Tired of lower back pain? Here’s what physical therapists can do

Lower back pain is the nemesis of many. It’s also known as lumbar pain, and that familiar ache can limit time spent working, relaxing and enjoying life. It can lead to irritability and a whole host of other health problems. And, yet, it’s surprisingly common.

The World Health Organization estimates that in the United States, 149 million days of work are lost yearly due to lumbar pain. Back pain is the leading cause of inactivity and loss of work, and it appears in up to 70% of people in industrialized nations.

If you’re experiencing this type of pain, you know how important it is to find relief. Fortunately, a qualified physical therapist can guide you toward life untroubled by lower back pain.

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy includes treatments that focus on the management of disabilities and injuries. It’s intended to help alleviate pain, encourage healing, and bring about restored function and movement. It’s also performed by a trained physical therapist who is knowledgeable in evaluating many injuries and medical issues. Additionally, these specialists are well versed in many beneficial therapy techniques that can treat lumbar pain. 

How will your physical therapist treat lower back pain?

The key component of treating lower back pain with physical therapy is customization. Your physical therapist won’t simply use the same plan they use for everyone else on you. First, they’ll evaluate your pain and ask questions to determine how it’s affecting you. Then, your therapy specialist will build you an individualized therapy plan that can include therapy methods like: 

• Manual therapy — This category of therapy involves therapists mobilizing and manipulating tissue with their hands. Manual therapy can be especially helpful for lumbar pain. One study shows that patients who had it experienced a 22% reduction in local pain and a 35% reduction in radiating pain on average. 
• Therapeutic exercises — Therapists can also use therapeutic exercises to reduce lumbar pain. Some of these will focus on stretching and strengthening the lower back. The exercises you’re asked to do can also target the hips, buttocks and core. A study on hip exercises for lumbar pain reveals that almost 63% of patients who used them had significant back pain relief. 

Other therapy techniques that your physical therapist may include in your treatment plan are: 

• Redcord® therapy
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)
• Virtual therapy
• At-home care

Find rewarding treatment for lower back pain at Armor Physical Therapy

Ready to find effective physical therapy for your lower back pain? Our therapy specialists at Armor Physical Therapy are ready and willing to help you find significant pain relief. We offer free screenings intended to reveal the specifics of your back pain. Our physical therapists also excel at building personalized therapy plans to treat many types of back pain. You can even begin using our therapy services without getting a doctor’s recommendation first. 

Don’t wait to start getting our help with your back pain. Contact us today for more information about our treatment options or to schedule an initial appointment.