Physical Therapy benefits for back/Lumbar/Spine pain
After an episode of low back pain has lasted between two and six weeks, or if there are frequent recurrences of low back pain, physical therapy is often recommended. Some spine specialists consider physical therapy sooner, particularly if the pain is severe.
A physical therapist can help you improve or restore mobility and reduce low back pain—in many cases, without expensive surgery or the side effects of medications. Physical therapy for back conditions focuses on the structures that support the spine and its joints including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Not all back pain is the same; your treatment should be tailored for your specific symptoms and condition. A physical therapist will conduct an examination and identify the factors that have contributed to your specific back problem and design an individualized treatment plan for you.
Treatments may include:
- Manual therapy, including spine manipulation, to improve the mobility of joints and soft tissues
- Specific strengthening and flexibility exercises
- Education about how you can take better care of your back
- Training for proper lifting, bending, and sitting
- Assistance in creating a safe and effective physical activity program to improve your overall health
- Use of ice or heat treatments or electrical stimulation to help relieve pain