Back pain, even when mild, can be debilitating. It can make it difficult to perform everyday activities like getting dressed, grocery shopping, or even bending down to tie your shoes. The good thing is that physical therapy can help.
You can rely on it for all your back concerns, whether that is pain, an injury, or a chronic condition. Here are the most vital reasons why physical therapy is invaluable:
1. It Can Help Relieve Pain
Physical therapy provides relief from pain. Through personalized exercises, physical therapists can help strengthen your muscles and improve your flexibility. This kind of targeted approach helps reduce pain and discomfort in the long run.
Your physical therapist may use the following modalities to ease your pain:
- Heat and ice therapy – involves the application of hot or cold packs to the back
- Massage – helps relax muscles, improve blood flow to the area, and alleviate pain
- Ultrasound therapy – utilizes sound waves to reduce swelling and decrease muscle spasms
- Electrical stimulation – sends mild electrical signals to nerves and muscles as a form of pain relief
2. It Helps Improve Mobility and Function
Physical therapy helps improve mobility by reducing inflammation and stiffness. All the while, it increases strength and endurance which help you go through your daily activities with ease.
Mobility is crucial for the elderly and those struggling with age-related health issues. Combined with other treatments, physical therapy can help patients carry out daily activities with confidence. However, this doesn’t mean mobility is only important for the elderly. Even young adults with minor injuries can benefit from physical therapy in terms of improved flexibility and range of motion.
3. It Can Help Improve Posture
Most of us spend much of our day slouching or sitting in one position for too long. This can lead to chronic pain and an increased risk of injury. Physical therapy can help you reverse these bad habits. Exercise and targeted stretching can improve your posture, reducing the tension in your back muscles and joints.
Good posture is also important for those who spend a lot of time working at the computer. This includes office workers, gamers, and students who sit for long periods. Physical therapy can help them maintain proper posture even when sitting for extended hours.
4. It Can Help You Recover from Injuries
Physical therapy is an excellent option for those recovering from a back injury. It can help you regain the range of motion and strength you had before your injury. The sooner you start physical therapy, the faster you can recover.
Your physical therapist will work to reduce inflammation and pain, while also strengthening the muscles around your injury. Physical therapy can also reduce the risk of further injuries and help you avoid long-term consequences.
5. It Can Help You Avoid Surgery
Physical therapy can often help patients avoid invasive surgery such as spine fusion or lumbar decompression. Your physical therapist can use non-invasive strategies to treat your back pain. This includes stretches and strengthening exercises that focus on the specific area of the back that is causing pain.
Surgery is often reserved as a last resort when conservative treatments don’t work. Before you opt for surgery, it is best to try physical therapy. Of course, this is only if the damage is not incredibly severe, and if the pain is controllable.
6. It Can Help You Recover After Surgery
Some back injuries, especially severe ones, will require surgery. For example, a severe case of herniated disc might require a laminectomy. Laminectomy involves removing part of a vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
Physical therapy is essential for post-operative recovery. Surgery may cause stiffness, pain, and muscle weakness. Physical therapy can help you recover faster by:
- Reducing swelling
- Increasing flexibility
- Promoting strength of the muscles around the surgical area
Surgery also often requires a lengthy recovery period. This means the patient needs to take time off work to heal. Physical therapy can help speed up that process and get you back on your feet quicker.
7. It Can Help Prevent Injuries
Physical therapy doesn’t just help you after an injury. It can also help prevent future injuries.
Your physical therapist can create an individualized treatment plan that focuses on strengthening your back even if you are healthy and pain-free. This helps prevent future injuries and improves your overall strength and stability.
Physical Therapy in Rochester Hills, Lapeer, & Bad Axe, MI
Physical therapy is an essential part of managing and treating back pain. It can help you recover from an injury, prevent future injuries, and maintain mobility as you age. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice and work with a qualified physical therapist to ensure you get good-quality results. Physical therapy can help you enjoy a healthier and pain-free life.
Need physical therapy in Rochester Hills, Lapeer, or Bad Axe? Ahlgren Spine offers comprehensive therapy services for Michigan residents and visitors. Dr. Bradley Ahlgren, a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, heads our team of experts. Call our helpful staff today at (248) 215-8080. You can also submit an appointment request form to book a visit with the best back pain doctor near you.
We look forward to helping you enjoy the benefits of physical therapy!
