Back pain is usually caused by a serious medical condition.

As mentioned above, back pain is rarely caused by a serious condition that will require medical intervention.

Scans are always needed to detect the cause of LBP.

Scans are only necessary in a small number of cases. In fact, scans will often pick-up things that are part of normal, age-related changes in the back that aren’t necessarily the cause of the pain.

Pain during exercise means that exercise is bad and causes more damage.

When back pain persists, that area of the spine can become more sensitive, but this does not indicate tissue damage/further injury. Regular exercise can settle this pain over time and is known to be one of the best ways to treat LBP.

Repetitive lifting and bending causes wear and tear of the structures in my back.

The back is a strong structure that is made to move and bend. Regular movement is good for the spine, as it is with other body parts. Pain related to lifting and bending are safe if they’re done gradually and regularly. Pain related to lifting is often more the result of a sudden increase in load that the body is not used to - e.g. moving house.

LBP is caused by poor posture when sitting, standing and/or lifting.

Research shows that LBP is not caused by poor posture or by a specific way we lift. When we are in pain, there may be certain postures that can exacerbate the sensitive areas but this is not a direct cause of the pain.

Alicia Rayner | City Baths Spinal and Sports Medicine Clinic

Dr Alicia Rayner

Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

Having been awarded the title of Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, in 2022 by the Australian College of Physiotherapists, Dr Alicia Rayner has achieved the highest clinical recognition of physiotherapy in Australia. This title is only awarded to physiotherapists who demonstrate exceptional skills and knowledge in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. With this recognition, Alicia joins a select group of only 13 Musculoskeletal Specialist Physiotherapists in Victoria.

Alicia holds Masters degrees in both Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy, in addition to her specialist title, and has extensive experience working with athletes and diverse sporting teams, such as: Cricket Victoria, Melbourne Stars, and the Melbourne University AON Women’s 7’s national programme. She has also worked with a number of state hockey, football, and rugby teams. One of Alicia’s career highlights was attending the Commonwealth Games in 2018.

Alicia enjoys working with a diverse range of clients, but she has a special interest in treating complex problems such as jaw pain, headaches, chronic pain, or long-term injuries, as well as providing advanced spinal treatment. As one of our clinic’s most experienced practitioners, Alicia is well-equipped to provide effective hands-on treatment and individualised exercise rehabilitation to her clients, ensuring optimal outcomes.

Key examples of Alicia’s dedication to her industry include the advancement of the physiotherapy discipline through her research pursuits and fostering the growth of the next generation of practitioners. She regularly conducts courses for the Australian Physiotherapy Association and is currently engaged in research at Western Sydney University, exploring various mentoring strategies for physiotherapists. Alicia’s passion for education is evident through her previous experience as a lecturer and supervisor of physiotherapy students at the University of Western Australia, and her current role as a lecturer and supervisor of postgraduate students at La Trobe University.

Growing up on a farm in country WA, in a town of around 400 people, has given Alicia an appreciation for and understanding of the importance of community, and access to high quality healthcare.

In her spare time, you can find Alicia walking in the parks of Melbourne, trying new coffee hotspots and crocheting rugs in preparation for the Melbourne winter!