If you’re a runner, dealing with injuries can be a frustrating occurrence. Whether you’ve been running for years or you were just starting to gain momentum, being sidelined by pain and mobility problems is something nobody wants to deal with. While issues like knee pain, ankle pain and hip pain may be the most common culprits that runners have to contend with, lower back pain can also rear its ugly head during a run.
There are a wide range of potential causes for running-related back pain, from a muscle strain to dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint. To determine the underlying cause and find relief, it’s critical to seek diagnosis and treatment for pain that doesn’t improve in a short period of time. One commonly recommended treatment is physical therapy, since therapists have a background in the functioning and interconnectedness of the body.
To help patients in Prairie Village, Kansas, and the surrounding areas find relief from lower back pain while running, Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation has a state-of-the-art clinic right here in town. To help you understand how a therapist can help, we’ve created the following informative guide. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our caring team.
How physical therapists treat lower back pain injuries
When you first meet with a physical therapist, you should expect much of your initial appointment to consist of information gathering. To determine how your lower back pain may be related to running, your therapist will review your medical history and ask you questions about your symptoms and lifestyle. Then, he or she will perform a physical examination that includes posture analysis and movement tests that are designed to assess how your biomechanics may be contributing to lower back pain.
With this information, you and your therapist can collaborate to create a holistic treatment plan that can accomplish the following objectives:
- Strengthen the supporting muscles in your lower back and core
- Increase stability and range of motion in the back and lower body
- Improve posture to relieve pressure on the spine and evenly distribute weight
- Fix problems in your biomechanics that may be contributing to back pain
- Make lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier, that can promote your overall health
Working with a physical therapist requires commitment and communication from both parties, so it’s important to find one who takes an individualized approach to care.
Lower back pain relief and healthy running with the help of SSOR
At SSOR in Prairie Village, our team has extensive expertise in addressing lower back pain and mechanical issues related to sports like running. We will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that can return you to the activity level you’ve been missing.
Start your treatment journey today by contacting us to make your initial appointment.