Lower back pain is surprisingly common. Still, you don’t have to be a statistic. There are solutions easily available, like physical therapy.
It is completely normal for an adult to experience a sore back every now and then. However, many people discover that chronic lower back pain disrupts their ability to handle life. At this point, you might explore physical therapy for lower back pain, which can:
- Alleviate discomfort.
- Restore your range of motion.
- Skip the need for more aggressive treatments or medication.
Is lower back pain derailing your life? Below, Align Health and Wellness shares why you need to make an appointment for physical therapy in New Jersey sooner rather than later.
How Physical Therapy Helps With Your Lower Back Pain
Addressing your lower back pain starts with identifying its cause. Is it work-from-home related back pain caused by bad posture? Whatever has caused it, pain that doesn’t respond to rest, over-the-counter medication, and heat therapy will likely lead to your healthcare provider recommending physical therapy – and for good reason.
A physical therapist can help you regain your quality of life using techniques such as:
- Targeted back pain relief exercises.
- Manual therapy techniques like massage and spinal mobilization.
- Postural correction therapy.
- Strength training.
With the right physical therapy, those with back pain should see the following benefits:
Decreased Pain
The ultimate goal of any New Jersey physical therapy practice is to help you live pain-free. Early treatment is more likely to catch the issue before you develop bad habits to compensate for the discomfort. Physical therapy for lower back pain treats the root cause, and that is much easier to do when you get help as soon as symptoms start.
Improved Mobility
Physical therapists focus on personalized care. They gauge how well you move and develop a plan to restore your range of motion so that you experience less pain.
Reduced Likelihood of Needing Surgery
Typically, doctors only recommend surgery if patients fail to show improvement after conservative treatments like physical therapy. Lumbar spine rehabilitation via physical therapy can reduce back pain, often considerably. If it does, you may not need surgery.
Less Risk for Falls and Other Injuries
Treating back pain with physical therapy as soon as possible can help you maintain good posture and body mechanics. It may also improve your potential range of motion and can correct coordination so that you don’t experience re-injury.
What To Expect At Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain
If you have never had physical therapy before, you probably wonder what to expect at physical therapy for lower back pain.
While experiences and injuries differ, working with a physical therapist typically begins with a thorough assessment of your pain, posture, range of motion, and strength. The results inform your treatment plan, which may include:
- Exercises and core-strengthening routines.
- Strength training.
- Manual therapy to reduce muscle pain or stiffness and improve alignment.
- Stretching.
- Electric stimulation therapy.
- Light aerobic exercise.
In the early stages, you might notice some increased discomfort during and after each physical therapy session. As time goes on and your body heals, these exercises get easier. Your therapist usually provides at-home exercise routines to accelerate this progress, too.
Make an Appointment for Physical Therapy in NJ
If you have work-from-home related back pain or you’re feeling the effects of aging and overuse, why not make an appointment at Align Health and Wellness for physical therapy for lower back pain? Our NJ physical therapy practitioners provide a personalized program to help you go from strength to strength.
Schedule time at Align Health and Wellness by calling 609-799-8444. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Physical Therapy
Here are some of the most common questions our patients ask about physical therapy for lower back pain.
How Long Does It Take for Physical Therapy to Help Lower Back Pain?
With consistent physical therapy to help lower back pain, most people report improvements after six to eight weeks.
When Should I Start Seeing a Physical Therapist for Lower Back Pain?
You should start seeing a physical therapist for lower back pain right away if you have moderate discomfort that lasts longer than a month. If severe back pain is interfering with your daily activities, schedule physical therapy in NJ immediately.
Will My Back Feel Worse After Physical Therapy?
With physical therapy for lower back pain, it is possible that your back may feel worse at first. The therapy activates dormant muscles and mobilizes stiff joints, causing minor inflammation. It shouldn’t last long.