Muay Thai Kickboxer's Lower Back Pain Recovery:
Joel's Physiotherapy Story
Joel, a 26-year-old corporate banker working in the City of London, is a former competitive sprinter and active Muay Thai kickboxer. Despite his extensive sporting background, recurring lower back pain had begun affecting his training, physical performance and even his sleep.
Through a whole-body approach at One Body LDN, combining hands-on physiotherapy, targeted strength and conditioning, acupuncture and movement rehabilitation, Joel reports becoming pain-free and feeling like a stronger, better all-round athlete.
The Problem
Joel came to One Body LDN experiencing recurring lower back pain associated with his physically demanding sporting lifestyle. A former sprinter and active Muay Thai kickboxer, Joel has spent much of his life involved in high-intensity training, competitive sport and strength and conditioning. Alongside his sporting commitments, he works as a corporate banker in the City of London, balancing a demanding professional career with regular physical training. His lower back pain had been intermittent but was increasingly affecting his ability to train comfortably and participate fully in the sport he loved. At one point, his symptoms had become disruptive enough to make sleeping difficult. Having previously visited several physiotherapists throughout his sporting career, Joel wanted more than temporary relief. His goal was to overcome his recurring back pain, improve his overall physical condition and return to training without being held back by discomfort.
Why He Chose One Body LDN
Joel was referred to One Body LDN by another physiotherapist, having previously received treatment from several different providers. What stood out to him was the emphasis on addressing the body as a whole, rather than simply treating the area where he experienced pain. As an experienced athlete, Joel understood the importance of strength, movement and physical conditioning. He valued an approach that considered how different parts of the body work together, particularly during demanding sports such as Muay Thai kickboxing. He also appreciated the welcoming environment, personalised treatment and supportive team. "I feel like the difference with One Body is the holistic approach they take, and the fact that they focus on your whole body, like posture and strength, as opposed to just specifically treating the injured area."
The Assessment & Treatment Approach
Joel's treatment at One Body LDN, including work with co-founder Kurt Johnson, focused on his recurring lower back pain and the wider physical demands of his training. Rather than concentrating exclusively on the lower back, treatment addressed movement patterns, strength, hip and gluteal function, and the interaction between different regions of the body. The rehabilitation programme included targeted strength and conditioning exercises performed in the clinic, with particular attention to strengthening the glutes, hips and supporting musculature. This was combined with hands-on treatment, including deep-tissue mobilisation, massage, joint mobilisation and acupuncture. The approach considered the wider kinetic chain — how the hips, pelvis, trunk and surrounding muscles contribute to movement, stability and force transfer during sporting activities. For Joel, the objective was not simply to reduce immediate discomfort, but to support his ability to train, move and perform confidently as an athlete.
The Treatment Plan
- Strength and conditioning: Targeted resistance exercises and progressive strengthening to improve physical capacity and support a return to demanding athletic activity.
- Glute and hip strengthening: Exercises focusing on hip strength, stability and supporting musculature to improve movement control and lower-body function.
- Movement rehabilitation: Addressing movement patterns and the relationship between different areas of the body during training and sport.
- Deep-tissue and hands-on therapy: Soft-tissue mobilisation, massage and joint mobilisation to address muscular tightness and discomfort.
- Acupuncture: Used alongside other hands-on treatments as part of Joel's rehabilitation.
- Whole-body rehabilitation: Considering posture, strength, mobility and the wider kinetic chain rather than focusing exclusively on the painful area.
The Result
"The main change in my life has just been that I'm pain-free again."
Joel reports that his lower back pain gradually improved throughout treatment and that he ultimately became pain-free.
Before attending One Body LDN, his symptoms had affected his training and, at times, disrupted his sleep.
Following treatment, Joel described feeling happier, healthier and more confident in his physical abilities.
As a former sprinter and competitive Muay Thai kickboxer, he particularly valued the improvements he experienced beyond pain relief.
The combination of strengthening, movement rehabilitation and hands-on treatment helped him feel better prepared for the physical demands of training and sport.
He also appreciated that his rehabilitation considered his wider physical condition, rather than concentrating solely on his lower back.
“I’ve come out of the treatment a better all-round athlete, as well as being injury-free and pain-free.”
Having previously experienced physiotherapy elsewhere, Joel felt that One Body’s whole-body approach made a meaningful difference to his recovery.
He would recommend One Body LDN to other physically active people looking to address an injury while improving their overall strength and movement.
Watch Joel's Story
Read Joel's full testimonial transcript
My name is Joel Bucket. I’m 26 years old and I’m a banker.
I’ve had lower back pain from boxing. It’s been on and off, but gradually the pain has been reducing since I’ve been coming here for treatment.
I wanted to reduce the pain and get back to my sport. Doing my sport full-time is what I love, and I was recommended to come here by another physiotherapist.
They treat people really well. I like the protein shakes that Kurt gives me. It’s a super friendly team, they’ve got a great attitude and they provide really good service.
The treatment is great because it takes quite a holistic approach. It’s a combination of improving your movement patterns, strengthening the injured areas, but I’ve also had acupuncture and a lot of manipulation and massage as well.
I’ve seen quite a few physiotherapists in my time because I’ve been involved in active sport since quite a young age.
I feel like the difference with One Body is the holistic approach they take, and the fact that they focus on your whole body, like posture and strength, as opposed to just specifically treating the injured area.
From my experience, I’ve come out of the treatment a better all-round athlete, as well as being injury-free and pain-free.
The main change in my life has just been that I’m pain-free again.
When I was injured, it was really annoying because I was having difficulty sleeping at night at one point because of the pain in my back.
I feel like a much happier, healthier person coming from it.
I would definitely recommend One Body LDN. I’d recommend not just going to someone who treats the injury itself, but, as I said earlier, the whole-body approach is really the way forward, I think.
Related Treatment
Whether you're a competitive athlete, recreational gym-goer or busy professional, lower back pain can affect your ability to train, work and enjoy everyday activities. One Body LDN provides physiotherapy for lower back pain, sports-related injuries and musculoskeletal conditions across London. Our physiotherapists combine assessment, hands-on treatment and progressive exercise rehabilitation to help clients improve movement, build strength and work towards their individual goals. Learn more about our back pain physiotherapy in London or explore our physiotherapy services across London.
Book Your Assessment
Experiencing lower back pain that’s affecting your training, sporting performance or daily activities?
Book an assessment with One Body LDN to discuss your symptoms and receive a personalised treatment and rehabilitation plan.