The CBT back pain class aims to support patients with persistent low back pain that have already trialled traditional conservative management such as exercise and self-management advice.
It aims to offer expert education and advice in line with NICE guidelines and the BesT Programme.We recognise that there is a gap for the management/advice that you may receive in managing a long-term health condition such as chronic back pain and we want to support you along this journey.
What to expect
This is an educational group. It will consist of up to 10 people with chronic low back pain. The class will run as a 6-week course with a different topic each week. You will be given a workbook to work throughout the course and supplement the advice and information provided in the session.
What will I need?
Your workbook – this will be sent to you with your confirmation text/email, please contact us if you have not received this before your first class.
You may wish to bring a drink
Find your nearest service
Vita Health Group works in partnership with the NHS to provide Musculoskeletal (MSK) services across the UK by a team of experts who are committed to excellence in clinical standards and customer service.
Recovering from injury often requires rehabilitation exercises that are gradually progressed over a number of weeks. Group Exercises Classes are small rehabilitation groups that are specifically designed to deal with common injuries or conditions that patients experience. When supplemented with at home exercises the vast majority of MSK conditions respond very well to consistent and progressive exercises over 12 weeks. Group Exercise Classes are a safe and effective way to help patients recover and get consistent support to learn suitable exercises and progressions for the first six weeks. Exercising in a group environment i.e with other people with the same or similar condition provides:
Exercises which are specific to a patient’s condition
Exercises set at the right intensity for an individual
A Physiotherapist on hand to field any questions or concerns
Encouragement and support from other patients in a similar situation
Education about specific conditions, managing symptoms and the benefits of exercising
The overall physical and psychological benefits of being more active
The exercises in a class are prescribed and performed for various reasons including strengthening muscles, improving the cardiovascular system, and developing or maintaining physical skills like balance. Our physiotherapists are experts in prescribing the right exercises to resolve various problems e.g., low back pain, early osteoarthritis etc.
What is involved?
1 class per week over a 6-week period led by one of our physiotherapists
Each class will last 1 hour but everyone tends to start at slightly different levels
Over the 6 weeks, the exercise will gradually increase but we will help you pace this What is involved?
Group Exercise Classes are delivered on a rolling program so patients can access them at any time. All we ask if for patients to be able to commit to a regular time every week to benefit from the classes.
What should I expect from an exercise class?Learn more
During the class you will carry out an average of a 30–40 minute exercise programme, including a warm up and call down. Following this will be a chance to ask any questions which can include an educational component around covering various topics from how to exercise, to knowing how to manage pain flare ups. The exercise circuit is supervised by a rehab therapist who will check that you are doing the exercises correctly and safely.
ll of the exercises have been chosen as they will work to strengthen yourself in a safe way. However, if you feel that your pain is worsening when doing the exercise class, please tell the therapist. We will be able to tell you if you are doing the exercises right or if they need to be altered.
We aim to provide you with a block of classes. However, if you cannot attend for a week, we cannot guarantee that we can offer you a further class to make up your sessions. We recommend you chose a time to start when you know you are going to be able to make the regular attendance. Most people manage well if they are able to attend all of the sessions.
What should I wear to the exercise class?Learn more
Please wear suitable clothing that is appropriate for an exercise class. Gym or sportswear is probably the best clothing to wear, or something you feel comfortable in that will allow you to move freely.
What if I need to cancel an exercise class?Learn more
Please call as soon as you know you will be unable to attend the class and any cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior. Should you wish to cancel over the weekend or out of hours, please leave a message on our answering machine. Our cancellation policy is intended to avoid unnecessary loss of appointments, which can lead to increased waiting times:
• If you fail to attend your appointment or cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice you will be discharged back to your GP.
• Frequently cancelling your appointments with more than 24 hours’ notice will also lead to being discharged back to your GP.
• If your last appointment was over 12 weeks ago or more, we may ask you for a new referral. This is because your injury may have changed in that time, and we will need to re-assess you and create a new treatment plan for you.
• We understand it can sometimes be unavoidable to cancel your appointment and these circumstances will always be considered if you inform us that you are unable to attend.
Contact us on 020 8187 4280
Should I do exercise outside of the class?Learn more
Yes! To get the best results from this programme, you should be doing exercise at home on a regular basis as well. If your physiotherapist gave you some exercises to carry out before the class, continue with these. We also suggest that you add at least one of the exercises taught to you during the class. Try and create a manageable daily routine to follow.
The benefits of exercise
Physical benefits
• Energy levels increased
• Increased physical strength
• Completing longer walks
• Grants you some more ability to do more things that you may enjoy
• Decreases chance of developing OA by 83%
Mental benefits
• Stimulates release of dopamine and serotonin*
• Improves mood
• Reduces stress
• Improves sleep
• Better digestion
Serotonin has been shown to aid with sleep regulation and reduce constipation.
Reduces the chances of major illness
• Dementia – Reduced by up to 30%
• Hip fractures – Reduced by up to 68%
• Depression – Reduced by up to 30%
• Cardiovascular disease – Reduced by up to 35%
• Type 2 diabetes – Reduced by up to 40%
• Colon cancer – Reduced by up to 30%
NHS guidelines recommend the following
Moderate Activity
150 mins of moderate intensity exercise a week = 30 mins x5 per week.
Moderate intensity = any exercise that elevates the heart/ breathing rate to a point where you can still hold a conversation.
Intense activity
75 mins of intense exercise a week = 15 mins x5 per week.
Intense exercise = any exercise that elevates heart rate.
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