Back pain is one of the most common health complaints among American adults. People may bend, slouch, lift heavy objects, perform repetitive motions, and generally abuse their backs, causing delicate spinal structures to break down with time. ack pain is so common that many people come to think of it as a normal part of aging. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the help of non-invasive physical therapy, you can stand up to back pain.

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Back Pain

After receiving a diagnosis from your physician, you may be referred to a physical therapist to help relieve back pain without surgical intervention. The therapist will start with a thorough examination, after which they will develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. 

Some of the ways physical therapy can improve back function and reduce pain include:

Improved Range of Motion

Back pain can make it difficult to bend, twist or move freely. Targeted stretching, light exercise, and other techniques can help restore lost motion and strengthen weakened muscles.

Ability to Build Muscle

Physical therapy treatment focuses on strengthening supportive muscle groups to decrease pain immediately and prevent it from coming back again later. By helping to correct muscle imbalances and making weak muscles stronger, the entire back structure will be better prepared to handle the everyday strain.

Improved Posture

Poor posture habits contribute to back pain more than you may realize, especially for office workers and those whose jobs involve long hours of driving. Your physical therapist can help to identify the habits that cause pain and give you the tools to correct them.

It’s also important to note that a trained physical therapist has the skills and experience to help patients stay safe while performing recommended stretches and exercises. Overexerting yourself or doing a movement incorrectly can lead to further injury.

If you have questions about receiving physical therapy for your back pain, talk to the Florida Injury and Wellness team today.