Injection

What is a Lumbar Facet Injection?

The facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae of the spine. These joints help guide and control spinal movements such as bending, twisting, and extending.

A lumbar facet injection is a procedure where medication is injected into or around these joints in the lower back (lumbar spine). The injection contains:

• Local anaesthetic – provides immediate pain relief
• Corticosteroid – reduces inflammation in the joint

This procedure is commonly used to relieve pain caused by inflammation or irritation of the facet joints.

Causes

Lumbar facet injections are commonly used to treat conditions that cause facet joint inflammation or lower back pain.

These conditions may include:

• Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress nerves
• Sciatica – pain radiating along the sciatic nerve into the leg
• Spinal arthritis – degeneration of spinal joints causing stiffness and inflammation
• Repetitive strain injuries of the spine
• Facet joint irritation or degeneration

These conditions often cause lower back pain, reduced mobility, and difficulty performing daily activities.

Symptoms

Symptoms related to facet joint problems in the lower back may include:

• Pain in the lower back
• Pain that worsens with standing or walking
• Stiffness in the lower back
• Pain that radiates into the buttocks or legs
• Reduced spinal mobility
• Discomfort during bending or twisting movements

Facet injections help reduce inflammation and relieve these symptoms.

What Should I Do?

After receiving a lumbar facet injection, you may experience mild soreness or tenderness around the injection site, which is normal.

Patients are usually monitored for around 30 minutes after the procedure before going home.

To support recovery:

• Rest for the first 24 hours
• Avoid strenuous activity immediately after the injection
• Gradually return to normal activities as advised
• Begin physiotherapy rehabilitation to improve spinal strength and mobility

Physiotherapy helps maximise the benefits of the injection and prevent future back pain.

Physiotherapy Treatment

Physiotherapy following a lumbar facet injection is essential to address the underlying cause of spinal pain and improve long-term outcomes.

At ACE Physio Sports, physiotherapists perform a detailed assessment to develop a personalised rehabilitation programme.

Early Stage Rehabilitation

The initial focus is on managing pain and improving gentle spinal movement.

Treatment may include:

• Electrotherapy for pain management
• Heat or ice therapy to reduce inflammation
• Postural advice to reduce spinal strain
• Gentle range of motion exercises
• Stretching exercises for spinal mobility
• Soft tissue massage to reduce muscle tension

Intermediate Stage Rehabilitation

Once pain begins to improve, treatment focuses on strengthening and stability.

This stage may include:

• Core strengthening exercises for abdominal and spinal muscles
• Gentle joint mobilisation techniques
• Continued stretching for flexibility
• Low-impact cardiovascular exercise such as walking or swimming
• Postural retraining to improve spinal alignment

Advanced Rehabilitation

At this stage, physiotherapy focuses on restoring full function and daily activity performance.

Treatment may include:

• Functional strengthening exercises
• Core stability training
• Controlled resistance exercises
• Activity-specific rehabilitation
• Aerobic conditioning and flexibility training

These exercises help improve spinal stability and reduce the risk of future flare-ups.

What Shouldn’t I Do?

After a lumbar facet injection, certain activities should be avoided.

Avoid:

• Heavy lifting immediately after the injection
• Intense physical activity during early recovery
• Ignoring ongoing back pain
• Poor posture or prolonged sitting without breaks
• Returning to sports without rehabilitation guidance

Following professional advice helps ensure safe recovery.

Long-Term Effects or Recovery

Lumbar facet injections can provide temporary relief from back pain, but they do not treat the underlying cause of spinal dysfunction.

Physiotherapy is important for:

• Strengthening the muscles that support the spine
• Improving posture and spinal alignment
• Restoring normal movement patterns
• Preventing recurring lower back pain

With proper rehabilitation, many patients experience improved mobility and long-term pain reduction.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports, we provide specialised physiotherapy treatment for spinal conditions and lower back pain.

Our physiotherapy services include:

• Comprehensive spinal assessments
• Personalised rehabilitation programmes
• Core strengthening and stability training
• Manual therapy and mobility techniques
• Postural correction and injury prevention strategies

Our goal is to help patients reduce pain, improve spinal function, and return safely to normal activities.

Book Appointment

If you have received a lumbar facet injection and need rehabilitation support, our physiotherapists at ACE Physio Sports can help.

Website https://acephysiosport.com

Phone / WhatsApp +65 81535374

Email admin@acephysiosport.com

Book your physiotherapy appointment today to begin your lower back rehabilitation programme.