The abdominal muscles are vital in maintaining balance and strength in all aspects of life. There are many things to consider when it comes to the strength and stability of your posture, and many reasons that you may experience pain or weakness in your core.
Core muscle weakness is often touted to be a key cause of lower back pain. While this is often present, there is also another key side to the spine – the back muscles – that can cause lower back pain. The focus on the muscles right next to the spine is a critical element in back pain recovery – and yet is frequently overlooked.
The superficial muscles of the abdomen include the external obliques, internal obliques, and the rectus abdominis. These muscles are responsible for flexing and rotating the trunk.
The deeper layer of muscle closest to the abdominal organs is the transverse abdominals, which start in your back and wrap around the front of your body. These muscles have evolved to stabilise the back and pelvis by compressing the lower abdomen and narrowing the waist. When they contract, the transverse abdominals pull your abdominal contents in, giving the effect of pulling in what would otherwise be a protruding abdomen – hence its nickname, the “corset”.
Deeper again, we have the paraspinal muscles, the multifidus, which sit right at the spine. If you liken the stabilisation of the spine to a corset type brace, stability and control comes not only from the firmness of the support (the abdominal muscle tone) but also from the tying and tensioning of the corset laces – the multifidus. All of these muscles work in tandem to create a stable centre.
There is clear scientific evidence to indicate that these deep paraspinal muscles don’t recover spontaneously following a back injury. These muscles also require specific exercises to reactivate – just like the deeper abdominal muscles.
If you have strained your back, worried about a disc issue, or worse, and you are finding your back muscles are continuing to feel tired and tense all of the time, and maybe your pain is still niggling and present – these deep back muscles may require some specific attention. It is likely the top layer is being overloaded and not working together with the other muscles in the area as efficiently as they could. Massage is not going to fix the problem more than a day or two, neither is any other treatment source unless you are looking for a bit of relief.
Our solution? Get to the source and strengthen them if they are weak.
A back massage will only resolve the tension for a day or two – the question should always be; why are these muscles so tense and tired? What is it about your body that is causing those muscles to become so exhausted? How can this be changed? Understanding the biomechanics behind the pain will ultimately lead to the right treatment, and lead to a stronger core and back than before. Seeking advice from a trained physiotherapist is a perfect way to begin the journey to a stronger core and corset.
Think this might be you? Book in and talk to one of our Core Physiotherapists, and get to the source of your back pain. To book an appointment at one of our Brisbane, Logan or Gold Coast clinics, click here.
Our core physiotherapists have a wide range of experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and work extensively in the area of Back and Neck Treatments and Rehabilitation. Read more about our team here.
If you’re a Health Psychologist who finds meaning in helping people rebuild their lives after injury, this role is built for you.
Core Healthcare is looking for an experienced Health Psychologist to join our multidisciplinary Allied Health team in Brisbane. You’ll lead Adjustment to Injury Counselling (ATIC) and Psychological Return to Work (PRT) as part of a structured Chronic Pain Management Program — supporting patients navigating work-related injuries, motor vehicle accidents, or DVA-funded claims.
This isn’t a solo practice. You’ll be embedded in a genuine multidisciplinary team, working shoulder-to-shoulder with chronic pain physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, pain medicine specialists, and return-to-work rehabilitation providers to deliver holistic, evidence-based care.
Your focus will be helping patients adapt — mentally and emotionally — to persistent pain, so they can rebuild function and return to meaningful work and life.
Day to day, you’ll be:
✓Delivering ATIC therapy within a structured Pain Management Program
✓Conducting Psychological Return to Work (PRT) assessments and interventions for injured workers on worker’s compensation
✓Collaborating on case reviews, treatment planning, and outcome monitoring with your MDT colleagues
✓Providing a blend of face-to-face and telehealth consultations to an established patient caseload
✓Producing clear, timely clinical documentation — including Provider Management Plans and insurer reports — in line with worker’s compensation requirements
We want this to be a role you genuinely look forward to. Here’s what you can expect:
✓Competitive remuneration reflecting your specialist skills and experience
✓Flexible hours — 1 to 3 days per week with flexible scheduling, or full-time if preferred
✓A ready-made caseload — no cold starts, no slow build
✓Real MDT integration — a connected, experienced team that actually collaborates
✓Blended delivery — face-to-face at our Brisbane or Beenleigh clinics, plus telehealth
✓Full admin support — so you can stay focused on your clinical work
You’re a registered psychologist with a genuine passion for chronic pain and injury adjustment — someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and understands the human complexity behind every claim.
You’ll bring:
• Current AHPRA registration and valid professional indemnity insurance (Health Psychology endorsement preferred)
• At least 5 years’ experience as a psychologist
• Demonstrated experience in ATIC, particularly with chronic and complex pain presentations
• A solid understanding of the worker’s compensation system and multidisciplinary pain programs
• Interest in PRT — including functional capacity, psychosocial barriers, and goal-oriented recovery planning
• The right to live and work in Queensland
Bonus points if you’re trained in EMDR — it’s not essential, but it’s highly valued here.
With over 7 clinic locations across Brisbane, Logan, the Gold Coast, and Northern NSW, Core Physiotherapy and Exercise Centres delivers specialist musculoskeletal and rehabilitative care through collaborative Allied Health teams. Our Pain Management Program brings together leading clinicians to support patients with complex injuries on their path to recovery.
Ready to make a real difference in complex care? We’d love to hear from you. Send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience in chronic pain and injury adjustment to info@corehealthcare.com.au.
We know your first role often sets the tone for your entire career. That’s why we’ve built our reputation as an industry leader, designed to give you the skills, career progression, confidence, and support you need to succeed in private practice.
We are one of Healthia’s allied health brands, part of Australia’s leading integrated healthcare network of over 400 clinics. This means our team benefits from the support, resources, and professional development opportunities that come with being connected to a larger organization, while maintaining our specialized focus and community-centered approach.
We’re looking for driven new graduate Physiotherapists to join one of our seven private practice teams across Brisbane, Logan, and Gold Coast, with a strong focus on mentorship, development, and long-term career progression. Join a company where you’re more than just a graduate – you’re seen as our future clinical leaders and business owners.
We offer a comprehensive range of allied health services, including:
Ready to launch your physiotherapy career with purpose? Please submit your CV, cover letter explaining your interest in joining Core, and academic transcripts to info@corehealthcare.com.au.
Ready to elevate your physiotherapy career with a company that truly values your expertise? At Core, we don’t just offer jobs – we provide platforms for experienced clinicians to thrive, specialize, and lead.
We are one of Healthia’s allied health brands, part of Australia’s leading integrated healthcare network of over 400 clinics. This means you’ll have access to unparalleled resources, professional development, and career advancement opportunities while working within our close-knit, community-focused teams.
We’re seeking experienced Physiotherapists to join our seven private practice locations across Brisbane, Logan, and Gold Coast. Whether you’re looking to deepen your specialization, take on leadership roles, or explore business ownership opportunities, Core provides the pathway to achieve your professional goals.
We offer comprehensive allied health services, including:
Ready to launch your physiotherapy career with purpose? Please submit your CV, cover letter explaining your interest in joining Core, and academic transcripts to info@corehealthcare.com.au.