Lumbar Joint Facet Pain

Physiotherapy for Facet Joint Pain

Targeted Treatment to Reduce Stiffness, Ease Localised Back Pain & Restore Spinal Movement

Facet joint pain is one of the most common causes of localised back and neck pain. These small joints in the spine can become irritated, inflamed or overloaded, leading to sharp pain, stiffness and difficulty with bending, twisting or extending. Our physiotherapists specialise in diagnosing facet joint dysfunction and providing effective, hands-on treatment to restore normal movement, reduce pain and prevent flare-ups.

Understanding Facet Joint Pain

Facet joints allow the spine to bend, glide and rotate. When they become irritated—often due to compression, posture, sudden movement, or muscle tension—they can cause:

• Sharp, localised pain on one or both sides of the spine

• Pain worse with extension (leaning backwards)

• Stiffness after sitting or sleeping

• Muscle spasm around the irritated joint

• Restricted bending or twisting

• Pain referring into the buttock or upper thigh (lumbar)

• Pain referring into the shoulder or upper back (cervical)

Facet joint pain can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic and recurring if not treated properly.

Lumbar facet (zygapophyseal) joints are paired synovial joints between adjacent vertebral articular processes. Each has cartilage-lined surfaces, a fibrous capsule, and synovial fluid for smooth motion. Their mainly sagittal orientation permits

Lumbar facet (zygapophyseal) joints are paired synovial joints between adjacent vertebral articular processes. They have cartilage-lined surfaces, a fibrous capsule,

Lumbar facet (zygapophyseal) joints are

Lumbar facet (zygapophyseal) joints are paired synovial joints between the articular processes of nearby vertebrae. They have cartilage, a fibrous capsule, and synovial fluid. Positioned mostly in the sagittal plane, they allow flexion and extension and limit rotation. Together with the discs they share axial and shear loads, add posterior stability, and guide movement. Supplied by the medial branches of the dorsal rami, facets can cause pain when inflamed or worn. Dysfunction or capsular irritation produces local low back pain, sometimes spreading to the buttock or thigh, often worse with extension and rotation. Knowing facet anatomy helps guide hands-on treatment, diagnostic blocks, and rehabilitation to restore movement and protect the joint.

Lumbar Facet Anatomy

Areas We Treat for Facet Joint Pain

1. Reducing Joint Irritation & Inflammation

Our first goal is to calm the irritated facet joint. Treatment includes:

• Manual therapy to reduce joint pressure

• Soft tissue release for surrounding muscle spasm

• Postural unloading positions to ease joint compression

• Heat or gentle movement strategies to reduce stiffness

2. Restoring Spinal Joint Mobility

Facet joints often “lock up” or become restricted. Physiotherapy targets:

• Lumbar or cervical joint mobilisation

• Gentle manipulative techniques (when appropriate)

• Thoracic mobility exercises to reduce stress on the lower spine

• Guided range-of-motion exercises

3. Strengthening & Spinal Control for Long-Term Support

Once pain settles, restoring strength is essential. We focus on:

• Core strengthening exercises

• Glute and hip stabiliser strengthening

• Postural endurance for sitting and standing

• Progressive functional strengthening

4. Posture Correction & Movement Retraining

Poor posture or movement patterns often contribute to facet compression. We provide:

• Hip hinge training to reduce lower back strain

• Safe bending, lifting and twisting techniques

• Desk and workstation setup advice

• Strategies to reduce repetitive extension or rotation overload

5. Improving Flexibility & Muscle Balance

Tight or overactive muscles can increase pressure on the facet joints. Treatment includes:

• Stretching hip flexors, glutes, lats and thoracic extensors

• Muscle length correction to reduce asymmetry

6. Managing Flare-Ups & Preventing Recurrence

Facet joint pain commonly recurs without proper management. We help you with:

• Long-term strength and mobility plans

• Flare-up action strategies

• Training load management

• Home exercise programs tailored to your spine mechanics

7. Addressing Contributing Conditions

Our physiotherapists also assess and treat related problems such as:

• Disc irritation that increases facet joint load

• Hip stiffness or weakness

• Thoracic immobility creating overload in the lumbar region

• Poor biomechanics during work or sport

Our Physiotherapy Approach

Your treatment plan is customised to your specific symptoms, spinal movement pattern and lifestyle demands. It may include:

• Manual therapy

• Joint mobilisation and manipulation

• Soft tissue and muscle release

• Mobility and flexibility programs

• Strengthening and stability exercises

• Posture and ergonomic correction

• Education on load and movement control

• Return-to-activity or sport progression

Our goal is not only to reduce facet pain but to restore confident, pain-free movement and prevent future episodes.

Common Causes & Triggers of Facet Joint Pain We Treat

• Sudden twisting or bending

• Poor posture or prolonged sitting

• Repetitive extension movements

• Weak core or glute muscles

• Degenerative changes (facet arthropathy)

• Stiff mid-back or hips causing compensation

• Sports involving rapid rotation (golf, tennis)

When to Seek Physiotherapy

You should book an appointment if you experience:

• Sharp localised back or neck pain

• Pain when leaning backwards or twisting

• Stiffness after sitting or sleeping

• Pain radiating into the buttock, hip or shoulder blade

• Recurrent or persistent episodes

• Difficulty bending, lifting or rotating

Early treatment helps prevent chronic flare-ups and speeds recovery.

Book Your Facet Joint Pain Assessment

If facet joint pain is affecting your movement or daily life, our physiotherapists can help you recover quickly and confidently.
Contact us today to book your assessment.