Expert Back Pain Treatment in Phnom Penh: How Movement Uses Cutting-Edge Science to Help You Recover

Back pain is one of the most common complaints among people worldwide—including expats and locals in Phnom Penh. Whether it’s from poor posture, heavy lifting, stress, or long hours at a desk, back pain can be frustrating, limiting, and even debilitating.

At Movement: Physiotherapy and Fitness, we don’t rely on outdated methods like rest, painkillers, or generic exercises. Instead, we apply the latest scientific insights from the world’s top physiotherapists to get to the root of your pain and fix it—permanently.

Here’s how we integrate research-backed approaches from some of the leading experts in back pain rehabilitation.

Step 1: Identifying the True Cause of Your Back Pain

One of the biggest mistakes in treating back pain is assuming that pain = damage. Research by Lorimer Moseley, PhD, shows that chronic back pain is not always linked to structural issues—in fact, pain can persist even when no injury is present.At Movement, we take a science-based approach to diagnosing back pain:
✔ We assess movement patterns rather than just looking at MRI results.
✔ We identify movement impairments, muscle imbalances, and poor postural habits.
✔ We screen for psychological factors—such as fear of movement—that can make pain worse.

Step 2: Building a Stronger Core with the McGill Method

Dr. Stuart McGill, a world leader in spine biomechanics, developed the McGill Big Three Exercises to stabilize the spine and prevent pain. His research shows that core bracing—not endless crunches—is the key to a pain-free back.

At Movement, we integrate the McGill Method into our rehabilitation programs by using:
✅ McGill Curl-Up: Builds spinal endurance without excessive stress.
✅ Side Plank: Strengthens obliques and stabilizers for better posture.
✅ Bird Dog: Improves core stability and back control for long-term pain relief.

These are not just exercises—they are part of a scientifically designed strategy to restore pain-free movement.

Step 3: Teaching You to Move Naturally Again

Dr. Peter O’Sullivan, PhD, has spent decades studying chronic low back pain and found that fear of movement (kinesiophobia) is a huge factor in pain persistence.

At Movement, we help you re-learn how to move confidently by:
✔ Breaking fear-avoidance cycles—we teach you that movement is safe.
✔ Retraining normal movement patterns, so you stop “bracing” or avoiding activities.
✔ Using Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT)—integrating mindset, movement, and mechanics into rehab.

Step 4: Active Recovery—Not Passive Treatments

Dr. Kieran O’Sullivan, PhD, emphasizes exercise-based rehabilitation over passive treatments (like heat therapy or ultrasound). The best way to treat back pain is through movement, not lying on a table.

At Movement, we focus on:
✅ Strengthening weak areas—especially the glutes, core, and lower back.
✅ Gradual exposure to movement—progressing from simple drills to complex activities.
✅ Movement variability—we teach different ways to move, so your body is more adaptable.

Step 5: Fixing Movement Dysfunction at the Source

Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, PhD, developed the Movement System Impairment (MSI) model, which focuses on correcting faulty movement patterns that lead to pain.

At Movement, we assess:
✔ How you bend, squat, and lift—do you move efficiently?
✔ Which muscles are overactive or underactive?
✔ What postural habits may be reinforcing your pain?

We don’t just treat symptoms—we correct the root movement dysfunction.

Step 6: Avoiding Unnecessary Treatments (Following Chris Maher’s Research)

Dr. Chris Maher, PhD, has debunked many myths about back pain treatment. His research shows that unnecessary scans, surgeries, and medications often do more harm than good.

At Movement, we follow these evidence-based principles:
✔ Avoiding unnecessary imaging unless serious conditions are suspected.
✔ Teaching clients that back pain is manageable with the right approach.
✔ Prioritizing exercise and education over painkillers or passive therapies.

Why Movement is the Best Choice for Back Pain Treatment in Phnom Penh

At Movement: Physiotherapy and Fitness, we apply real science, not outdated advice to help expats and locals in Phnom Penh recover from back pain for good.

What Makes Us Different?

✔ Internationally Certified Physiotherapists trained in the latest back pain research.
✔ Personalized Treatment Plans—no generic “back exercises.”
✔ Active Rehabilitation Focus—you won’t just lie on a table.
✔ Holistic Approach—we address strength, flexibility, mindset, and movement patterns.
✔ Proven Methods—based on the research of McGill, O’Sullivan, Moseley, Sahrmann, and Maher.

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📚 Sources & References

1. McGill S. – Back Mechanic & Spine Health Research
2. Peter O’Sullivan – Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT)
3. Lorimer Moseley – Pain Science & Chronic Pain
4. Kieran O’Sullivan – Active Rehab for Back Pain
5. Shirley Sahrmann – Movement System Impairments
6. Chris Maher – Evidence-Based Back Pain Treatment