Physiotherapy exercise library

Back physiotherapy exercises

200 physiotherapy exercises for the back, each with an illustration, audio instructions, sets, reps and progressions. Filter by goal below, or open them in Physia to build a personalised home exercise program in seconds.

Strengthening (77) · Mobility (77) · Motor control (19) · Stretching (20) · Balance (4) · Self-massage (1) · Pain relief (2)

Strengthening — Back

Barbell Bench PressBarbell bench press, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, tempo 2-1-2 Bird dog en TBird dog en T, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side, controlled tempo Bird Dog Exercise for Lumbar StrengtheningBird dog, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side, hold 3 seconds in extension Bird dog on BosuBird dog on Bosu, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side, 3-second hold in extension Bird dog on SwissBallBird dog on SwissBall, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side, hold 3 seconds in extension Bird dog with arm elevationBird dog with arm elevation, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side Bird dog with leg elevationBird dog with leg elevation, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side, hold for 2 seconds in extension Bird dog with plyometrics and external shoulder rotationBird dog with plyometric external shoulder rotation, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Bridge with shoulder extensionBridge with shoulder extension, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, hold 2 seconds at the top Burpees - Final phase with trunk and pelvis controlFinal phase of burpees, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, trunk and pelvis control Burpees - Second step with trunk and pelvis controlSecond step burpees, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, trunk and pelvis control Burpees - Third Stage with Trunk and Pelvic ControlThird stage burpees, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, trunk and pelvis control Burpees with Emphasis on Lumbar StabilityBurpees, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, emphasis on lumbar stability Controlled Medicine Ball Throw for Lumbar StrengtheningMedicine ball throwing movement, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, controlled motion DeadliftDeadlift, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, tempo 2-1-2 Deadlift with Overhead LiftDeadlift with overhead lift, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, tempo 2-0-2 Dissociation of the shoulders with elastic bandDissociation of the shoulders with elastic band, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Dumbbell DeadliftDumbbell deadlift, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, core control Dumbbell Deadlift for Lumbar StrengtheningDumbbell deadlift, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, core control Dynamic dorsal plank with alternating arm movementsDynamic dorsal plank, 3 sets, hold 30 seconds, alternating arm movements Dynamic plank with hip extensionDynamic plank with hip extension, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per leg Dynamic Superman on SwissBallDynamic Superman on SwissBall, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Elastic Band DeadliftElastic band deadlift, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, tempo 2-0-2 Elastic Band Opening for the Lower BackElastic band opening, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, core control Elastic Band Pull with Scapular RetractionElastic band pull with scapular retraction, 3 sets, 12 repetitions First step of burpees for lumbar controlFirst step of burpees, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, trunk and pelvis control Floor Slam Ball for Lumbar StrengtheningFloor slam ball, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, trunk control Glute Bridge with Pelvic RetroversionGlute bridge with pelvic retroversion, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, hold 3 seconds at the top Golf swing with kettlebellKettlebell golf swing, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side, controlled tempo High Elbow Resistance Band RowHigh elbow resistance band row, 3 sets, 12 repetitions Hip-height Load LiftHip-height load lift, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, moderate load Horizontal Row with Resistance BandHorizontal resistance band row, 3 sets, 12 repetitions, tempo 2-0-2 Kettlebell Suitcase DeadliftKettlebell suitcase deadlift, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Lateral suitcase carry with dumbbellLateral suitcase carry, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side, 8 kg dumbbell Lumbar Extension on Swiss Ball with Shoulder Abduction and Bent ArmsLumbar extension on Swiss Ball with shoulder abduction and bent arms, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Lumbar Extension on SwissBall with Arm ElevationLumbar extension on SwissBall with arm elevation, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Lumbar extension on SwissBall with bent armsLumbar extension on SwissBall, bent arms, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Lumbar extension on SwissBall with loadLumbar extension on SwissBall with load, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, tempo 2-1-2 Lumbar extension on SwissBall with oscillating barLumbar extension on SwissBall with oscillating bar, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Lumbar extension on the ground with trunk lockingLumbar extension on the ground with trunk locking, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, hold 2 seconds at the top Lumbar Extension with Stick on SwissBallLumbar extension with stick on SwissBall, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, controlled ascent Lumbar extension with weightLumbar extension with weight, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, controlled movement Lumbar Stabilization on SwissBallLumbar stabilization on SwissBall, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, hold for 5 seconds Lumbar strengthening on SwissBall with ball passLumbar strengthening on SwissBall with ball pass, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Overhead squat with arms extended above the headOverhead squat, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, arms extended above the head Pelvic Floor Contraction on SwissBall in Plank PositionPelvic floor contraction on SwissBall, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, hold 5 seconds Prone Row for Lumbar StrengtheningProne rowing, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, trunk control Pull with elastic on SwissBallPull with elastic on SwissBall, 3 sets, 12 repetitions Resisted lumbar flexion-extension on SwissBallResisted lumbar flexion-extension on SwissBall, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Resisted Pelvic Dissociation in Hip Rotation 90/90 with Elastic BandResisted pelvic dissociation in 90/90 hip rotation, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side, elastic resistance Seated Lumbar Extension on Swiss BallLumbar extension on Swiss Ball in seated position, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, controlled movement Self-massage of the latissimus dorsi with a rolling pinSelf-massage of the latissimus dorsi with a rolling pin, 2 minutes per side Shoulder-height Load LiftShoulder-height load lift, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, moderate load Single-leg Romanian Deadlift on an Elevated LegSingle-leg Romanian deadlift, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per leg, tempo 2-0-2 Slam ball for lumbar stabilitySlam ball, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, focus on lumbar stability and trunk control Slow eccentric and fast concentric deadliftSlow eccentric/fast concentric deadlift, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, moderate load Snow Angel on the GroundSnow angel on the ground, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Standing Elastic Row for Scapular StrengtheningStanding elastic band rowing, 3 sets, 12 repetitions Standing Elastic RowingStanding elastic band rowing, 3 sets, 12 repetitions Standing Jefferson CurlStanding Jefferson Curl, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, slow and controlled execution Standing Resistance Band Row for BackStanding resistance band row, 3 sets, 12 repetitions, slow tempo Superman arms and opposite legSuperman arms and opposite leg, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side, controlled movement Superman arms and opposite leg with stickSuperman arms and opposite leg with stick, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side Superman for Lumbar StrengtheningSuperman, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, hold 2 seconds at the top Superman Isometric with 90° Arm AbductionSuperman isometric with 90° abduction, 3 sets, hold for 20 seconds Superman isometric with stickSuperman isometric with stick, 3 sets, hold for 20 seconds Superman on SwissBall with weightsSuperman on SwissBall with weights, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, tempo 2-1-2 Superman with Leg Flutter KicksSuperman with leg flutter kicks, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, hold 2 seconds at the top Superman with StickSuperman with stick, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, movement control Swimming-type lumbar strengtheningSwimming-type lumbar strengthening, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, hold for 2 seconds at the top SwissBall Roll-out for the Lower BackSwissBall roll-out, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Thoracic extension and flexion in sitting positionThoracic extension and flexion in sitting position, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Thoracic Extension on SwissBall with Arm ElevationThoracic extension on SwissBall with arm elevation, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Trap Bar DeadliftTrap Bar Deadlift, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, tempo 2-1-2 Twist with Light LoadTwist with light load, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side, light load (5-10kg) Wall BridgeWall bridge, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, hold 3 seconds at the top Wall Isometric BridgeWall isometric bridge, 3 sets, hold for 20 seconds

Mobility — Back

Active lumbar extension against a wallActive lumbar extension against a wall, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, slow and controlled movement Active Lumbar Flexion Mobilization Against a WallActive lumbar flexion mobilization against a wall, 3 sets, 8 repetitions Active Thoracic Rotation on KneesActive thoracic rotation on knees, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Active-assisted trunk flexion with SwissBallActive-assisted trunk flexion with SwissBall, 3 sets, 8 repetitions Child's Pose on SwissBallChild's pose on SwissBall, 3 sets, hold for 30 seconds Controlled Lateral LungeControlled lateral lunge, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Dead Bug for Lumbar Motor ControlDead bug, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side Deep Lunge Thoracic RotationDeep lunge thoracic rotation, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Face Pull with Resistance BandFace Pull with Resistance Band, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Jefferson curl with stickJefferson curl with stick, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, slow and controlled execution Kneeling Thoracic Opening in InclinationKneeling thoracic opening, 3 sets, 8 repetitions Lateral bend with stickLateral bend with stick, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side Lateral Inclination Opening on SwissBallLateral inclination opening on SwissBall, 2 sets, 8 repetitions per side, hold 3 seconds at the final position Lumbar extension lying on the stomachLumbar extension lying on the stomach, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, hold 2 seconds at the top Lumbar Extension on the FloorLumbar extension on the floor, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, slow movement Lumbar Flexion in Supine PositionLumbar flexion in supine position, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, slow and controlled movement Lumbar Flexion on SwissBallLumbar flexion on SwissBall, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, slow and controlled movement Lumbar Flexion Rolling Mobilization in Butterfly Sitting on SwissBallLumbar flexion rolling mobilization in butterfly position, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, seated on SwissBall Lumbar Flexion with Arm Swing in StandingLumbar flexion with arm swinging, standing, 3 sets, 8 repetitions Lumbar Flexion/Extension Mobilization on SwissBallLumbar flexion/extension mobilization on SwissBall, 3 sets, 8 repetitions Lumbar Inclination OpeningLumbar inclination opening, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side, slow and controlled movement Lumbar mobilization in low amplitude tiltLumbar mobilization in low amplitude tilt, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Lumbar mobilization in quadruped: flexion and extensionLumbar flexion/extension mobilization in quadruped, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Lumbar Neurodynamic MobilizationLumbar neurodynamic mobilization, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, trunk and pelvis control Lumbar Spine Extension on Swiss BallLumbar spine extension on Swiss Ball, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, slow and controlled movement Lumbar Windmill MobilizationLumbar windmill mobilization, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Pectoral kneadingPectoral kneading, 2 sets, 1 minute per side Pelvic anterior and posterior tilt in the kneeling positionPelvic anterior/posterior tilt in kneeling position, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side Pelvic anterior-posterior tilt in sitting positionPelvic anterior-posterior tilt in sitting position, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Pelvic anterior/posterior tilt mobilizationPelvic anterior/posterior tilt mobilization, 3 sets, 12 repetitions Pelvic Anteversion and Retroversion against a WallPelvic anteversion/retroversion against a wall, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Pelvic Circumduction on SwissBallPelvic circumduction on SwissBall, 3 sets, 10 circles in each direction Pelvic Rotation in an 8 Shape on Swiss BallPelvic rotation in an 8 shape on Swiss ball, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Pelvic Rotation on SwissBallPelvic rotation on SwissBall, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Pelvic Tilt on SwissBallPelvic tilt on SwissBall, 3 sets, 12 repetitions Postural control on bosu with shoulder elevationPostural control on bosu with shoulder elevation, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per arm Prone Incline Sphinx for Lumbar MobilityInclined prone sphinx, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, progressive back extension Reactive lumbar stabilization with weighted elasticReactive lumbar stabilization with elastic, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, trunk control during each movement Rounded back / hollow back with elasticRounded/hollow back with elastic, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Scapular Depression in Sitting or Standing PositionSeated or standing scapular depression, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Seated Lumbar Flexion with Assisted ReturnSeated lumbar flexion with assisted return, 3 sets, 8 repetitions Seated Lumbar Neurodynamic MobilizationSeated lumbar neurodynamic mobilization, 3 sets, 8 repetitions Seated Lumbar Rotation on AirexSeated lumbar rotation on Airex, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side Seated Lumbar Rotation with SwissBallSeated lumbar rotation with SwissBall, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side Seated Thoracic OpeningSeated thoracic opening, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, slow and controlled movement Seated Thoracic Rotation MobilizationSeated thoracic rotation mobilization, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side, in sitting position Seated Thoracic Rotation with StickSeated thoracic rotation with stick, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Seated Thoracic RotationsSeated thoracic rotations, 3 sets, 8 repetitions each side Seated Trunk Rotation with Arm Swing on SwissBallSeated trunk rotation with arm swing on SwissBall, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side Self-massage of the latissimus dorsi and teres majorSelf-massage of the latissimus dorsi and teres major, 2 sets, 1 minute per side Self-Massage of the Lumbar Spine with BallSelf-massage of the lumbar spine with a ball, 2 sets, 1 minute per zone Sphinx: Lumbar Extension HoldSphinx, lumbar extension hold, 3 sets, hold for 30 seconds Standing Lateral Lumbar InclinationStanding lateral lumbar inclination, 3 sets, 10 repetitions per side Standing Lumbar FlexionStanding lumbar flexion, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Standing Lumbar Flexion with Assisted ReturnStanding lumbar flexion with assisted return, 3 sets, 8 repetitions Standing Spine Flexion and ExtensionStanding spine flexion and extension, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, slow and controlled movement Thoracic extension with crossed arms on the chestThoracic extension with crossed arms on the chest, 2 sets, 10 repetitions, with ball or roller under the targeted area Thoracic extension with foam rollerThoracic extension with foam roller, 2 sets, 8 repetitions, slow movement Thoracic mobility in quadruped positionThoracic mobility in quadruped, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Thoracic mobility: rounded back / hollow back sitting on a chairThoracic mobility: rounded back / hollow back sitting on a chair, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Thoracic mobilization with leg forwardThoracic mobilization with leg forward, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Thoracic opening in I position seated or kneelingThoracic opening in I, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, seated or kneeling Thoracic Opening in Lunge PositionThoracic opening in lunge position, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Thoracic Opening in Quadruped PositionThoracic Opening in Quadruped Position, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Thoracic Opening in TThoracic opening in T, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, seated or kneeling Thoracic Opening in Warrior PositionThoracic opening in warrior position, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Thoracic Opening in YThoracic opening in Y, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, seated or kneeling Thoracic Rotation and Opening in Side-Lying PositionThoracic rotation and opening in a side-lying position, 2 sets, 10 repetitions per side Thoracic Rotation in Glute BridgeThoracic rotation in glute bridge, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Thoracic Rotation in QuadrupedThoracic rotation in quadruped, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Thoracic rotation in quadruped with lower limb blockingThoracic rotation with lower limb blocking, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side, in quadruped position Thoracic Rotation in Warrior PoseThoracic rotation in Warrior pose, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Thoracic Rotation on SwissBallThoracic rotation on SwissBall, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Thoracic rotation with foam roller in quadrupedThoracic rotation with foam roller in quadruped, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Thoracic rotation with medicine ball in seated positionThoracic rotation with medicine ball, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side, in seated position Thoracic Spine Extension Seated on ChairThoracic Spine Extension Seated on Chair, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Trunk Inclination with StickTrunk inclination with stick, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, pelvis and trunk control

Motor control — Back

Ball Dribble Between Legs for Lumbar StabilityBall dribble between legs, 3 sets, 30 seconds, focus on trunk stability Ball Pass on the Floor in Supine PositionBall pass on the floor in supine position, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Catching a ball in a bent-leg positionCatching a ball in a bent-leg position, 3 sets, 8 repetitions Core Stabilization on SwissBall with Resistance BandCore stabilization on SwissBall with resistance band, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, 5-second hold Dissociation of the belts on SwissBallDissociation of the belts on SwissBall, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, controlled thoracic movements Lumbar Postural CorrectionLumbar postural correction, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, hold for 5 seconds Lumbar Stabilization on SwissBall with BouncesLumbar stabilization on SwissBall with bounces, 3 sets, 10 bounces, 30 seconds rest Lumbar stabilization with thoracic opening in sitting positionLumbar stabilization with thoracic opening, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, in sitting position Lunge plank with resistance rotationLunge position plank with resistance rotation, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side, resistance band held with both hands Pelvic stabilization in prone positionPelvic stabilization in prone position, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, 5-second hold Postural Control on SwissBallPostural control on SwissBall, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, 5-second hold Quadruped Back AlignmentQuadruped back alignment, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, hold 5 seconds Reception of a ball with legs straightReception of a ball with legs straight, 3 sets, 8 repetitions Reception of the stick with bent legsReception of the stick with bent legs, 3 sets, 8 repetitions Reception with a stick with legs straightReception with a stick legs straight, 3 sets, 8 repetitions Reflex Support Work with Blazepod for Core ControlReflex support work with Blazepod, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, focus on core control Seated Stabilization on SwissBallSeated stabilization on SwissBall, 3 sets, 30 seconds, abdominal activation Seated Stabilization on SwissBall with BallSeated stabilization on SwissBall with ball, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, hold 5 seconds Thoracic Proprioception on a RollThoracic proprioception on a foam roller, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, controlled movements

Stretching — Back

Alternating Dynamic Posterior Chain StretchAlternating dynamic posterior chain stretch, 2 sets, 10 repetitions per side Chest stretch against a wallChest stretch against a wall, 3 sets, hold 30 seconds per side Child's PoseChild's pose, 3 sets, hold 30 seconds Child's Pose with Lateral InclinationChild's pose with lateral inclination, 2 sets, hold for 30 seconds each side Dynamic Latissimus Dorsi StretchDynamic latissimus dorsi stretch, 2 sets, 10 repetitions per side Lateral Inclination Opening in Sitting PositionSeated lateral inclination opening, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side, slow and controlled movement Lateral Inclination Stretch with CushionLateral inclination stretch with cushion, 3 sets, 30 seconds per side Lumbar Rotation Stretch on TableLumbar rotation stretch on table, 3 sets, 8 slow rotations each side Lumbar Stretch in Cat-Cow PositionLumbar stretch in cat-cow position, 3 sets, 8 repetitions Lumbar Stretch on SwissBallLumbar stretch on SwissBall, 3 sets, hold for 20 seconds Pectoral minor stretch against a wallPectoral minor stretch against a wall, 3 sets, hold 30 seconds per side Pectoral Stretch on a LogPectoral stretch on a log, 3 sets, hold for 30 seconds on each side Seated Lumbar RotationSeated lumbar rotation, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side, slow and controlled movement Seated Quadratus Lumborum StretchSeated quadratus lumborum stretch, 3 sets, hold for 30 seconds each side Seated Thoracic Extension StretchSeated thoracic extension stretch, 2 sets, hold for 20 seconds Seated Thoracic Rotation StretchSeated thoracic rotation stretch, 3 sets, hold for 20 seconds each side Self-massage of posterior shoulder tension points with a ballSelf-massage of posterior shoulder tension points with a ball, 2 sets of 1 minute Standing Lateral Incline StretchStanding lateral incline stretch, 3 sets, hold for 20 seconds on each side Thoracic opening with scapular retraction using elasticThoracic opening with scapular retraction using elastic, 3 sets, 12 repetitions Thoracic Rotation with Bent ArmThoracic rotation with bent arm, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side

Balance — Back

Self-massage — Back

Pain relief — Back

Common conditions — Back

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