How Effective Is Physiotherapy for Lower Back Pain Relief
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people pay visits to a physiotherapist or chiropractor. These are natural treatment methods that focus on easing the injured muscles and reducing inflammation. Though physical therapy is gaining momentum in the healthcare sector, a lot of people are unaware of how it works and whether it really reduces pain in the back. So, this article has covered all the essential details about the impact of physiotherapy on lower back pain so you know what you are getting into at physiotherapy clinics.
How physical therapy works on back pain?
Unlike surgeries or pain meds, physical therapy adopts a safer and more comfortable approach to treating the problem. A physiotherapist runs specific tests to detect the exact source of the pain. Did the pain arise due to an injury? Is there swelling in the area? Is it because of a posture problem? Are the back muscles too stiff?
They find answers to such important questions to prepare a suitable treatment plan for your recovery. Exercises form an integral part of this treatment plan. The professional recommends specific exercises to address and fix the source of the pain. But, they do so taking health, psychological, social and lifestyle factors into consideration. It is about treating the core of the pain and achieving long-term health benefits.
What are the benefits of physiotherapy?
Here’s your takeaway from physiotherapy treatments for back pain relief:
Reduced pain- The physiotherapist suggests specific exercises based on what’s causing the problem and how it affects your movement. These exercises reduce the pain and inflammation in the affected area.
Better mobility- You may be asked to perform certain exercises or get electrical stimulation to restore your normal mobility which is often hindered due to back pain.
Prevents surgeries- Physical therapy is often the first line of treatment recommended to people with back pain since it helps you heal without relying on surgeries.
Strengthens your back muscles- The exercises strengthen your affected muscles and help you prevent further injuries.
Improves blood circulation- Regular sessions also boost your circulatory system, thereby helping you heal damaged tissues.
Besides these, the best thing about physiotherapy is it involves one-on-one sessions. It doesn’t follow the one-size-fits-all approach.
When to See A Physiotherapist?
Back pain is often tricky. You may sleep in the wrong position one night and get pain or a muscle strain during a game may also cause the pain. You may not have anything to worry about if the pain subsides within a day or two. If it doesn’t, that’s your cue to see a physiotherapist as soon as possible.
What to Expect From the Physiotherapy Sessions?
The first session is where the physiotherapist understands the problems you are going through. They gather information about your past medical records, current symptoms, lifestyle, work environment and ongoing medications.
You should also voice your health concerns such as the symptoms you are experiencing and what triggers them.
The physiotherapist then runs some tests to detect the core of the problem. They may conduct a neurological assessment to find out the condition of your nerves. The detailed physical examination involves your gait and the functioning of the injured back muscles.
They prepare a treatment plan and explain each step of the plan to maintain complete transparency. You may also be warned about the potential risk factors of the treatment. The treatment begins once you give your consent to go ahead.
What are the Common Physiotherapy Exercises for Quick Back Pain Relief?
The physiotherapist customizes the treatment plan based on what’s working best for you. The different types of exercises that typically help in back pain treatment are:
Stretching exercises
As the name suggests, stretching exercises ease the tension in your back muscles and improve spinal flexibility. The physiotherapist may recommend it if your back needs to reduce its stress.
Strengthening exercises
The back does a lot of hard work even more than we can think. It loses its strength due to the constant wear and tear and becomes more prone to injuries. The strengthening exercises help restore the strength in the injured muscles.
Aerobic exercises
It is important to stay active even if you are in pain. The aerobic exercises get you moving and boost your circulatory system. You can get rid of stiff muscles and manage your weight too.
The thing is different people need different types of exercises though all of them may complain of back pain. The physiotherapist can recommend the right exercises after assessing your condition.
What to Expect After Physiotherapy Sessions?
You may feel a slight soreness in the back after the first physiotherapy session. The discomfort, however, subsides after a few hours and you eventually get relief.
The physical therapist lets you know how many sessions you need to recover quickly. They may combine different therapies depending on your progress during the sessions.
Should You Go For Physiotherapy Or Not?
Physiotherapy is evidently an effective back pain treatment option. It has no side effects. The process is non-invasive and prevents surgeries or further injuries. It treats the core of the problem, thereby providing you with long-term health benefits.