Physical Therapy For Back Pain

By Paul A. Heath, PT, MPT

Physical and Sports Rehab, Inc.

More Pain Management & Rehabilitation Articles

Physical Therapy For Back Pain

In addition to other nonsurgical treatments, patients with back pain often work with a physical therapist. Physical therapy and sports rehab treatments focus on relieving pain, improving back movement, and fostering good posture. A physical therapist can design a rehabilitation program to address a particular condition and to help you prevent future problems. There is a great deal of scientific evidence that exercise and increased overall fitness reduce the risk of developing back pain and can improve the symptoms of back pain once it begins.

Although the time required for rehabilitation varies among patients, you can expect to continue therapy for 2-4 months for chronic back problems. Treatments are designed to ease pain and to improve your mobility, strength, posture, and function.

At first, your physical therapist may apply various forms of treatment to address your symptoms. These are especially helpful in the early weeks to improve your comfort so you can get back to your normal activities. You will be shown ways to position your spine for maximum comfort while you move, recline, or sleep. To help calm pain and muscle spasms, your physical therapist may use a variety of modalities coupled with skilled manual therapy.

You may be tempted to limit your activity because of your back pain. However, as a result of pain and inactivity, your muscles may become weak and deconditioned, and your back won't function optimally. Active rehabilitation may be used to prevent the harmful effects of deconditioning. With this active approach, you'll be shown how to lift and move safely. And you'll be shown how to strengthen your back muscles. In addition, aerobic exercises are used to improve your general fitness and endurance.

You'll learn about healthy posture and how posture relates to the future health of your spine. And you'll learn about body mechanics, how the body moves and functions during activity. Your physical therapist will also teach safe body mechanics to help you protect your low back as you go about your day. This includes the use of safe positions and movements while lifting and carrying, standing and walking, and performing work duties.

As you recover, your physical therapist will gradually advance your treatment in a series of strengthening exercises for the abdominal and low back muscles. Working these core muscles can help you begin moving easier and lessens the chances of future pain and problems.

As your rehabilitation program evolves, you will progress with more challenging exercises. The goal is to safely advance your strength and function.