Lower Back Pain That Won't Quit? An Evaluation (and FMS Functional Movement Screen) Finds the Why

Low back pain that keeps returning usually has a pattern, not a mystery

Persistent low back pain often shows up as a cycle. You feel okay, you sit a little too long, you lift something on the weekend, or you get out of the car after an I-95 commute and your back “grabs.” Then you spend a few days stretching or resting, it calms down, and the next flare-up hits at the worst time.

A lot of what I see in this area ties back to long periods of sitting, sudden weekend activity (yard work, beach days, travel lifting), and movement habits that load the same tissues repeatedly. Sometimes the issue is more about how you move than how strong you are. That’s where functional movement screening helps, because it gives me a clear picture of what your body is doing under simple, repeatable tasks.

What I do in a 55-minute Evaluation, including functional movement screening

My Evaluation is 55 minutes and it’s designed to answer one main question: what’s driving your pain, and what do we do about it? I start with your history, but I don’t stop at “it hurts when I bend.” I want to know what positions set it off, what helps, what you’ve already tried, and what you need your body to do for work, sports and conditioning, or just getting through the day.

Then I move into testing. That can include:

• Functional movement screening to spot compensation patterns that load your low back.
• Strength and endurance checks for hips, trunk, and legs, because low back pain often involves how those areas share the work.
• Mobility testing for hips and thoracic spine, plus targeted special tests when nerve or joint involvement is a concern.

You won’t leave with vague advice. I’ll explain what I’m seeing in plain language, show you a few starter drills or corrections, and tell you why they matter. A lot of people appreciate that I send them home with exercises to do between sessions, because the work you do outside the clinic is usually what keeps the flare-ups from coming back.

Why an Evaluation changes the game for stubborn low back pain

Most persistent back pain doesn’t respond to random stretching because the real driver is often a mix of movement habits, irritated tissue, and weakness in the places that should be supporting you. The Evaluation gives me a way to separate the likely contributors. Is this more muscle and control? More mobility restriction? A nerve sensitivity? A joint that’s not tolerating load well right now? The answer determines the plan.

I’m also honest about the effort part. One of my low back pain patients said it plainly: “Have to stick to the plan and do the work at home also.” That’s not me being tough. That’s reality. When you do the home program consistently, people commonly report strength and mobility improvements within a few weeks, and some feel noticeably better earlier. I’ve also had people tell me they were “already feeling better after my first session, ” especially when we finally address the underlying cause instead of chasing symptoms.

“After a month I feel great! Improved strength and mobility.”

one of our long-time clients

After the Evaluation, you’ll get a clear problem statement and a plan. That plan might include in-clinic physical therapy, a home program, hands-on care, and when appropriate, a discussion about options people often ask about like dry needling near me or massage therapy near me. If something sounds outside the scope of a standard plan, I’ll tell you and point you in the right direction.

Is this Evaluation the right fit for your back, and when is it not?

This is a strong fit if your back pain is persistent or recurring, you want a plan you can follow, and you’re willing to do some homework between sessions. It’s also a good fit if you’ve tried other places and still feel like “my issues weren’t being taken care of.” I take time to listen, assess, and build a plan around what your body actually needs.

It may not be the right next step if you have the urgent red flags I mentioned earlier. And if what you want is only a relaxation session, a healthy massage spa vibe, or a quick fix with no follow-through, I’m probably not your best match. My focus is functional movement, getting you back to your life, and keeping you there.

Why people choose All Pro Rehab in the Gateway Blvd district, plus how to schedule

People come to me because they want attention and a clear plan. I do one-to-one therapy, and patients regularly mention how professional and polite my team is, how clean the office feels, and how welcome they felt walking in. That matters when you’re already frustrated and sore.

One detail most rehabilitation centers can’t honestly claim is what people repeatedly notice here: focused one-on-one care with consistent follow-through, plus a plan you can do at home that matches what I’m doing with you in the clinic. That’s how we get traction on problems that have been hanging around for months.

Helpful note: If you found me searching for sportsmedicine care, sports and conditioning support, or “dry needling near me, ” start with the Evaluation so I can confirm what’s appropriate for your specific situation.