Back pain is like an uninvited guest that turns people’s lives upside down. Consider physical therapy the safest and most effective weapon to get the pain out of your body for good. The treatment manipulates the affected muscles, puts them in the right position and releases the tension. Eventually, the pain subsides and you resume your daily life happily. It isn’t as easy as it sounds. It’s a recovery process and you will feel the benefits after each session. Let’s look in-depth at whether physical therapy is effective for back pain.
What to Expect from Physical Therapy for Back Pain?
Back pain often doesn’t occur overnight. It is the result of everyday stress, injuries or tension in the spine that can be happening over a long period of time. It is important to know the exact cause of the pain to receive the most effective treatment.
Thus, physiotherapists first talk to you. They ask questions about your back pain, such as:
- When did you first notice the pain?
- Is there a specific movement that intensifies the pain?
- What relieves the pain temporarily?
Next, they examine your health using physical tests such as ultrasound or x-ray.
These questions and assessments let them determine the underlying cause of your pain. They can then come up with a customized treatment plan suitable for your spine condition.
The common treatments include:
- Core strengthening exercises
- Endurance training
- Flexibility programs
- Exercise prescriptions
- Pain management
- And more.
The treatment regime is different for different people. But, all of them aim towards strengthening your back muscles and relieving your pain.
The professionals guide you through each treatment so you feel comfortable throughout the process. Physiotherapy is an evidence-based healthcare practice. So, the professional may change the treatments depending on how you respond.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
The total number of physiotherapy sessions you will need for complete recovery depends on several factors. The physiotherapist assesses your injuries, their seriousness and your lifestyle before recommending an optimum number of sessions to you.
2-3 sessions a month can help if the pain is not that serious. In the case of chronic back pain, however, physiotherapists often suggest an 8-week program. You may have to go through preventative rehabilitation programs after you have completed the initial treatment. Professionals can combine physical therapy with other treatments such as massage therapy, chiropractic care and acupuncture to provide you with relief from back pain.
How Does Physical Therapy Help with Back Pain?
Back pain can occur due to various health conditions. Physical therapy helps relieve most of these conditions such as Sciatica, Spinal Fractures, Disc Degeneration and more. Here are the main ways physical therapy helps relieve back pain.
No pain
Back pain can be the worst nightmare for any individual. It doesn’t let you stand, sit, sleep or do even the simplest physical activity.
Physical therapy helps you get rid of this pain. The treatments involve a wide slew of exercises that release the tension from affected muscles and reduce your pain.
Better mobility
Movement becomes a challenge when you have back pain. Physiotherapists focus on diagnosing the problem that’s causing mobility restrictions. Once that’s sorted, they use manual therapies to deal with the restrictions and get you moving pain-free again.
Prevents surgeries
You may not need surgeries in the first place for back pain if you get physical therapy right at the early stage of the pain. The latter is non-invasive and works on manipulation of the musculoskeletal system. It reduces your backache without the need for surgeries or even pain meds.
Prevents injuries
Back pain can be stubborn. No matter what you try, it may seem to linger around after a while.
Physical therapy strengthens your back muscles. It maximizes your movement potential and athletic abilities. The injury preventative program maintains your spine health and protects it from further damage.
Reduces risks of falls
Back pain and old age go hand in hand. The back muscles get weak and balance also becomes an issue.
As physical therapy reduces the pain, older people find it easier to move without the risk of falling.
All in all, physical therapy reduces your back pain, restores optimal mobility and improves your overall health. The physical therapist works with you to help you achieve your health goals. They take all factors such as your recent injuries, medical history and lifestyle into consideration to design a health program unique to your condition.
Final Thoughts,
Physical therapy is a reliable option for back pain treatment. There are, however, a slew of options when you search for physiotherapists in Brampton. Do your research before booking an appointment with one. Physiotherapy First, for instance, is one of the top-rated physiotherapy clinics in Brampton. So, if you are in the area and looking for physical therapy, feel free to connect with the team.
