What we treat
Sciatica and low back pain treatment in Kelowna
Sciatic pain travels. Down the buttock, the back of the thigh, sometimes past the knee. Low back pain that stays local is a different problem. Which one you have changes what treatment should do.
- GlenmoreMon-Sat
- KirschnerMon-Sat
What is usually going on
True sciatica means the sciatic nerve is being irritated somewhere along its path, most often at the lumbar spine or where it passes through the deep hip rotators. Referred pain from muscle and joint tissue can feel similar without involving the nerve at all.
Assessment comes first because the two need different handling. From there, treatment usually combines hands-on work through the hip, glutes and low back with movement that restores tolerance to sitting, bending and loading. Physiotherapy leads when there is a clear mechanical cause and a rehab plan is needed; massage therapy and osteopathy lead when the driver is soft tissue and long-standing restriction.
What it often looks like
- Pain travelling from the low back or buttock down the leg
- Pins and needles, numbness or burning along the same path
- Worse with prolonged sitting, better with walking (or the reverse)
- Pain on one side rather than across the whole low back
- Stiffness first thing in the morning
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Your first appointment starts with an assessment.
How we treat it
4 of our disciplines are used for this, often together. If you are not sure which to book, call and describe what is going on.
Massage therapy
Assessment-led, hands-on care for pain, tension, recovery and mobility.
Details and rates
Physiotherapy
Practical treatment and movement plans that help function return.
Details and rates
Osteopathy
Gentle manual care that looks at how the whole body is moving.
Details and rates
Kinesiology
Movement-based care built around real life, work and sport goals.
Details and ratesWhen to see a doctor instead
Seek urgent medical care for numbness around the groin or inner thighs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or progressive weakness in a leg. These are red flags and need same-day assessment, not massage.
Before you book
Do I need a doctor referral to book?
No. In British Columbia you can book massage therapy, physiotherapy, osteopathy, kinesiology and acupuncture directly, with no referral. Some extended health plans ask for a referral before they reimburse, so check your own plan if you intend to claim.
Do you direct bill insurance?
Yes. Back in Health direct bills most major insurers, including Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, Johnson, Pacific Blue Cross, GreenShield, Empire Life and RWAM. You pay only the portion your plan does not cover. Coverage still depends on your individual policy.
Do you accept ICBC claims?
Yes. We accept ICBC patients for massage therapy, physiotherapy and kinesiology. Bring your claim number to your first appointment. We do not currently accept WCB or WorkSafeBC claims.
Do you accept WCB or WorkSafeBC?
No. Back in Health does not currently accept WCB or WorkSafeBC claims at either Kelowna clinic. ICBC claims are accepted.
How much does a massage cost in Kelowna at Back in Health?
Registered massage therapy is $90 for 30 minutes, $110 for 45, $135 for 60, $155 for 75 and $190 for 90 minutes. All massage rates include tax. We recommend 75 minutes for a first visit so there is time to assess properly.
What is the difference between massage therapy, physiotherapy and osteopathy?
Massage therapy treats soft tissue directly to reduce pain and tension. Physiotherapy assesses how a joint moves and loads, then combines manual treatment with a progressive exercise plan. Manual osteopathy is gentler and whole-body, easing restriction across joints, fascia and connective tissue.
Which clinic should I book at?
Both Kelowna clinics offer registered massage therapy and kinesiology. Glenmore, at #201-1014 Glenmore Dr, also offers acupuncture and is open until 8pm on Mondays. Kirschner, at #120-1815 Kirschner Rd, is where physiotherapy and osteopathy are based and has the movement studio.
Is parking free?
Yes, at both Kelowna clinics. Glenmore has a free on-site lot. Kirschner has a free front lot with street parking as an overflow option.
What is your cancellation policy?
There is no charge if you cancel or move an appointment at least 24 hours ahead, or by the end of business the day before. Changes with less notice, including a voicemail left after closing the night before, may be charged a cancellation fee unless it is an emergency.
What if I am late for an appointment?
Your session ends at its scheduled time, so a late start means a shorter treatment at the full rate. If you are more than 10 minutes late you may be asked to rebook, unless your practitioner is able to accommodate the change that day.
What should I expect at my first visit?
Arrive a few minutes early to complete a short health history. Your practitioner will ask about your symptoms and goals, assess the area, and then treat. You leave with a plan: what was found, what to do at home and whether a follow-up is worth booking.
What should I wear?
For massage you undress to your comfort level in private and stay covered by a sheet, with only the area being treated uncovered. For physiotherapy, osteopathy and kinesiology, wear or bring loose clothing you can move in.
Are your massage therapists registered?
Yes. Every massage therapist at Back in Health is a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), which is a regulated health profession in British Columbia. That registration is what makes your treatment eligible for extended health coverage.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes. Gift card codes are sold through our online booking system, Jane, and can be sent to a friend or loved one for products or services at either Kelowna clinic. You sign in with a Jane account to buy one.
Is the clinic wheelchair accessible?
Kirschner has easy first-floor access, on the ground floor of Kirschner Plaza. Glenmore is not wheelchair accessible, so for full access book at Kirschner.
Are all of your therapists accepting new patients?
Most are. Each practitioner's page says so. If the person you want is full, call the clinic and the front desk will suggest someone with a similar approach.
Can you help me choose a practitioner?
Yes. Call the clinic you would like to visit, or email admin@backinhealth.ca with a short description of what is going on, and the front desk will suggest a discipline and a practitioner who fits.
We bill your insurer directly.
Less paperwork at the desk, with clear answers before treatment starts.
Full billing details- Most major insurers
- You pay only the portion your plan does not cover, at the desk. Coverage still depends on your individual policy.
- ICBC accepted
- Massage, physiotherapy and kinesiology. Bring your claim number. WCB and WorkSafeBC are not accepted.
- No referral needed
- In BC you can book any of it directly. Some plans still ask for one before they reimburse, so check yours.
- Canada Life
- Sun Life
- Manulife
- Johnson
- Pacific Blue Cross
- GreenShield
- Empire Life
- RWAM