Level 4 lower back pain course

Low back pain is a major public health concern. According to data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), millions of working days are lost every year to its effects. In the UK , the British Pain Society report low back pain is the leading cause of disability and it’s estimated that 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives.

Historically, there has been a great deal of misinformation about effective treatments for managing low back pain, especially when it comes to which exercise approaches are most effective. Most fitness instructors and personal trainers are ill equipped to support clients affected by acute or chronic low back pain, which is precisely the reason why this qualification has been created.

If you want to get the latest evidence-based knowledge, skills and strategies supporting clients with low back pain then this qualification is for you.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn a wide-range of contemporary theory subjects and practical tools and activities that will allow you to develop the necessary knowledge and understanding to be able to understand the pathological, occupational, biomechanical and psychosocial factors contributing to your client’s back pain symptoms.

Performing an appropriate level and type of exercise and physical activity is the key to recovery from low back pain, including safeguarding against future incidences. Exercise professionals need to understand why certain exercises exacerbate a client’s condition, while others improve it. This accounts for a huge focus with this low back pain course.

This is an advanced-level qualification that is well suited to personal trainers, Pilates teachers or yoga professionals looking to tailor their services to clients affected by low back pain.

• Entry requirements

  To achieve this qualification you must hold a valid Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral. If you don't already have this, then you could consider combining it with this qualification with our Low Back Pain - Exercise Specialist Package.

• Learning materials

  You'll receive all the study materials and learning resources you need to complete this low back pain specialism. You'll get a comprehensive student manual containing all the knowledge, access to our Learner Engagement System (LES), and online lectures presented by Dr Stuart Porter. If you really want to become a low back pain specialist, then watching the online lectures and taking diligent notes is how you'll really excel because this content is truly ahead of anything else in the sector.

• Career and progression

  Once qualified, a number of employment and career opportunities open up for you. A popular path to consider is working in a formal exercise referral scheme, providing specialist advice and instruction to patients suffering from low back pain/disorders. Alternatively, you could partner with physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths or other specialists operating in this field, forming a multi-disciplinary scheme where you can provide more specific and applied support for patients.
  
  If you're a PT, Pilates teacher or Yoga professional, you can even run dedicated classes or services for clients with low back pain.

• Attended vs. online study options

  The attended and online versions of this qualification include the exact same in terms of the teaching, learning materials and assessments, and on completion, students of both pathways will receive the exact same level 4 qualification.
  
  With the attended programme, you'll complete the course in more of a blended format, combining a period of home-study learning (typically 6-8 weeks) with a 2-days intensive practical training course that is delivered from one of our regional venues. During the practical workshops, you'll learn how to apply all the knowledge you have acquired practically to support your clients better manage their low back pain. With this pathway, you will also complete your practical assessment during the course.
  
  With the online programme, you'll complete all the theory and practical learning online and on-demand, learning at your own pace and then connecting with your learning support tutor whenever you need a little extra help or support. While the course is rich in video and interactive learning content, you will receive print and digital copies of your training manuals. When you feel ready, you will need to complete your practical assessments remotely, recording yourself teaching a suitable 'back care' exercise session to a client that will benefit from your services. This session ill normally be delivered in whatever area you are qualified (e.g. gym, studio, yoga, Pilates, outdoors).