Living, exercising, working without back pain
A healthy back is the basis of all movement. At the same time, movement is essential for a healthy back. And that's where things often go wrong; a lot of sitting, both during work and leisure time and often the same movements in physical work. For the functions of the back, the rule is; use it, or lose it. Whether you are looking for an effective answer to your back complaints, whether you are a (top) athlete looking to raise your performance to a higher level or whether you are a company looking for an effective vitality programme to prevent and/or reduce absenteeism due to back complaints, OriGENE helps you achieve your goals. And that in a training session of just 20 minutes a week.
How can we help you?
More than 200,000 people have gone before you
Our partners have already helped many clients recover permanently from their back pain using the OriGENE method. Often these were clients who had had back pain for years and had tried everything to get rid of their symptoms.
Substantiated and proven by multiple impact studies
The OriGENE method has been proven in practice for over 20 years and has been repeatedly tested and found effective in multiple scientific impact studies.
Applied by 100+ practices
Every day in the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland, OriGENE is used by over 350 physiotherapists to effectively treat and prevent back pain.
Life without backache
- Addresses the causes of back pain and helps prevent it
- Maximum effect with minimal time investment (15-20 min per week)
- Successfully applied by companies, healthcare professionals and trainers of (elite) athletes
What others say about us
“Since 2007, I have been a physiotherapist start working with the OriGENE method. When I started my own practice in 2020, specifically for neck, back and pelvic pain, it was unthinkable for me to do so without the OriGENE.
Research has shown that the basic conditions: coordination/control, stability and mobility must first be in order before working on strength and endurance, and that is exactly what we apply with OriGENE therapy, with the possibility of customisation for each patient. First we get the basics right, working towards a functionally loadable pain-free back in 10 weeks with an average of 10 sessions.
Our patient-variation is wide, from low-impact people to elite athletes, people with movement anxiety but also over-achievers. From acute complaints with a lot of pain to long-term/recurring complaints, rarely do we not deploy OriGENE therapy (with a combination of other forms of treatment) because it is so specifically applicable to the person who is with us at the time.”.
Anke Degen, physiotherapist and practice owner Rugtherapie Degen in Joure
“I work as an airline pilot. Several years ago, I developed pain in my lower back. This made me crawl out of bed in the morning and as the day progressed, the pain eased a little but it was continuously present. This hindered me in daily life and during my work. For treatment, I visited a physiotherapist, an osteopath, a manual therapist and a chiropractor. I was a year on and all treatment was without results. The latter told me that I had to learn to live with this discomfort and that it would not get better. There you are, 47, playing sports all your life and already having to live with a disability. On the advice of a friend, I contacted Frank Bertina of OriGENE. After about 7 treatments, the symptoms diminished and after 14 treatments I was symptom-free! I can do everything again and my lower back no longer bothers me. I still regularly go on the treatment unit for maintenance. The results are really amazing.‘
Peter Meewezen, client
"In our practice, we use OriGENE as a regular part of the treatment plan for clients with low back pain. What makes OriGENE unique for us is that it's one of the few methods that allow us to truly load the low back in isolation. With most exercises, we see that the body quickly starts compensating from other structures, so the stimulus on the back is insufficiently specific.
With OriGENE, such compensation is virtually impossible. This allows us to train the deep back muscles in a very targeted and controlled way, leading to (far)better stability, a decrease in complaints and a much more effective build-up of load capacity.
It fits perfectly with our vision: goal-oriented, technically strong and focused on sustainable results. For many of our clients, OriGENE has become an essential part of the journey to pain-free, powerful movement and improved performance."
Frank Nieuwenhuijse, Physiotherapist & Performance Coach, owner FN Performance
“In our practices, we see many people with back problems. We are always looking for ways to treat their complaints even better. About 10 years ago, this is why we started using OriGENE. We now use this treatment method in three of our five locations. Twelve of our physio- and manual therapists are certified OriGENE practitioners.”
Edwin Glerum MSc PT, Physiotherapist and manual therapist. Director/owner Reva Centre (5 branches in North Holland).
“Specialist in back treatments”
“Patients soon experience that something is really happening to their back. And that is the best promotion. Through word of mouth, I get more and more back patients. I am a physiotherapist, with back treatment as a specialism.”
“Specialist in back treatments”
“Patients soon experience that something is really happening to their back. And that is the best promotion. Through word of mouth, I get more and more back patients. I am a physiotherapist, with back treatment as a specialism.”
Mariska Kerkhof, physiotherapist and owner Smart2Move
“Due to my profession as an airline pilot, I sit still for many hours. For four years, I flew with lower back pain. By chance, I came across OriGENE through the sports doctor. Quite sceptical I went there. Why would this work if an ergonomist, boot camp, fitness and doing exercises at home had little effect? I was completely wrong.
Marie-Louise Lohmann
"Actually, if every employer has its employees do back-straining work, they should have them preventively trained on OriGENE. Even when recovering, I see that employees are fit and fit for work again sooner and are also more motivated by this result to continue working on maintaining health and employability."
Drs. J.M. Timmermans
“Finally off the morphine”
“I have had back pain for years, so bad that in time I was even given morphine patches against the pain. Through my surroundings, I was referred to an OriGENE specialist in Amsterdam West. He had me do exercises on the OriGENE device. He explained to me that the device was specially designed to treat back pain and I am very happy with the outcome. A few weeks on and I am rid of my back pain. I no longer take painkillers and I don't even stick on the morphine patches anymore. Thank you!”
John Aikman, client
"Since 2021, I have been working with the OriGENE method. After attending training, I have been able to use the OriGENE as specific exercise therapy for patients with low back pain. I experience the OriGENE, in combination with hands-on techniques and, at a later stage, additional functional exercise therapy, as very positive. I find that the OriGENE is a very effective condition-creating method for better and lasting results that I can achieve with functional exercise therapy.
Many of my clients report experiencing more freedom of movement, less back pain and feeling a bit more energetic themselves. From September 2022, the practice in the Lage Land in Rotterdam, will be part of the Rug Expertise Centre where I think the OriGENE definitely fits in. The OriGENE is actually a good foundation to lay to help people, especially with long-term low back pain, get moving again. Not just performing the movement, but daring to move differently.
I would definitely recommend the OriGENE to my fellow healthcare professionals to implement in their care plan for patients with (long-term) low back pain. The reason is because I am convinced that the OriGENE can make a more lasting contribution to Low Back recovery."
Jesse Mooij, physiotherapist Rug Expertise Centrum Rotterdam
"Sprinting and weightlifting caused me to suffer a lot of blows to my back. Due to the high strain, I was no longer able to perform well. By having OriGENE added to my training programme, I recover faster after workouts and can continue to perform at a higher level.
I would definitely recommend the OriGENE to other athletes where a strong core, faster recovery and performing at a high level is important!"
I would definitely recommend the OriGENE to other athletes where a strong core, faster recovery and performing at a high level is important!"
Levi Hazes, Athletics (Dutch junior 60m and 100m champion), Crossfit, Olympic weightlifting
“With the OriGENE treatment method, we teach patients how to move again. If mobility is sufficient, the back is made stronger. This way, they are eventually symptom-free.”
Huub Schram, physiotherapist at Physiotherapy Works in Uden
“For years, I used the OriGENE method in my practice. In doing so, I saw a clear difference in how my clients recovered from low back pain. OriGENE has long helped me in practice to not only reduce pain during treatment, but more importantly to address underlying movement restrictions and muscle tension. By dhe combination of mobilising and stabilising exercises I noticed that the back becomes strong, supple and resilient again. Many clients reported that they not only felt less pain, but also started moving better and feeling more energetic. I recently completed training as an osteopath. What I observed and really appreciated at OriGENE was that the body started working together as a whole again, which is exactly in line with how recovery is looked at from osteopathy. Unfortunately, as osteopaths we are not allowed to work with exercise equipment/machines, this falls under physiotherapy. I have therefore stopped being a licence holder with OriGENE, but I still refer a lot to a fellow practice in the area.
OriGENE enhances the effect of my 'hands on' osteopathic treatments and makes the results more durable and stable. For many clients, this means a real return to free and pain-free movement.
Despite no longer working directly with it due to my new professional title, I would definitely recommend the OriGENE method to any healthcare professional who wants to address back pain at its root and strives for lasting improvement in physical function within treatment."
Jeroen Dethmers, osteopath and former licensee
“After the first treatment, I already saw effects on the mobility of the back. As a team with certified OrIGENE physiotherapists, we have already achieved several positive effects. Clients able to sit longer, bend easier and get out of bed better in the morning. It is a nice addition to our usual physiotherapy approach to back pain.’
Physiotherapist and practice owner Tijmen Kooij of Fysio Xtra in Zaltbommel
“I have been on the OriGENE treatment device for some time. This device has revitalised my sports career. I was following various treatment methods on the advice of specialists. Unfortunately, these did not help. Once on the OriGENE device, my back went much better! I am currently playing football again at a high level, in the first team of my football club.”
Nick van Ommen, client
A vital back in 4 effective steps
Customisation per person
After the intake, OriGENE treatment takes place 1-on-1 under the guidance of a certified specialist, usually a physio or manual therapist. Using the 8 or 11 different settings on the device, the method is always customised and tailored to the client's current situation and capabilities. After the device has been customised, treatment can be started.
Gaining new exercise experience
OriGENE focuses on providing a safe controlled and unique movement experience through which the individual client actively learns to (re)discover and restore the (original) functions of the back. Through this positive and unique movement experience, confidence and awareness grow. The frequency is usually once a week sessions of 15-20 minutes.
Restoring and strengthening
OriGENE restores and optimises those functions that lead to a healthy and strong back. The back becomes more mobile and stability, coordination, strength and confidence increase. First get the basics right and then work towards a functionally loadable pain-free back. The recovery phase is on average 8-10 sessions, but depends on the duration of symptoms, beliefs and fears and the client's needs.
Optimisation and maintenance
Clients learn to move their backs again in a healthy way and use them in their daily lives. This positive behavioural change and sustainable integration of a healthy exercise pattern requires assurance. Therefore, after the recovery phase, it is recommended to move to a maintenance frequency of usually about once every 3 months to keep the back vital.
Start your recovery now
Our specialists are ready to help you
- OriGENE 1
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Frequently asked questions
Below is an overview of frequently asked questions. If your question is not listed or if it is not sufficiently answered, you can always contact us.
What to do about back pain?
A lot of scientific research has been done on this question and the only thing that has been proven to help is exercise therapy, in other words moving of and with the back. By this we mean moving in such a way that all the back's capabilities and functions are activated through healthy and varied movement. The OriGENE method helps to ensure that your back gets the movement and variety it needs to recover, regain and stay healthy. Click here for further information
What helps against back pain?
Varied movement and avoiding or breaking through prolonged static (sitting or standing) or frequently repeated movements (especially bending) will help you build up too much tension in the back muscles. If you have back pain, it is advisable to contact a physiotherapist to make a plan together with sufficient exercise and rest to make a sustainable recovery. OriGENE is often used by physiotherapists to help people effectively recover from their back pain. Click here for further information
What happens when you go through your back?
“Going through the back” involves total or localised cramping of the muscles in your back. Some causes for this may include lifting too heavy a load, sitting/standing in the same position for too long or making a movement that the body had not seen coming. It can also stem from a period of stress and fatigue.
what to do if you have gone through your back?
In order to recover, it is important that your body learns again that it is safe to move, and the best way to do this is to move the muscles slowly over their function, calmly and with full attention. This involves respecting the limits your body indicates. That way, your brain sends a signal that moving is safe again, which will gradually make the cramping disappear. Click here for more information.
What is lumbago?
Back lumbago involves total or localised cramping of all the muscles of the (lower) back. As a result, people often cannot move much, if at all, without feeling pain. Lumbago usually results from (long-term) overexertion or an acute moment when you make a movement that the body saw as dangerous or unexpected. In the process, all the muscles in your back tighten to protect you from danger or damage. It can also stem from a period of stress and fatigue.
How long does lumbago last?
Lumbago usually lasts between three days and two weeks. After that, most people are able to resume most of their activities. Depending on how you deal with it and how much time you take to let your body recover, the duration can also be shorter or longer.
What to do about lumbago?
Because lumbago involves total or localised cramping, it is good to alternate rest periods with movement specifically where the cramping is. It is advisable to make an exercise and recovery plan with the physiotherapist so that you maintain the right movements and intensity. And remember that the physiotherapist helps you, but your body is leading in what it needs. It is up to you to learn to recognise and acknowledge the signals. Many people learn this during a period of back pain and come back more aware and stronger as a result. Click here for more information.
which exercises help with low back pain?
Which exercises you can do to get rid of your lower back pain depends on the phase and nature of your symptoms. In the acute phase, you mostly make smaller movements and slowly, respecting the limits your body indicates, try to regain more and more pain-free range of motion. Later in the course, you want to make sure the functions of your back muscles are restored and further optimised to make sure it doesn't happen again. That's why it's good to make a plan with your physiotherapist to not only recover from the symptoms but also become stronger and healthier in the long term. OriGENE has been helping both physiotherapists and clients achieve that goal for over 20 years.
See further our self-care exercises To see what you can do at home.
Which muscles exactly do you train with OriGENE?
OriGENE trains all muscles of the spine and abdominal region that play an active role in the flexion and extension direction. The aim is to remove restrictions and blockages, restore the client's confidence and autonomy, and restore and optimise the total chain of movement and functions of the spine in flexion and extension direction. The functions and limitations of the muscles making rotation and lateroflexion are not specifically trained over that direction through OriGENE, but often we see these functions restored (fully) by making flexion and extension. In some cases, it can certainly be rewarding to functionally add further exercises such as rotation to achieve the desired end result of the client's load capacity.
Is OriGENE a foreign product?
No, OriGENE is a Dutch company and the method was conceived and developed here under the guidance of sports doctor Dr Frank Bertina. The OriGENE devices are produced with typically Dutch craftsmanship in Rotterdam. The office is located in Breda.
Who is OriGENE training suitable for though?
Back pain has many causes. For example, after an earlier herniated disc. But also after going through your back or after acute lumbago. The pain often persists for weeks. OriGENE treatment offers a solution. Do you have symptoms called chronic intermittent? Then your back has been bothering you for years, sometimes more, sometimes less. Even then OriGENE is there for you!
Meanwhile, incidental favourable experiences have also been gained with complaints such as hamstring and groin injuries, pelvic problems, neck pain and related headaches. Are you a rheumatic patient or do you suffer from Bechterew's or Scheuermann's disease? Outside the acute phase, you too can respond well to OriGENE therapy. Read more here (link to patients' page)
For whom is OriGENE treatment not suitable?
OriGENE treatment is not intended for people with back pain due to specific back abnormalities, such as a herniated disc, which is so severe that it requires surgery; severe stenosis, e.g. due to vertebrae slipping to a great extent; certain rheumatic disorders; severe trauma, such as a fracture; some severe growth disorders; the effects of severe osteoporosis; metastases in vertebrae from cancer elsewhere in the body.
For a number of people, OriGENE treatment is not advisable or may even be dangerous because of the physical strain. These may be people with various syndromes that cannot be adequately controlled with medication or other aids. Think of heart disease, such as angina pectoris; high blood pressure; diabetes; falling illness; active rheumatism; severe neurological degenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis; strong disorders of blood clotting. In people with inguinal hernia or other abdominal wall hernia, if pressing or applying force causes an increase in symptoms, treatment is not recommended.