Lower back pain is the nemesis of many. 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 due to low back pain. Back pain affects 60 to 70 percent of people in industrialized nations. It is the leading cause of inactivity and loss of work., Fortunately, a qualified physical therapist at Total Care Physical Therapy PC in Hillsborough, NJ can guide you towards a pain-free life. Here are some ways that we can help, and reasons to call our office today.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy includes treatments that focus on the management of disabilities and injuries. It helps to alleviate lower back pain, encourage healing, and bring about restored function and movement. It is performed by a trained physical therapist who is knowledgeable in evaluation and conservative management, including rehabilitation, of orthopedic, neurologic, and cardiovascular conditions.
There are two components to most physical therapy programs: passive physical therapy and active exercises. Passive physical therapy programs reduce a patient’s pain, and active exercises improves mobility.
Passive Physical Therapy
Reducing pain through passive physical therapy is an important step so patients can comfortably perform exercises. These tools are often used as a form of ‘passive therapy’ because they are done to a patient by the physical therapist.
- Electrical stimulation, such as TENS Units
- Heat/ice packs
- Ultrasound
- Iontophoresis
- Dry needling
- Manual therapies
- Massage
- Hydrotherapy
We use hot/cold packs and massage therapy at Total Care Physical Therapy, to improve blood flow to the affected area. We also utilize electrical stimulation therapy, which is a painless treatment that delivers tiny electrical waves through your nervous system to relieve pain and reduce muscle spasms. This involves performing low-intensity movements in water which relieves pressure on muscles while allowing you to move your joints without discomfort.
Active Physical Therapy
Active physical therapy treatments are exercises performed by the patient and are often used in the later stages of physical therapy — once the lower back pain has subsided enough so that the patient can perform them without excessive discomfort. There are many different types of exercises that a physical therapist may recommend, including stretching, stability training, and strength training. Some of these will help you with your flexibility and range of motion, while others help build the muscles around the painful area to provide those parts of the body with support.
What to Expect During Your Visits
Our physical therapist will ask you several questions about your health, history, and lower back pain specifically. Having this information will help him therapist determine the best treatment plan possible for long-lasting results.
Our therapist will also provide a thorough examination. Depending on your symptoms, our physical therapist may need to assess your strength, flexibility, coordination, and respiratory rates. He may also examine your balance and mobility.
Our physical therapists at Total Care Physical Therapy PC in Hillsborough, NJ may recommend special equipment and will undoubtedly spend a great deal of time educating you about your source of pain and pain management strategies. He or she will also perform hands-on exercises to deliver you immediate relief.
When you’re ready to alleviate or eliminate your pain, call our office to see how physical therapy can help you live a pain-free life.
