Back and Neck Pain Physiotherapy in Newmarket

Back and neck pain can make everything harder, from sitting at your desk to sleeping, driving or picking up your kids. The good news is that most back and neck pain improves, and physiotherapy can help you ease the pain, move more freely and lower the chance of it coming back. At FIT Physiotherapy in Newmarket, every patient gets a one-on-one assessment with a registered physiotherapist and a plan built around their own body, work and goals.

You are far from alone. Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting more than 600 million people, according to a 2023 study in The Lancet Rheumatology. About 203 million people were living with neck pain in 2020, according to a 2024 study in the same journal, as reported by the Kolling Institute. Most of it responds well to active, drug-free care.

Back and neck problems we treat

• Low back pain and strain from lifting, bending, twisting or long hours sitting
• Sciatica and pain that travels down a leg (see physiotherapy for sciatica)
• Disc problems, such as a bulging or herniated disc
• Neck pain and stiffness, including a sudden “crick” in the neck (see physiotherapy for neck pain)
• Headaches that start in the neck
• Desk and posture-related pain in the neck, shoulders and upper back (see physiotherapy for posture)
• Long-lasting (chronic) low back pain (see when to see a physiotherapist for chronic lower back pain)
• Back and neck injuries after a car accident or at work

What to expect at FIT

• One-on-one care. Your assessment and treatment are with a registered physiotherapist, and you see the same physiotherapist each visit.
• A thorough first visit. Your first assessment takes about an hour. We ask how the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and what you need to get back to, then check how your back or neck moves.
• A personalized exercise program. Hands-on treatment can ease pain and stiffness, but the long-term change comes from exercise. You leave with a short program matched to your level, and we progress it as you improve, including in our on-site training facility.
• Other options when they help, such as shockwave therapy, dry needling and acupuncture. Chiropractic care and registered massage therapy are also available in the same clinic.
• Direct billing. We direct bill most extended health insurance plans, and no doctor’s referral is needed.

Our hours make it easier to fit treatment around work: we open at 7:45am on Wednesdays and Fridays, stay open until 7pm Monday to Thursday, and are open Saturday mornings.

Simple things that help

• Keep moving. Gentle walking and normal activity within your comfort level usually help more than bed rest.
• Break up long periods of sitting with a short walk or stretch every 30 to 60 minutes.
• Set up your workstation so your screen is at eye level and your chair supports your lower back.
• Lift with your legs, keep the load close to your body and avoid twisting while lifting.

Get urgent medical care if back or neck pain comes with new weakness in an arm or leg, numbness around the groin or inner thighs, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever, or pain after a serious fall or accident.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist for back or neck pain?

No. You can book with a physiotherapist directly in Ontario. Some insurance plans ask for a referral before they reimburse, so it is worth checking your policy.

How long is the first appointment?

Your first assessment takes about an hour. It includes a one-on-one assessment, a plain-language explanation of what we found, your first treatment and a home exercise program.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the cause of your pain, how long you have had it and your goals. Many people notice a difference within a few weeks. Your physiotherapist will give you a plan and an estimate after your first visit.

Should I see a physiotherapist or a chiropractor for back pain?

Both can help. Physiotherapy focuses on exercise, movement and hands-on treatment, while chiropractic care focuses mainly on spinal adjustments. At FIT, both are available in the same clinic, so you can use either or combine them.

Is physiotherapy for back pain covered by insurance?

Most extended health plans cover physiotherapy, and we direct bill most insurance providers. Coverage amounts vary, so check your plan for details.

Book an assessment

If back or neck pain is holding you back, we can help. Call 905-235-5360 or book online. FIT Physiotherapy is at 20 Charles Street in Newmarket, serving patients across York Region.