Holiday type

Health programmes for back pain

May 19, 2023

Back pain was never really an issue for me—until now. As I approach 50, I’ve started to notice, like many others my age, that my lower back doesn’t quite keep up with my pace. Lately, I’ve been experiencing sudden, stabbing pain in my back that completely stops me in my tracks. It even happened during a stretching class recently. I sat in a pose, threw my back out, and was stuck there for the rest of the session, unable to move.  

Causes of Back Pain

A doctor at a well-known spa explained that stabbing pain in the lower back can stem from various causes, including poor posture, muscle tension, injuries, or conditions like sciatica. Fortunately, I don’t have anything serious, and by doing specific back and core strengthening exercises (which are crucial!), I manage to keep things under control. But I also catch myself slouching in my chair behind my laptop every day—one of the worst habits for back health. It’s an unconscious habit I’d love to break. And the good news? It’s possible.  

Spas Specialized in Back Problems

Some spas and wellness hotels focus specifically on back pain. At these specialized retreats, your back and posture are thoroughly assessed, and a personalized treatment plan is created to address your specific issues. Physiotherapists at these centers treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic back pain, neurological disorders, musculoskeletal injuries, and even sports-related injuries.  

High-Tech Treatment & Therapies

Treatment methods vary, combining manual therapy, targeted exercises, and sometimes additional techniques like haptonomy or chiropractic care. Many spas also integrate advanced technology into their treatments, such as ultrasound, GAIT analysis, or TR therapy. Beyond treatment, physiotherapists provide valuable tips and guidance to help restore mobility and prevent future pain. Physiotherapy, when included as part of a structured wellness program, can instill lifelong healthy habits—helping you move with ease for years to come.

In this blog post:

We listed some of the best physiotherapy and pain management programs at top health resorts.

Image for Boshotel Vlodrop, The Netherlands

Boshotel Vlodrop, The Netherlands

PureandCure offers a diverse range of retreats, each tailored to different wellness themes such as yoga, Pilates, juice fasting, fitness, and lifestyle. The Puurenkuur Strengthen Your Back Retreat focuses on targeted yoga sessions designed to strengthen the back and relieve discomfort, incorporating soothing mindfulness elements for a holistic approach. Set in a natural surroundings of National Park De Meinweg, Boshotel Vlodrop offers the ideal combination of nature and a wide range of wellness facilities, making it the perfect retreat for both relaxation and rejuvenation.

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Image for OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel - Tenerife / Spain

OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel - Tenerife / Spain

You are in excellent hands for a F. X. Mayr, Ayurveda or thalasso programme at the authentic family hotel, OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel. But OCÉANO also has a professional and specialized team of physiotherapists and osteopaths, offering the OCÉANO STRONG BACK programme. Guests will receive a personal consultation and work collaboratively with our physiotherapist and other experts at the medical gym, and utilize both scientific and alternative approaches to maximize effectiveness and achieve optimal results. 

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Image for Longevity Medical & Health Hotel - Portugal

Longevity Medical & Health Hotel - Portugal

Longevity Health & Medical Alvor is an adults-only medical spa with preventative, medical and holistic wellbeing programmes in the heart of the Algarve. Ricardo Rosa is an exceptional Osteopath and Physiotherapist and even recognised by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the Top 20 therapists in the world. Ricardo is a very passionately committed man who who can give the most efficient therapies to address dysfunctions in the briefest time possible, by removing the barriers that stand in the way of the internal healing processes and systems. He supervises the Osteo Rebalance programs (5 nights) of Longevity.

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Image for Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary - Thailand

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary - Thailand

Kamalaya's Structural Revival programme (5, 7 and 9 nights) offers solutions for chronic neck and back pain, myofascial pain syndrome, osteoarthritis and tendinitis. The team of physiotherapists will first evaluate your alignment, posture, gait and any obvious restrictions of movement. The physiotherapy treatments incorporate practical exercises to improve your range of motion, correct muscular imbalances and rehabilitate injuries. The practical exercises are combined with modern technology, such as ultrasound for healing at a cellular level or TR-Therapy, which brings intense pain relief, muscle relaxation and support for tissue healing. The application of ultrasound is especially effective in the reduction of inflammation and the healing of injuries. 

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Image for Ananda in the Himalaya's - India

Ananda in the Himalaya's - India

Ananda offers a specialized Pain Management program, beginning with a thorough assessment by experienced physiotherapists and Ayurvedic experts. The treatment plan is fully personalized, addressing the root cause of pain through a combination of advanced physiotherapy techniques, Ayurvedic therapies, stress-relieving yoga postures, and an anti-inflammatory diet.Dr. Palak Jain, senior physiotherapist at Ananda, explains that many common conditions, such as spondylitis, radiculopathy, and osteoarthritis, often result from prolonged misuse of postural muscles at incorrect angles. A GAIT analysis plays a crucial role in identifying the underlying cause of muscular and nerve-related pain. This advanced diagnostic tool examines the complete movement cycle, starting from the heel strike of the foot, measuring hip, knee, and ankle angles across eight key phases. Since every individual’s gait pattern is unique, this analysis provides valuable insights for precise and effective treatment.

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Image for Park Igls Medical Spa Resort - Austria

Park Igls Medical Spa Resort - Austria

'Too often, we carry heavy physical and emotional burdens that put strain on the spine, intervertebral discs, cartilage, and joints,' says Dr. Peter Gartner, medical director of the award-winning Park Igls Mayr Clinic in Tyrol. This strain can lead to a variety of painful conditions. The physiotherapists at Park Igls emphasize the importance of movement: 'Prolonged sitting is not ideal. It's essential to change positions frequently, as the spine requires constant movement—both strain and relief—to remain healthy.' To address back pain and improve mobility, Park Igls offers specialized programs such as Neurofit and Physio-Fit, designed to strengthen the body and support spinal health through targeted physiotherapy and rehabilitation techniques.

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Image for Atmantan Wellness Centre - India

Atmantan Wellness Centre - India

Atmantan’s Restorative Physiotherapy programme (5, 7 or 10 nights) focuses on restoring mobility, strengthening & improving the quality of movement. The physiotherapists are specialized in treating orthopedic-related conditions, such as osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, joint instabilities, restoration of muscle and musculoskeletal or even certain neurological related conditions. The programs consist of detailed assessment and diagnosis, post which advanced and innovative techniques and modalities manual therapy & mobilisations, ultrasound therapy, postural integration and localised anti-inflammatory treatments. Atmantan combines traditional eastern medicine with western medical knowledge.

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Image for RAKxa Wellness & Medical Retreat - Thailand

RAKxa Wellness & Medical Retreat - Thailand

RAKxa, an integrative wellness and medical retreat located in the “Green Lung” of Bangkok, provides a tailored Mobilisation programme focuses on restoring the physical movements of the body after a prolonged sedentary lifestyle, injuries, surgeries and other complications. This will comprise both scientific and traditional therapy, along with sessions in the medical gym that will cater to specific treatments that best suit you. RAKxa's programmes provides flexible options that cater to your individual condition and mental well-being, with choices of 5 nights, 7 nights or 10 nights.

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Image for Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Qatar

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Qatar

Zulal, Chiva-Som’s second wellness resort in Qatar, blends Eastern healing traditions like Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine into its wellness programs. The Restore Rehab retreat, available for 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 nights or more, offers a science-backed approach to managing chronic pain and improving mobility. With advanced therapies, targeted exercises, and personalized care, it is ideal for injury recovery or long-term pain relief. This five-star medical and holistic spa provides unique experiences, every day. The diverse activity schedule features yoga, Pilates, meditation, mudflat hiking, chair yoga, padel clinics, stretching, and floating meditation. A highlight of the experience is the cuisine, with expertly crafted dishes that, if eligible, could easily deserve Michelin-star recognition.
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Discover all our physiotherapy and pain management programs in detail

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Marleen

This blog is written by Marleen, the founder of PureandCure.com. She travels around the world in search of the best Health & Wellbeing Hotels, Spas and Retreats and shares her know-how, experiences and observations through her blogs.

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