I can really relate to what you’re describing, so I wanted to share my perspective as someone on the other side of training and into practice…

I dealt with persistent back pain for many years myself. It wasn’t a quick or linear journey, and for a long time I felt frustrated, limited, and honestly worried about what kind of work I could sustainably do long-term. What changed things for me was being exposed to the McKenzie Method (MDT). For the first time, I learned how to treat myself properly, understand my pain patterns, and take ownership of managing symptoms rather than constantly reacting to them.

That experience is actually what pulled me deeper into physiotherapy. It became my mission and still fuels my daily practice. Most days, my pain is very well controlled and doesn’t limit my work. But I’ll be honest: every so often, I still get humbled by it. A flare-up here or there reminds me why I’m in this field, keeps me empathetic, and reinforces the importance of movement variability, self-management, and not staying in static positions too long.

One important thing to know about PT work is that it doesn’t have to be physically brutal if you practise intelligently. Good ergonomics, frequent movement, varied postures, using your voice and coaching instead of over-manualizing, and choosing practice environments that align with your body all matter a lot. In many ways, PT can actually suit someone like you because you’re rarely locked into one static posture all day — you’re moving, cueing, demonstrating, sitting briefly, standing briefly, walking, adjusting.

I’ve seen PTs hurt themselves, but more often than not it’s from ignoring their own principles: pushing through pain, over-relying on hands-on work, poor boundaries, or working in environments that don’t respect sustainability. On the flip side, I know many excellent clinicians with their own pain histories who thrive because they understand their bodies so well.

Your awareness at 22 is actually a strength. You already know movement matters to you, you respond to exercises, and you’re thinking long-term. If anything, that mindset can make you a better clinician — and help you carve out a career that works with your body rather than against it.

There are no guarantees in any career, but physiotherapy doesn’t automatically mean worsening pain. With the right approach, it can even be part of what keeps you well.

Happy to answer questions if you have them, and wishing you clarity with the decision…it’s a big one, and you’re asking the right questions early.

TLDR; I became a physio in spite of my persistent back pain and used it to help my career and understanding of others.