Physical therapy is frequently used as a part of an overall treatment protocol to treat acute or chronic back pain. The goal of physical therapy is to relieve pain, help the body in the healing process, and restore normal functional pain-free movement. A physical therapist can prescribe specific rehabilitation exercises alone or in combination with dry needling, TENS, heat application, soft tissue release or gentle manipulations. Physical therapy is generally initiated if an injury is not spontaneously recovering with conservative treatments within 2-6 weeks. In case of severe acute back pain, however, a referral to physical therapy can be initiated right away.
Physical therapy did not help my back painMany patients frequently complain that physical therapy has not worked for them. They refuse to follow up with the referral made by their provider and demand Xrays or MRIs to find out why their back continues to hurt. While X-ray or MRI is not necessary in the majority of chronic or acute back pain, physical therapists frequently order these studies if the patient's condition is not responding to the treatment protocol. Imaging studies can also be ordered if the physical therapist feels that it will help them create a more specific treatment plan. Imaging studies, however do not cure back pain. It is critical to realize that any treatment modality only works if the patient is an active participant. When it comes to physical therapy, the reality is that most patients are not compliant with the prescribed treatment plan. It is not enough to come to physical therapy once or twice a week for half an hr session and expect to see major improvements. Adherence to prescribed exercise at home as instructed by the physical therapist is the key. Physical therapy sessions at the clinic should be used primarily as an opportunity to assure the correct form and assess the progress. To get the most from physical therapy, the majority of work has to be done at home.Key factors in the treatment of chronic back painWhile most acute back pain eventually resolves on its own, chronic back pain tends to fluctuate between days with more or less pain. To increase the number of days without pain or with only slight discomfort, something fundamental has to change. There are many factors that impact the successful treatment of back pain. Two of the most important factors are elimination of aggravating factors and correcting muscle imbalance. Physical therapists are medical professionals with extensive training in skeletomuscular disorders and thus best suited to help patients accomplish both.
Individualized treatment and workout plansPhysical therapists can review with patients their daily routine and help them identify the major aggravating factors that continue to flare up their back pain or prevent the maximal recovery. They will thoroughly asses the patient’s condition and create an individual exercise treatment plan. Physical therapists can help the patient tailor a specific work out routine that will help them achieve their personal fitness goals without aggravating their back pain. Additionally, physical therapists are the top authority to teach patients the correct execution of individual exercises to prevent future injuries. Incorrectly performed exercises continue to be the leading cause of many exercise-related injuries. Incorrectly performed exercises can lead to permanent joint or back injury.SummaryPhysical therapy is an integral part of any comprehensive treatment approach to chronic back pain. In some cases, physical therapy can be, however, beneficial also in acute cases of back pain. Physical therapists often incorporate variety of techniques and tools when designing their individual treatment plan. Imaging is usually not needed in most cases of uncomplicated chronic and acute back pain but imaging studies can be ordered by the physical therapist if it is indicated. Physical therapists are top experts in designing individual workout routines that will help patients achieve their fitness goals without risking further injuries. Lastly, physical therapy only works if patients become active participants.
