Five ways physical therapy can help relieve back pain

Treating Back Pain

When your back is in pain, it’s important to take measures to help take care of it. Your life will be more challenging without the full use of your back.

Back pain comes in many different forms. Often, it’s nothing too serious and can be treated with some rest and pain medication. However, severe and long-lasting back pain may require physical therapy for treatment.

Five physical therapy treatments for back pain

  1. It can help loosen stiff muscles — Stiff muscles from strain or overuse are often the cause of back pain. Physical therapists can use hands-on techniques, massage and dry needling to help loosen up stiff muscles to reduce your pain.
  2. It can assist in building your strength — Many physical therapy treatments focus on exercises and stretches to help your muscles become stronger and more flexible. Strong and flexible muscles provide better support for your spine and upper body, which can reduce and prevent pain.
  3. It can help restore your range of motion — Some back conditions, such as stiff muscles or arthritis, can limit your range of motion. Physical therapists know how to stretch and manipulate your body to help improve your range of motion.
  4. It can help improve blood flow — Improving the blood flow to your back muscles and spine can help improve strength and reduce pain. Your physical therapist can identify areas that could use improvements in blood flow and can develop techniques to achieve this.
  5. It can help you adjust your lifestyle — Poor lifestyle habits can contribute to your back pain. Sitting too long or slouching while standing both put strain on your back. Smoking is another reason many people have back pain. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood, which can put more strain on your muscles.

Treating back pain at Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (SSOR)

Our physical therapists at SSOR have many tools and methods at their disposal for treating conditions that cause back pain. If you’re suffering from chronic back pain or a back injury, we may have the treatment you need.

Our treatments for back pain are always customized to your individual needs. Talk to our physical therapists to learn more about the kinds of treatments we can offer you. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.