Did you know that research shows about 80% of us will experience back pain at least once in our lives? That’s a staggering number, and as a physiotherapist, my job is to help you recover as quickly as possible when that pain and stiffness sets in. Not only do I want to help you get back to feeling good, but I also want to give you the tools and care to prevent that pain from making an unwelcome comeback. So, today I thought I’d share my own personal story. If you’ve followed my previous blogs, you might already know about my first experience with back pain. But recently, I had another encounter with it—and let’s just say, the timing wasn’t ideal. The Week Before the Ski Holiday It was the week before I was heading off on a skiing holiday with family and friends. Now, if you’ve ever been on a ski trip, you know that packing isn’t exactly light work. Downhill and cross-country ski gear, outdoor clothes, indoor clothes, and, of course, food planning—I had quite a few lists running through

For most of my life, I walked around feeling invincible, boasting a back that could survive anything. As a physiotherapist and Pilates and yoga instructor, I spent 20 years treating patients with lower back pain. I knew all the common causes, the best ways to manage acute and chronic pain, and the exercises that really worked. But one tiny detail was missing: I’d never actually had back pain myself. That all changed three years ago, and let’s just say it was a humbling experience. How My Lower Back Pain Began Three years ago, I had the bright idea to go back to school as a grown-up. Why not? Studying part-time seemed totally doable. And it was—until exam season hit. Suddenly, I was glued to my chair for eight hours a day, buried in books and my computer. Ergonomics? Never heard of her. Posture? Didn’t know him. I was so focused on studying that I completely forgot all the golden rules I’d spent years teaching others. After my exam (which, thankfully, I passed), I noticed a little twing