Low back pain patients often end up with a physical therapy referral. This will usually involve four weeks of physical therapy. This is the most common non-surgical option. After that, other low back pain treatments may be necessary. They tend to be much more aggressive, including surgery.
The Main Goal for Low Back Pain Physical Therapy
The main goal in back pain patients in physical therapy is decreasing pain. However, it also increases overall function. Lastly, it teaches patients about preventing future low back problems. Although, It can also be paired with a preventive maintenance program.
What are the most common types of physical therapy? Well, for starters, they may include:
Active physical therapy focuses on specific methods of stretching. However, it also includes exercises for the treatment of lower back pain. In fact, active PT is often the main focus of many programs.
Passive modalities in physical therapy can also be very effective. This type of physical therapy includes electrical stimulation or applying heat and ice. Heat is first applied to muscles. Therefore, warming them up before doing exercise. And ice is then utilized following exercising. The aim is to soothe both the soft tissue and muscles.
Low Back Pain Physical Therapy Benefits
The stability of the lower back depends upon two things, the muscles and the abdominals. Your abdominal muscles offer stabilizing support. Therefore, generating pressure on the spine, providing support for the front of your back. Continuing exercise programs can reduce future low back pain occurrences.
Before and Following Surgery
Both exercise and physical therapy are generally prescribed here. In fact, exercising can provide a shorter recovery time for patients. Why? Because patients can see a marked improvement in their physical condition.
Consult a Physician for Low Back Pain
Consulting your physician is usually the first step in treating back pain. He or she can diagnose the condition. This also means ruling out serious contraindications like fractures. This helps some patients with ensuring follow-through and avoiding problems. Following the initial therapy phase, you may choose to continue your exercise program. This is often found to be successful in managing low back pain.
If you are experiencing low back pain without relief, call us at 888-409-8006. Our offices are happy to help get your life back in full motion.
