FAQ's About Physical Therapy For Back Pain

Stubborn backpain can be one of the most debilitating ailments to afflict a person. Nearly every move a person makes involves the spine and the muscles in the back. Thus, if you are dealing with chronic pain, it can have a negative impact on your quality of life and well-being. The good news is there is hope for back pain when you choose physical therapy. While there are still situations that may require more invasive medical treatments, physical therapy is a non-invasive way to heal and restore your back without the use of surgical intervention. If this sounds enticing, you may have questions about the process. Continue reading to have some of your most burning questions answered, so you can begin the process of physical therapy to heal your back pain and get your life back!

What Is Physical Therapy for Back Pain?

Physical therapy for back pain is a non-invasive method of utilizing passive and active treatment modalities to restore range of motion and reduce pain in the back. It also helps strengthen the muscles around the back, which helps prevent future injury. This type of therapy is often used as an alternative to surgery or other types of invasive procedures. It is also used after surgery to speed up recovery time.

How Does Physical Therapy Work?

The goal of physical therapy is to improve function by restoring strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and posture. These goals are accomplished through various methods including:

Dry Needling- Dry needling is a technique where fine needles are inserted into muscle tissue to stimulate blood flow and increase healing potential.

Myofascial Release- Myofascial release is a technique where therapists apply pressure to specific areas of the body to break down scar tissue and relax tight muscles. By removing tightness in the muscles, mobility will be improved. This treatment is often accompanied by joint and soft tissue mobilization which also works to restore range of motion.

Strength and Length Exercises- Strength exercises are designed to build endurance and strength while stretching out tight muscles.

Rehabilitative Ultrasound- Rehabilitative ultrasound works to establish brain/body recognition of the core muscles being activated properly by allowing you to see your core musculature during the ultrasound. Thereby, retraining your body and subsequently improving muscle function. Simply put, with a strong and stable core, your back will be flexible and pain free once more.

Exercise Programs- Exercise programs are designed to improve movement patterns and strengthen weak muscles.

Therapeutic Ultrasound and Cold Laser- Therapeutic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to penetrate deep tissue layers to promote healing, reduce pain, improve circulation and the mobility of soft tissues. On the other hand, cold laser therapy uses low level light energy to target specific areas of tissue and encourage the healing process.

Tailored Home Exercise Program and Patient Education- Take lessons learned during therapy and apply them at home to make lasting change.

And Much More!

What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Back Pain?

There are many benefits to choosing physical therapy for back pain. Some of these include:

Pain Relief- When you suffer from back pain, it impacts every area of your life. With the implementation of a successful physical therapy program, you can enjoy the reduction or full mitigation of back pain.

Improved Functionality- After undergoing physical therapy, you will experience improvements in your ability to perform daily activities. You will feel stronger, more flexible, and better able to maintain proper posture.

Reduced Risk of Injury- Physical therapy is a great way to avoid further injuries to your back. Through rehabilitation techniques, you will learn how to protect yourself against future injury.

Avoid Surgery- Physical therapy is often successful in alleviating back pain and restoring mobility, so you can avoid surgery.

Kiss Pain Pills Goodbye- The long-term use of pain pills puts you at risk of dependency, addiction, stomach problems, and a host of other negative side effects. Physical therapy can effectively mitigate the issues responsible for your back pain, so you can get back to living life without relying on pain pills to get through the day.

How Quickly Can I Expect Results?

Since each patient is unique the timetable for experiencing results will vary greatly from person to person. In general, most people begin seeing results in as little as 3-6 weeks, although depending on the severity of your condition, it may take longer. Ultimately, physical therapy comes down to healing the underlying cause of your pain and dysfunction by utilizing a treatment plan that has been tailored to address your needs and goals. Thus, the time it takes for healing to begin, will directly correlate to your treatment plan and the underlying condition that is being treated.

Why Is Physical Therapy Superior to Finding an Exercise Program Online?

Physical therapy is superior to online exercise programs because it provides an individualized approach to treating your specific problem. This means that you will be working with a therapist who understands your particular situation and knows what exercises are best suited to alleviate the source of your back pain. Additionally, physical therapists have years of medical training and access to state-of-the art equipment that allows them to provide the highest quality care possible. Thus, there is simply no way to replicate the kind of care and knowledge you will receive from a physical therapist. As a matter of fact, you may actually further aggravate your condition by attempting to implement a one size fits all approach taught by an online video.

Who Should Seek Physical Therapy for Back Pain?

Physical therapy is known to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions. While there are many different causes of back pain, ranging from normal aging to work or sports related injuries, physical therapy can be used effectively to improve quality of life. Whether your pain is originating from too many hours slouched in front of your desktop at work, arthritis, or playing football, physical therapy can improve outcomes and reduce the chances that you will need surgery.

Why Is Physical Therapy Superior to Other Back Pain Treatment Options?

While there are many options available for treating back pain, including medication, injections, and surgery, these treatments do not address the underlying cause of your condition. By addressing the root cause of your back pain, physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms while also reducing the likelihood of needing additional procedures.

After learning more about physical therapy for back pain, what are you waiting for? Don't live another day with agonizing back pain, living life on the side lines. Get back to living life to the fullest, when you take back your health with physical therapy treatment!