Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems and the leading cause of disability worldwide. At Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West in Sun City West, Arizona, experienced physical therapist Kimberly Hilditch, PT, MSPT, and the team use manual therapies and advanced treatments to relieve back pain that comes from sciatica, structural abnormalities, and general wear-and-tear. Call Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West today if you’re suffering from back pain, or book your visit online.
request an appointmentHow does physical therapy help with back pain?
If you regularly experience back pain, you might think your only treatment option is surgery. But physical therapy and rehabilitation provide a safe and noninvasive alternative.
At Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West, the team uses manual therapies and other conservative treatments to help people with back pain by:
- Reducing painful symptoms
- Improving back function
- Increasing the spine’s flexibility
- Preventing problems from recurring
Instead of recommending a cookie-cutter approach, your physical therapist develops a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your symptoms, goals, and abilities.
When should I see a physical therapist about back pain?
Make an appointment with the Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West team if you have severe back pain that interferes with your daily routine or moderate back pain that lasts for more than a month. That’s particularly true if your symptoms don’t improve with conservative treatments, like ice, rest, and activity changes.
Your physical therapist can work with your primary care physician to determine a treatment approach that helps you feel your best while reducing the risk of injury and lasting problems.
Can physical therapy successfully treat my back pain?
Yes. Physical therapy has a proven track record when it comes to relieving back pain. Manual therapies, exercise, and other conservative treatments, like traction, increase blood flow to the injured area, support your muscles, and encourage the body’s healing process.
Research backs this up. Several large studies have determined that physical therapy can relieve back pain and other related symptoms by up to 60%.
What types of rehabilitative treatments can relieve back pain?
The Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West team tailors physical therapy and rehabilitation for back pain to each patient’s goals and abilities. They might suggest:
- Therapeutic exercises
- Manual stretching
- Manual traction
- Myofascial release
- Trigger point release
- Deep soft tissue mobilization
- Muscle energy techniques
- Ultrasound therapy
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Mechanical traction
- Iontophoresis
- Laser Touch One™
Mild back pain often responds to one or two of these treatments. If your symptoms are severe, however, you might need a combination of therapies to provide lasting relief.
To undergo physical therapy for back pain, call Valley Rehabilitation of Sun City West today or click the online booking feature.