Physical therapy is commonly prescribed for patients with back pain, but there are many different treatments that are included in physical therapy. It is important to be sure that the right treatment is employed at the right time for a given patient.
In the initial stages of back pain treatment, there is often considerable inflammation, muscle spasm, and restriction of mobility. The first step in treatment should be directed at reducing inflammation and spasm. Proceeding too quickly to treatments that increase mobility and/or are intended to increase muscle strength and endurance can often drastically increase inflammation and spasm and can greatly delay recovery.
To begin to reduce inflammation and spasm, treatments such as electrical stimulation and cold packs are often used. Although many back pain patients are using medication to reduce inflammation, these therapies can be much more effective. Cold packs can be used at home to supplement in-office treatment and their frequent application is the most effective anti-inflammatory treatment a patient can do at home. During the initial stages of treatment when symptoms are at their worst, applying a cold pack for 10 to 15 minutes at a time up to every two hours can bring inflammation down faster than even the most powerful anti-inflammatory drug.
Once inflammation and spasm have largely subsided, therapies like ultrasound and massage can be useful in releasing tissue constrictions and enhancing circulation to the injured tissues to help them to heal. At this stage, the severe pain is gone and the patient is primarily experiencing soreness and stiffness.
As the soreness improves, stretching and mobilization can be gradually introduced to improve flexibility and mobility. It is important to get the patient as close as possible to normal mobility before transitioning to strengthening exercises in order to prevent reinforcing abnormal movement patterns.
Once the patient's mobility is returning to normal, then exercises to enhance muscular strength and postural stability can be introduced. In the case of back pain and injuries, poor posture and lack of muscle conditioning often contributed to the original injury or pain. It is especially important to re-condition the abdominal muscles and the muscles along the back of the spine to provide their normal postural support.
At least some of the exercises used in the physical therapy program should be those that can be done without special equipment, since it will be necessary for the patient to continue the exercises on their own once released from the physical therapist's care. High-tech back rehab machines are excellent for getting patients back to health, but they should not be the sole source of the patient's rehabilitative exercise.
Through proper administration of treatment by the physical therapist, and proper instruction in appropriate self-care measures, the majority of back pain patients can recover and prevent future back problems.
Author Resource:-
Advantage Chiropractic and Physical Therapy provides personalized, cost-effective physical therapy and rehabilitation services in a friendly environment in the San Antonio, Texas area. For more information, visit their Physical Therapy San Antonio website.
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