Lower back pain is common and may not seem so serious, but sometimes, it can considerably affect your daily routine. If you have been experiencing lower back pain for a while, over-the-counter or at-home treatments can help a bit. However, physical therapy can provide a long-term solution to reduce pain significantly.
Let’s talk about how physical therapy can help treat lower back pain and where you can go to find excellent and reliable therapists.
Increase Mobility And Movement
Rest is essential, but the worst thing to do when you are experiencing pain is to not move at all. In many cases, lower back pain comes from stiffness due to a lack of motion. A lack of movement also leads to a weakened or tense core.
Upon examining your condition, your physical therapist will likely teach you stretching techniques and mobility exercises. These exercises will help loosen and stretch your lower back muscles. Your physical therapy program may also include low-impact exercises that involve gentle stretching techniques like Pilates, tai chi, or yoga.
Strengthen Lower Back Muscles
Often, chronic lower back pain comes from a lack of strength in your core. Several studies show that strengthening these muscles significantly reduces chronic pain in the lower back. By strengthening your muscles, you can give your spine adequate support and protect your back from further injury.
Your therapist can create a physical therapy program that includes strengthening exercises for your back and abdominal muscles. These will be prescribed upon evaluation and will vary based on your strengths and needs.
Spinal Manipulation For Lower Back Pain
Spinal manipulation, also called spinal manipulative therapy, helps reduce lower back pain. While a chiropractor is usually involved in spinal manipulation techniques, a physical therapist also utilizes these techniques during treatment.
To reduce and relieve lower back pain, your therapist will use either their hands or a device to apply regulated force on your joints. This regulated force or “thrust” moves your joints in a way that it can’t on its own.
Patient Education
Your doctor and physical therapist work together to evaluate your condition to find the causes of your lower back pain. Usually, these causes include incorrect postures or movements, or underlying conditions. Sometimes, incorrect movements can also lead to potential injury.
One key factor to reducing lower back pain is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Your physical therapist can give you information that will help you manage pain yourself, even at home. Your physical therapy program can include teaching you proper posture and how to move safely to avoid aggravating your pain.
Physical Therapist In Austin, Texas
Chronic lower back pain can be debilitating to the point where you can’t function normally. Whatever your situation may be, your physical therapist will work with you to create a personalized program to suit your needs. Depending on your condition, they can teach and guide you through various techniques to address your pain.
If you experience frequent or chronic lower back pain, our physical therapists here at Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness can evaluate your situation. We will then teach you specific exercises and stretches to strengthen and loosen your muscles and relieve pain.
If you sustained an injury at work, we also have a workers’ compensation program to help you return to work as quickly and safely as possible. You may visit our convenient locations serving Austin, Cedar Park, Bee Caves, Round Rock, Manor, Pflugerville, and Hutto.
To make an appointment with one of our outstanding physical therapists, call us today at (512) 284-7192, or fill out our secure online request form. We look forward to helping you get back to your active lifestyle!
