Physical therapy and back pain part 2

When does physical therapy start?

After the acute back pain has subsided with bed rest and use of pain medications, most individuals are encouraged to enter a physical therapy program. Because of ongoing pain, the initial physical therapy is limited to improving mobility and there is little weight training. The majority of physical therapy centers offer excellent therapists who understand the problem and know what is required to get the individual back on their feet.

Rest assured, you will not be immersed into intense physical therapy the first day you arrive. In all cases, the therapist will assess and physically examine you to ensure that you are fit for physical therapy. The therapist will assess your degree of pain threshold, mobility, flexibility, and limitations and then prescribe an exercise program to fit your condition.

There is a lot of evidence that shows physical therapy is better able to treat individuals with mild or moderate back pain. Evidence now indicates that when regularly performed, both passive and active therapy can relieve back pain. Passive physical therapy programs consist of application of heat or ice packs, use of TENS unit and application of ultrasound. Passive modalities of physical therapy treatment work well in the early phase of back pain. Also included in physical therapy are massages, heat, diathermy, and hydrotherapy.

Once the individual has a decrease in back pain, active physical therapy is undertaken. This involves muscle stretching, improving range of motion exercises, gradual muscle strengthening, pain relieving movements and aerobic conditioning. Over time, many cases of back pain can be significantly improved with strengthening of back muscles.

For residual back pain, one may also undergo various spinal decompression treatments including use of traction devices.

If the pain continues, one can wear a brace or corset, which can be worn both during exercises and at rest. These braces help support the back, improve posture and assist with mobility. Braces can be bought from any medical supply store.

Physical therapy for back pain gives different results for different patients. No two individuals obtain the same response. Because each individual has a distinct body shape, anatomy, build, and physique, the benefits also vary. After a program of 2-4 months, most individual with back pain should see some improvement. Following this, one can be taught to undertake physical therapy exercises at home. These exercises can help improve posture and prevent back pain from coming back.

The major problem with physical therapy is that most people seem to think it is a bunch of useless exercises. Sure, physical therapy is not a magic bullet, nor does it work in everyone- but it is perhaps the best treatment for back pain- bar none. No available treatment for back pain can match the outcomes of physical therapy

Physical therapy is not a one shot deal and needs motivation, patience, and dedication. One may start off once a week and progress from that point. Physical therapy is also not a quick fix to back pain and requires time- perhaps 3-6 months. Nevertheless, in the long run, this therapy is safer, cheaper, and more effective than surgery or any other decompression treatment.

Once back pain has resolved, it is vital to maintain a decent weight, continue with exercises, and remain active.

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