How Does Physical Therapy for Back Pain Help You Feel Better?
Once the spring weather begins to thaw winter’s chill, a host of outdoor activities become accessible again. On a particularly balmy afternoon, you hit the links for a quick round of golf. Your body feels pretty good after the first 9 holes, but by the final stretch your back tightens up and makes even a simple putt painful. Perhaps you should have spent more winter nights at the gym instead of on the couch! By the end of the game, you’re ready to throw in the towel on golf altogether and pick up yoga as a hobby!
Why does your back hurt, and can physical therapy for back pain be beneficial? When your back is overused through repetitive motions, it can cause sore or pulled back muscles. At Pain Treatment Specialists, we utilize physical therapy in conjunction with pain medicine treatments for the most effective results. Many patients are unable to complete physical therapy sessions until their pain subsides enough to challenge their range of motion. When you schedule a consultation at one of our back pain treatment centers in NYC, Long Island, or northern NJ, you’ll meet with a nationally recognized back pain specialist who customizes a treatment plan for your specific back pain concerns.
How is Physical Therapy for Back Pain Useful?
Physical therapy is useful for treating acute pain, chronic pain, and medical pain in your back. While working in conjunction with your back and pain doctor, your physical therapist understands your back pain diagnosis and customizes stretches and exercises. Your physical therapist uses lower back exercises and back stretches to build your core strength and increase your range of motion. Their goal is also relieving your lower back pain, which can be done through the use of heat and cold therapies.
Many patients are able to continue their exercise routines even after their physical therapy sessions are completed. Incorporating these exercises, back stretches, and chronic low back pain help prevent future back injuries and pain.
Book an appointment at Pain Treatment Specialists and see if therapy for lower back pain is a good option for your lower back pain treatment plan.
What are Good Back Stretches for Lower Back Pain?
One of the benefits of meeting with a physical therapist is that they can show you how to complete lower back stretches that you can complete on your own. Taking care to warm up before a workout or day filled with repetitive motions can be a great way to keep your muscles and ligaments fluid, while also getting your body warmed up for activity.
One stretch that is helpful for sciatica begins by lying on your back with your legs straight. Pull one knee up to your chest and grasp it with your hand, holding for 10-20 seconds. Slowly lower your leg back to the ground and switch to your other leg. Repeat this motion on each side until you feel a good stretch in your lower back.
Another effective stretch involves beginning on all fours, with your hands placed directly beneath your shoulders. Align your knees underneath your hips, and extend your right arm forward. At the same time, extend your left leg backward until it’s straight. Your arm and leg should look like a continuous straight line if you were viewing it from the side. Then, switch sides and repeat with the opposite arm and leg, extending both outward to form a straight line.
The “cobra” stretch begins with you lying on your stomach, and using your arms to push yourself upwards. Place your palms close to your body and inhale as you straighten your arms and raise your chest and shoulders off the ground. Hold for 30 seconds, then lower to the ground. This stretch is great for your lower back, as well as your abdominal area.
The back pain specialists at Pain Treatment Specialists recommend using these stretches before working out, or completing vigorous activities.
Who is the Best Back and Pain Doctor in My Area?
Pain Treatment Specialists’ reputation as a nationally recognized back pain center is the top clinic in NYC, northern NJ, and Long Island. All of our back pain specialists are carefully vetted to ensure top-notch backgrounds and education, along with exceptional bedside manners. For example, Dr. Laura Lombardi is a double board-certified pain doctor specializing in fluoroscopic-guided imaging treatments. She received additional training in this area to allow her to use a special X-ray that delivers precise pain medicine only where needed. Her patient reviews consistently mention that she is easy to talk to, and follows through with all of her patients to ensure satisfaction.
Pain-free treatments!
Book Now:
We offer free insurance verification! Fill out the form and expect a call from one of our agents:
It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it’s difficult to be active when you’re in pain! Schedule an appointment at Pain Treatment Specialists and learn how physical therapy and minimally invasive back pain treatments provide long-lasting back pain relief. The next time you get out onto the golf course, you’ll be ready to tackle all 18 holes with zero problems– and hopefully a better score than your last round!