Our spine is a column of bones extending from the bottom of our skull to our pelvis. While it might seem that our spine forms a straight line when observed from a side, it has natural curves that help it distribute forces and mental balance in the body.
Any misalignment in the spine can not only impair our range of motion but may also cause severe issues that can affect our quality of life, such as chronic pain, slouched posture, joint stiffness, reduced range of motion, decreased mobility, sciatica, discomfort when standing sitting and laying down, permanent joint and bone deformities, etc.
Physical therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for spine misalignment. Let’s talk about the role of physical therapy in spine treatment and alignment and where you can go for outstanding physical therapy in Rochester Hills, MI.
Treating Spine Misalignment Through Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a noninvasive approach that aims to correct the misalignment of the spine and improve the spine’s function and mobility while addressing pain and other related issues. A physical therapist can use a variety of exercises, modalities, and techniques to prevent strain on the spine and correct spinal misalignment.
Here is an overview of the role of physical therapy in spinal treatment and alignment.
Comprehensive Assessment and Evaluation
The role of physical therapy in spinal treatment and alignment begins with comprehensive assessment and evaluation. A physical therapist assesses a patient’s medical history, asks questions about their symptoms, conducts a physical examination, and identifies any musculoskeletal dysfunction or imbalances that may contribute to spinal misalignment.
Excessive weight, wearing worn-out shoes, lifting heavy objects often with bad posture, sitting for a long period of time, and exercising incorrectly can contribute to spinal misalignment and postural problems. Through comprehensive assessment and evaluation, the physical therapist determines which one aforementioned thing is causing your spinal problem and misalignment.
Personalized Physical Therapy Plan
The comprehensive assessment and evaluation helpa physical therapist develop a personalized treatment plan, which may consist of the following:
Exercises and Stretches
A physical therapist can perform and recommend some exercises and stretches that help correct spinal misalignment, improve flexibility, and strengthen the muscles that support the spine. Spinal exercises, such as cat-cow pose and planks, are the most recommended exercises to correct spinal misalignment.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy for spinal misalignment involves hands-on techniques performed by a physical therapist to improve the alignment of the spine and surrounding structures. A physical therapist can use a controlled and sudden force to adjust spinal joints, improve their mobility, and increase flexibility.
Trained and skilled physical therapists also offer massage therapy to restore postural alignment and treat spinal problems.
Pain Management
Spinal misalignment is one of the leading causes of pain in the neck and back, as well as other areas of the body. A physical therapist can use various modalities, such as heat therapy, cold therapy, ultrasound,and trans-cutaneous electric nerve stimulation,to help alleviate spinal pain associated with spinal misalignment.
Posture Correction
As mentioned in the above section, poor posture can contribute to spinal problems and misalignment. A physical therapist provides their patients with all the necessary education and information about the proper body mechanics and ergonomic principles to help them maintain a proper posture during their everyday activities.
They also advise patients to become aware of their body’s alignment throughout the day;adjust their chair, desk, computer monitor, or other equipment to promote their neutral spine position;distribute their weight evenly between both feet while standing; and regularly take breaks to stand up, stretch, and move around if they have a sedentary job.
Spine Treatments in Rochester Hills, MI
If you are having troublesome spine pain that is keeping you from performing your everyday activities, seek comprehensive evaluation and treatment from a spine expert right away. At Ahlgren Spine, our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Bradley Ahlgren, and his team will work with you to diagnose your spinal problem properly and develop a treatment plan, which may consist of physical therapy as a noninvasive treatment option.
To schedule a private consultation with our spine specialist, call us today at (248) 215-8080 or fill out this online appointment request form now.
