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Pain in the upper, middle, and lower portions of the back have many causes, including traumatic accidents, sports injuries, posture problems, and sedentary lifestyles. Whatever the reason for your back pain, physical therapy provides a non-invasive, effective solution assuming your symptoms are not indicative of a larger health problem. Seek medical treatment immediately if you experience loss of muscular, bowel, or bladder control, or if your pain is due to a vehicular accident, fall, or other serious injury.

3 Ways Physical Therapy Benefits Back Pain

1. Improves Range of Motion

Physical therapy exercises decrease stiffness to improve range of motion in back pain patients. Active treatments stretch and condition the muscles to increase flexibility, and may be combined with passive treatments such as hot therapies and massage that bring more blood to affected muscles and decrease muscular tension and stress. Passive therapies such as deep tissue massage can relieve muscle spasms to help patients enjoy greater range of motion while performing daily activities.

2. Increases Core Strength

physical therapyExercises designed to improve core muscle strength also strengthen the lower back, which is the most common site for back pain. Leg lifts, standing abdominal exercises, and other physical therapies give the core what it needs to help stabilize the front of the spine. Abdominal muscles create pressure in the abdomen that posteriorly influences the spine, providing the anterior support column, or front portion of the spine, with extra stabilization. Core stability exercises may include abdominal machine use depending on the patient’s needs and fitness level.

3. Supports Lumbar Spine Stability

Physical therapy further decreases back pain by supporting the lumbar spine, or lower back. In addition to a strong core, the lumbar spine depends on healthy low back muscles to avoid discomfort and pain. These muscles surround the lower spinal discs to provide posterior support. Physical therapy increases lower back muscle strength to reduce spinal disc and joint stress. Often referred to as dynamic stabilization exercises, they can include use of balancing machines and exercise balls.

 

Don’t let back pain interfere with your life--get the personalized physical therapy you need at The Road Home Therapy Center. Based in Church Point, LA, and serving the Lafayette and Opelousas areas, this therapy center offers a range of treatments that have helped patients feel great since 1978. Call (337) 684-6318 today to schedule a consultation or learn more about physical therapy services online.

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