Back pain is one of the most common ailments which many people experience from time to time. It can range from mild to debilitating pain and physical therapy for back pain can vary depending on its cause and severity. Poor posture, which does not allow for the neutral alignment of the spine, increases the risks of back, and shoulder pain.A very sedentary lifestyle can also cause decrease of muscle flexibility and strength. When this happens, the back is more prone to injury and recurring back problems.
As there are numerous causes of back pain, the appropriate physical therapy for back pain needs to be applied and it can offer huge relief especially for patients in Drexel Hill, PA.
As a rule, the goals of physical therapy for back pain are to alleviate the pain, to increase bodily function and to educate patients on a proper maintenance plan that will prevent further recurrences.
Spine specialists opt for physical therapy for back pain sooner, especially if pain is intense.
There can be two types of physical therapy for back pain. These are the modalities or the passive treatments and the active treatment or exercises. Passive treatments, which are treatments done to the patients include heat or ice packs, ionthophoresis, TENS units and ultrasound. Active treatments which are those which the patient does himself are aerobic conditioning, stretching and strengthening for back pain exercises.
Passive treatment for physical therapy for back pain discussed. Heat and cold therapy can be used in as they can reduce inflammation and muscle spasm while Iontophoresis is applying steroids the skin followed by an electric current that causes the steroid to migrate under the skin, This is an anti-inflammatory therapy and can be very effective in relieving intense pain. TENS or short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator applies electrical stimulation that will override the pain signals sent to the brain and ultrasound is used to relieve pain and can also enhance healing of tissue.
For patients around Drexel Hill, PA, they can go to their local physical therapists for exercises that can be used specifically for physical therapy for back pain. Example of common stretching exercises include the back flexion, the knee to chest stretching exercise, stretches for hips and gluteus, the hip and the piriformis muscle stretches. If you are planning to do active treatment or exercises for your physical therapy for back pain, stretching works best in the morning and brings back suppleness and increases mobility, decreases discomfort and back pain.
Physical therapy for back pain also included low-impact aerobic exercises should be performed for 30-40 minutes on alternate days with strengthening exercises. Weak muscles can also cause low back pain and this can be relieved with core strength exercises.
A well developed physical therapy for back pain plan is the key to a patient’s quick recovery.
The correct mix of passive and active treatment should do the trick and it should be thoroughly discussed to the patient so he or she will participate and cooperate fully. It is always best to consult your doctor if you feel any back pain so he or she can recommend the best course of action, be it physical therapy or surgery.
