Yang Sheng never claimed to either; it offers a framework for daily practice, not a guaranteed number of years.

Where the Two Approaches Diverge

It’s worth being precise rather than reductive here Yang Sheng and modern longevity science aren’t the same thing wearing different clothes.

  Yang Sheng Modern Longevity Science
Foundation Philosophical/energetic framework (Qi, Yin-Yang) Mechanistic, cellular, and statistical evidence
Method of validation Millennia of observed practice and classical texts Peer-reviewed studies, demographic data, clinical trials
Primary goal Balance and harmony with nature Extending healthspan and delaying cellular aging
Individualization Adjusted to person, season, and constitution Increasingly personalized via biomarkers, genomics
Testability Not empirically falsifiable in the scientific sense Designed to be tested, replicated, and falsified

Neither framework replaces the other. Yang Sheng offers a livable, daily structure refined over centuries of lived observation; modern science offers mechanistic explanations and rigorous validation but, as the npj Aging review notes, still lacks a definitive playbook. Used together, they’re complementary: philosophy for the “how to live,” biology for the “why it might work.”

How to Start a Yang Sheng Practice Today

You don’t need to overhaul your life to begin. Classical Yang Sheng is built on small, sustainable adjustments:

  • Eat on a rhythm. Favor a substantial breakfast, moderate lunch, and lighter dinner eaten earlier rather than late at night.
  • Match food to season. Warming, cooked foods in colder months; lighter, cooling foods in summer.
  • Move daily, gently. A 20–30 minute walk, some Qigong, or Tai Chi counts more, over time, than occasional intense workouts.
  • Protect your sleep window. Classical texts emphasize sleeping earlier in the evening to “restore essence” which lines up closely with what circadian research says about pre-midnight sleep and hormonal regulation.
  • Build in stillness. Even five minutes of quiet breathing daily is treated as a legitimate health practice, not a luxury.
  • Watch emotional extremes. Chronic anger, worry, or grief are treated in TCM as physiologically depleting not just uncomfortable feelings to push through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yang Sheng in simple terms? Yang Sheng is a Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy that means “nourishing life.” It focuses on preventing illness and supporting longevity through daily habits, diet, sleep, movement, and emotional balance rather than treating disease after it develops.

Is Yang Sheng scientifically proven? Yang Sheng itself is a philosophical and traditional framework, not a scientifically tested protocol. However, several of its core recommendations eating in rhythm with circadian cycles, moderate daily movement, stress reduction, and strong social connection  are independently supported by modern longevity research, including studies on Blue Zones populations and circadian biology.

What are the three treasures in Yang Sheng? Jing (essence), Qi (vital energy), and Shen (spirit). Classical Yang Sheng theory holds that health depends on protecting and cultivating all three together.

How is Yang Sheng different from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) overall? TCM includes diagnostic and treatment systems like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and cupping, generally applied to address a specific condition. Yang Sheng is the preventive, lifestyle-based branch of TCM — practiced daily regardless of whether you’re currently unwell.

Can Yang Sheng and Western medicine be used together? Yes. Yang Sheng is a lifestyle and prevention framework rather than a substitute for medical treatment. Many people use its daily practices — diet, movement, sleep, stress management alongside conventional healthcare rather than in place of it.

What’s the easiest way to start practicing Yang Sheng? Begin with one or two changes rather than a full overhaul: eat your last meal earlier in the evening, take a daily 20-minute walk, and protect a consistent, earlier bedtime. Classical Yang Sheng emphasizes small, sustained habits over dramatic short-term interventions.

Is Physiotherapy Good in Thailand? How to Choose a
High Quality Physiotherapist in Phuket

If you are travelling to Thailand and need to continue physiotherapy for your knees, back, neck, sports injury or post-surgery recovery, you may be wondering whether physiotherapy in Thailand is reliable.
The answer is yes high quality physiotherapy is available in Thailand, including in Phuket. However, the quality and style of treatment can vary between clinics and individual therapists.

The most important thing is to choose a qualified physiotherapist who performs a proper assessment, understands your current rehabilitation plan and provides personalised exercises rather than relying only on massage or machines.

Is Physiotherapy Good in Thailand?

Physiotherapy is a regulated healthcare profession in Thailand. Physiotherapists must complete an approved physiotherapy degree and pass the national examination required by the Physical Therapy Council of Thailand before receiving a professional licence.Thailand has physiotherapists working in private clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centres and sports facilities. Many clinics in tourist destinations such as Phuket also treat international patients and provide consultations in English.However, as in any country, the quality of treatment depends on the therapist’s qualifications, clinical experience, communication and approach to rehabilitation.Some clinics focus mainly on temporary symptom relief using massage, heat, ultrasound or electrical therapy. These treatments may sometimes be included in a rehabilitation programme, but they should not replace a detailed assessment, progressive exercise and education.A good physiotherapist should help you understand:What may be contributing to your pain or limitationWhich movements or activities are currently difficultWhich muscles or movement patterns need rehabilitationWhich exercises are appropriate for your current stageHow to safely return to weight training, running or normal activities

How Do I Choose a Good Physiotherapist in Phuket?

When looking for a physiotherapy clinic in Phuket, consider the following points.

1. Check that the therapist is qualified and licensed

Ask whether your treatment will be provided by a licensed physiotherapist rather than a massage therapist, personal trainer or unqualified assistant.

Massage and exercise coaching can be useful, but they are not substitutes for a professional physiotherapy assessment when you are experiencing pain, recovering from an injury or continuing a medical rehabilitation programme.

2. Look for experience with your condition

Different physiotherapists may have different areas of experience.

For knee, back and neck problems, look for a therapist with experience in:

  • Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
  • Sports injury rehabilitation
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Post-surgery rehabilitation
  • Exercise-based rehabilitation
  • Returning clients safely to the gym or sport

Tell the clinic about your condition before booking. Ask whether the therapist regularly treats similar problems and whether they can continue a programme prescribed by your previous physiotherapist.

3. Choose a clinic that provides a proper assessment

Your first session should include more than simply asking where it hurts.

Depending on your condition, the physiotherapist may assess your movement, joint mobility, muscle strength, balance, posture, functional activities and the exercises you are currently able to perform.

For example, knee pain may be influenced by hip strength, ankle mobility, training load or movement control. Back and neck symptoms may also require an assessment of movement, strength, daily activities and exercise habits.

Treatment should be based on what the physiotherapist finds during your assessment not a standard programme given to every patient.

4. Ask whether rehabilitation includes exercise

If your goal is to return to weight training, the clinic should be able to help you gradually rebuild strength and confidence.

A high-quality rehabilitation programme normally includes appropriate exercise progression. This may begin with mobility, control or basic strengthening before progressing towards more demanding gym exercises.

Your therapist should explain:

  • Which exercises you can continue
  • Which exercises should temporarily be modified
  • How much weight or resistance to use
  • How frequently to perform your programme
  • How to recognise an acceptable response to exercise
  • When you may be ready to progress

The aim should not be to stop exercising forever. The aim is to find a safe and realistic route back to the activities that matter to you.

5. Make sure communication is clear

Clear communication is particularly important when receiving physiotherapy while travelling.

An English-speaking physiotherapist should be able to explain the assessment, treatment plan, exercises and expected progression in language you understand.

You should feel comfortable asking questions such as:

  • What do you think is causing my symptoms?
  • What is the purpose of this treatment?
  • What should I do between appointments?
  • Can I continue walking, swimming or training?
  • How will we measure my progress?
  • What should I do when I travel to my next destination?

A good therapist should welcome these questions.

6. Avoid promises of an instant cure

Be cautious if a clinic guarantees that one treatment will permanently fix your condition.

Some people experience rapid symptom relief, while others require several weeks or months of progressive rehabilitation. Recovery can depend on the condition, its severity, how long symptoms have been present and how consistently the rehabilitation programme is followed.

A responsible physiotherapist should give you a realistic explanation rather than promising an exact result before completing an assessment.

7. Read reviews carefully

Online reviews can be useful, but do not consider the star rating alone.

Look for reviews that mention:

  • A thorough assessment
  • Clear explanations
  • Personalised exercises
  • English communication
  • Sports or gym rehabilitation
  • Knee, back or neck treatment
  • Post-surgery rehabilitation
  • Long-term improvement
  • Support between appointments

Detailed reviews usually provide more useful information than short comments such as “good service.”

Can I Continue Physiotherapy While Travelling in Thailand?

Yes. In many cases, physiotherapy can be continued while you are travelling.

Before your first appointment, prepare as much information as possible about your existing treatment. This helps your new physiotherapist understand what has already been assessed and how your programme has progressed.

Bring or send:

  • Your diagnosis, when available
  • Medical or surgical reports
  • MRI, X-ray or scan reports
  • Your current exercise programme
  • Videos of exercises prescribed by your previous therapist
  • Details of exercises that aggravate your symptoms
  • Information about previous treatment
  • Contact details for your original physiotherapist, when appropriate

Your physiotherapist in Phuket can assess your current condition, continue suitable parts of the programme and modify exercises based on your symptoms, travel schedule and available equipment.

Physiotherapy for Knee, Back and Neck Pain in Phuket

Physio First Phuket and TCM provides personalised physiotherapy for people experiencing knee pain, back pain, neck pain, sports injuries and difficulties returning to exercise.

The clinic is located at The Menara Mall in Bangjo, Thalang, making it accessible for people staying around Bang Tao, Cherngtalay, Laguna, Thalang and the northern Phuket area.

Our approach begins with an individual assessment. Treatment may include hands-on physiotherapy, movement rehabilitation, strength exercises, mobility work, dry needling or other appropriate techniques depending on the assessment.

We do not believe that every person with knee, back or neck pain should receive the same treatment.

The rehabilitation plan is designed around your symptoms, current ability, previous treatment and personal goals whether you want to walk comfortably during your holiday, continue a rehabilitation programme or return safely to weight training.

Physiotherapy consultations are available in English and Thai.

What Happens During Your First Appointment?

During your first appointment, the physiotherapist will discuss:

  • Your current symptoms
  • When and how the problem began
  • Your previous physiotherapy treatment
  • Your current home exercises
  • Your training history
  • Your travel plans
  • Your goals for rehabilitation

The physiotherapist will then assess the relevant movements and physical functions before explaining the recommended treatment and exercise plan.

When appropriate, we can also help you create a short-term rehabilitation plan that you can continue while travelling to other parts of Thailand.

Is physiotherapy good in Thailand?

Yes. Thailand has qualified and licensed physiotherapists working in hospitals, rehabilitation centres and private clinics. The quality of care can vary, so choose a therapist who provides a detailed assessment, personalised rehabilitation and clear exercise guidance.

Yes. Many Phuket physiotherapy clinics work with tourists, expatriates and international patients. Confirm that the physiotherapist providing your treatment can conduct the full assessment and explain your exercise programme in English.

 

Yes. Bring your medical reports, scan results and existing exercise programme. Your physiotherapist can review your progress and adapt the programme to your current symptoms and available equipment.

A physiotherapist can assess your current limitations and develop a gradual strength progression. The programme may include modified gym exercises before progressing towards your normal training routine.

No. Thai massage and physiotherapy have different purposes and professional scopes. Physiotherapy involves clinical assessment and rehabilitation for pain, injury, movement limitations and recovery. Massage may be used for relaxation or symptom relief, but it does not replace physiotherapy assessment and progressive rehabilitation.

Physio First Phuket and TCM is located at The Menara Mall, Bangjo, Thalang, Phuket. The clinic provides English- and Thai-speaking physiotherapy for knee, back and neck conditions, sports injuries and return-to-training rehabilitation.

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You do not have to pause your rehabilitation simply because you are travelling.

Contact Physio First Phuket and TCM before arriving and send us information about your condition, previous treatment and current exercise programme. Our physiotherapy team can review your situation and help you plan the next stage of your rehabilitation in Phuket.

English and Thai consultations available

Physio First Phuket and TCM The Menara Mall, Bangjo, Thalang, Phuket

Chronic Low Back Pain

Moving Beyond Pain Relief to Understanding the Root Cause

“Will I be able to play sports again?”

“Will I be able to lift and carry my child without worrying about my back pain returning?”

“Do I really need another surgery?”

These are questions I hear regularly from patients suffering from chronic low back pain.

My name is Aof, a Physiotherapist.

Throughout my 10 years of clinical experience, I have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. During my 5 years at Bangkok Hospital Phuket, one of the largest hospitals in Southern Thailand, I treated many patients with spinal conditions, including those who required surgery and post-operative rehabilitation.

Working in a hospital environment allowed me to see both sides of spinal care from acute injuries to complex cases requiring surgical intervention and long-term rehabilitation.

However, one thing became increasingly clear to me:

Surgery can be the right solution for certain patients, but it is not the solution for everyone.

Many patients recover well immediately after surgery. However, some experience recurring symptoms months or years later, and some may eventually require additional procedures.

This led me to ask an important question:

“Are we truly addressing the root cause of the problem, or are we only treating the final consequence?”

From Treating Symptoms to Understanding the Root Cause


After leaving the hospital and transitioning into private clinical practice, I began working with a larger number of patients suffering from chronic pain.

These included:

▪ Chronic low back pain

▪ Neck and shoulder pain

▪ Work-related injuries

▪ Sports injuries

▪ Persistent pain despite previous treatments

Through continuous professional development, clinical education, and reviewing current scientific evidence, my approach to treatment evolved.

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Instead of focusing only on reducing pain, I started focusing on a more important question:

“Why did this problem develop in the first place?”

Pain is often only a warning signal. The underlying causes may involve multiple factors, including:

▪ Reduced muscle strength

▪ Poor muscular endurance

▪ Inefficient movement patterns

▪ Impaired neuromuscular control

▪ Lifestyle factors

Fear of movement after previous injuries


Therefore, effective rehabilitation should not only aim to decrease pain but also restore the body’s ability to move, perform, and adapt again.

Personalized Exercise Programs: Not Just Doing Exercises, But Doing the Right Exercises for You

One of the main approaches I use is individualized exercise rehabilitation.

I believe that:

There is no single exercise program that works for everyone.

Every person has a different body, lifestyle, history, and goal.

Some patients may need to improve core strength and spinal stability.

Some may need better movement control.

Others may need to rebuild strength and endurance to return to sports or daily activities.

When we understand the true cause of the problem and design a program specifically for that individual, the results can be significantly different.

Many of my patients have been able to return to the activities they love:
▪ Playing sports again
▪ Exercising with confidence
▪ Carrying their children without fear
▪ Enjoying daily activities with less limitation

The goal is not simply to remove pain.

The goal is to help patients regain confidence and control over their own body.

The Human Body Is More Than Just Muscles and Joints

After more than 10 years in clinical practice, one of the most important lessons I have learned is:

There is no “best treatment method” without first understanding the individual patient.

The human body does not function through the muscular system alone.

The nervous system, pain sensitivity, previous experiences, stress, movement habits, and personal goals can all influence recovery.

That is why every treatment plan should begin with:
▪ A detailed history assessment
▪ A comprehensive physical examination
▪ Identifying the main contributing factors
▪ Creating a rehabilitation plan that matches the patient’s goals

Because good treatment is not only about knowing:

“What should we do?”

It is about understanding:

“Why are we doing it, and how can we make it appropriate for this specific person?”

My Current Approach to Treatment
Currently, I work as a Physiotherapist at Physio First Phuket.

Over the years, my clinical focus has increasingly shifted toward managing patients with chronic pain conditions, particularly chronic low back pain.

Many of the patients I currently see at the clinic are individuals who have been experiencing back pain for months or even years. Some have tried multiple treatments before seeking further help, while others have adapted their lifestyle around their pain avoiding certain movements, reducing physical activities, or feeling uncertain about whether they can return to the things they enjoy.

My approach focuses not only on reducing pain, but also on understanding the contributing factors behind each individual’s condition and developing a rehabilitation plan that helps them regain confidence, strength, and function.

My treatment approach focuses on combining:

1. Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

Using exercise-based rehabilitation to improve:

▪ Muscle strength

▪ Endurance

▪ Flexibility

▪ Movement quality

▪ Functional performance

The goal is not simply to make patients feel better temporarily, but to help the body become more capable, resilient, and prepared for daily activities and personal goals.

2. Neuromuscular Rehabilitation

For some chronic pain conditions, the nervous system can play an important role in pain perception, movement control, and muscle function.

In selected cases, acupuncture may be incorporated as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation approach to help modulate nervous system activity and support recovery, together with exercise-based treatment.

Rehabilitation Is Not Only About the Final Result, It Is About the Journey!! The difference in my approach is not only focusing on the final goal:

“How can we reduce your pain?”

But also: “Are we moving in the right direction throughout the recovery process?” Patients should understand what is happening in their body.

They should understand why they are performing specific exercises.They should feel confident and involved in their own recovery. Because ultimately:


A physiotherapist is not only someone who treats pain. A physiotherapist helps people return to the life they want to live.

If you are experiencing chronic low back pain, recurring symptoms, or difficulty returning to the activities you enjoy, the most important first step may not be asking:

“What treatment do I need?”Instead, ask:

“What is my body trying to tell me, and where is the true source of the problem?”


Aof | Physiotherapist

Physio First Phuket

Evidence Behind my Approach

My approach is based on current scientific evidence showing that chronic low back pain is a complex condition influenced by physical, neurological, psychological, and lifestyle factors.

Current guidelines recommend individualized, exercise-based rehabilitation combined with patient education and self-management strategies rather than focusing only on pain relief or structural findings.

Selected references

1. World Health Organization. WHO guideline for non-surgical management of chronic primary low back pain. 2023.

2. Hayden JA, Ellis J, Ogilvie R, et al. Exercise therapy for chronic low back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2021;9(9):CD009790.

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