Are you experiencing lower back pain that won’t go away? Specialty physical therapy treatments could help you find relief. Chronic lower back pain can have many causes. Common underlying causes include poor posture, injuries and chronic conditions like arthritis. In many cases, the best solution to chronic pain is addressing the underlying cause directly. A physical therapist can assess your condition and provide treatment tailored to your specific circumstances and recovery goals. Physical therapists typically integrate multiple treatment methods into a single treatment plan. This helps ensure comprehensive care for optimal results.
3 effective chronic lower back pain treatments
Manual therapy — Are you looking for hands-on treatment? Manual therapy refers to hands-on techniques utilized by physical therapists, such as joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization. These techniques can help reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility, alleviate pain and more. Your physical therapist can tailor your manual therapy treatment to your needs. If you’re experiencing lower back pain due to muscle knots, for example, they may target the trigger points in your muscles to release the tension and provide relief. In addition to the short-term benefits, manual therapy can also yield great long-term results. Manual therapy often stimulates blood flow, which can accelerate your body’s natural healing processes.
Dry needling — Dry needling is another form of treatment that can provide effective back pain relief. This treatment involves a licensed clinician inserting dry, sterile needles into your skin. When applied to injured or tight tissue, dry needles help reduce swelling and trigger healing. Research shows that dry needling effectively reduces pain and improves functional efficiency in people with lower back pain. Dry needling is a versatile treatment used to address conditions ranging from overuse injuries to arthritis.
Aquatic therapy — Want to strengthen your lower back in a low-impact environment? Aquatic therapy can be a great option. The low-pressure environment of aquatic therapy takes weight off your lower back, reducing the stress on your bones, joints and other tissue. At the same time, water resistance can help you build strength. Strengthening your core and lower back muscles can be key to managing and preventing lower back pain. Your physical therapist can help guide you through a pool fitness routine during your aquatic therapy sessions.
Top physical therapy exercises for alleviating lower back pain
In addition to other treatments, your physical therapist may recommend targeted exercises. These exercises can help alleviate your lower back pain and prevent more pain in the future. Here are some exercises your physical therapist may include in your treatment regimen:
Pelvic tilts — Pelvic tilts are an effective, straightforward exercise. To start, lie on your back. Bend your knees, but keep your feet flat on the floor. Try to flatten your spine against the floor, engaging your abdominal muscles as you do so. When trying to tighten your stomach, it can help to visualize your belly button moving closer to your spine. You should feel this exercise throughout the lower half of your torso. Hold for five to 10 seconds; then relax. Try repeating this exercise around 15 times. With pelvic tilts, you can build strength in your core and lower back.
Bridges — Bridges are a great exercise for strengthening the muscles that support your spine. If you’re experiencing lower back pain, bridges can help bring stability and relief. To do bridges, start by lying on your back. Bend your knees, plant your feet on the floor and lift your hips. Your body should form a bridge from your shoulders to your feet, with a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. When you lift your hips, you should feel the core muscles in your abdomen engage. Hold the bridge for a few seconds; then gradually lower your body. Repeating this exercise 10-15 times each day can be great for your core, lower back and glutes.
Child’s pose — Child’s pose is a resting position that can help stretch your hips, thighs and lower back. If your lower back pain is connected to muscle tension, this pose may help. To practice child’s pose, kneel with the tops of your feet flat against the floor. Bend your knees so that your heels touch your buttocks. From here, extend your arms forward on the floor until your torso is touching your thighs. By holding this position, you can relax your muscles and reduce tension.
KC Rehab can help treat your chronic lower back pain
Are you ready to get professional help in treating your chronic lower back pain? KC Rehab can help. Lower back pain is one of the many conditions we treat. With our help, you can work toward improvement with an individualized treatment plan designed to help you find lasting relief.
Contact our team today for more information about our pain management treatments or to schedule an initial appointment.
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