PHYSIOTHERAPISTS are going back to basics with helpful information that eases back pain sufferers into gentle exercise.

Calne, Corsham and Chippenham will soon reap the benefits of specialist classes, which aim to provide low back pain sufferers with an opportunity to increase their activities through exercise in a supervised way.

Last week saw physiotherapists and staff at district councils across Bath, Wiltshire and Mendip areas celebrate the success of the Healthy Back Classes, as part of National Back Care Awareness Week.

The classes are run by the district councils and developed in collaboration with the Royal United Hospital NHS Trust. Sarah Ferguson, back pain co-ordinator at Bath's Royal United Hospital, said: "Whilst most acute episodes of back pain settle, a large proportion of sufferers are still frightened to exercise or return to normal activities.

"We are encouraging clients at an early stage to return to activity. The Healthy Back Class provides a knowledgeable and friendly environment in which to do that."

It has long been recognised by experts that physiotherapy advice is vital to prevent back pain from becoming a persistent and chronic problem, and that exercise, using graded exercise programmes, is an important factor in helping patients with back pain.