How We Treat Low Back Pain

Low back pain is one of the most common medical conditions affecting people today. In fact, it is estimated that up to 80% of people will experience low back pain at some point in their lives and is one of the most common problems we treat in the clinic every day. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, muscle imbalances, faulty movement patterns, injuries, external life stressors, and so much more. Fortunately, physical therapy is an effective treatment option for low back pain. At One to One Physical Therapy, we typically treat low back pain with a combination of strength training, stretching, manual therapy, and movement pattern corrections to help you get back to doing the things you love.

Strength Training

Strength training is an essential component of physical therapy for low back pain. Strong muscles can help support the spine, improving posture and reducing stress on the lower back. Simple mat-level exercises are used to build a foundation to support more functional compound lifts that people are often more familiar with. Simple mat-level exercises targeting the hip, back, and core muscles, such as planks, side planks, and bird dogs, can help strengthen very specific muscles that support the spine. These simple exercises help build the foundation to progress toward more functional exercises such as deadlifts, squats, lunges, and hip thrusts which are critical to improving resilience of the low back and reducing pain in the long term.

Stretching

Stretching is another critical component of physical therapy for low back pain. Stiff muscles can contribute to low back pain by altering movement patterns and putting stress on the lower back. Stretching can help improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall range of motion. Some common stretches that are beneficial for low back pain include hamstring stretches and hip flexor stretches, although your program will be individualized based on your specific needs.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment method that can help alleviate low back pain. Some common types of manual therapy for low back pain include soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and joint mobilizations. These techniques can help reduce muscle tension and joint stiffness, to help you move better. Although hands-on treatments are not one of the primary methods we use at One to One to manage low back pain, all of our physical therapists are experts in deciding which cases are most appropriate for this type of intervention.

Movement Pattern Correction

Movement pattern correction is the process of identifying and correcting movement faults that may be contributing to low back pain. For example, poor posture or improper lifting techniques can put excessive stress on the lower back and contribute to acute or chronic low back pain. Your physical therapist will help identify these movement patterns and work with you to develop a plan to correct them. This will likely involve specific corrective exercises, strengthening certain muscle groups, improving flexibility, or learning new movement techniques to use during activities that come up often during your day or while performing movements that reproduce your pain.

In conclusion, physical therapy is a highly effective treatment option for a vast majority of low back pain complaints. Strength training, stretching, manual therapy, and movement pattern correction are all important components of a comprehensive physical therapy program for low back pain. If you are experiencing low back pain, do not hesitate to schedule a consult with your physical therapist at One to One to develop a personalized treatment plan to help alleviate your pain and improve your overall quality of life!

Post-Surgery Physical Therapy

How can post-op physical therapy aid in rehabilitation after surgery?

If you are recovering from surgery, chances are that you are eager to get back to your normal routines. Before that can happen, your body needs some time to heal properly and regain its strength. From tasks as simple as walking, bathing, getting dressed or just taking care of yourself, physical therapy after surgery is one of the best and safest approaches to get back to a healthy and active lifestyle.

What is post-surgical physical therapy?

No matter what type of operation you’ve had, physical therapy is a tried and true way to help speed up your post-surgery recovery. Physical therapy treatment can improve your strength and mobility through exercises that are tailored specifically to you and your body’s needs.

After surgery, your tissues, muscles, and bones go through a period of healing. Because of this, your body needs to slowly return to everyday activities, which is why limiting mobility during recovery can sometimes result in improper healing. Side effects of this can include reduced range of motion, flexibility, and functionality.

Our goal here at One To One Physical Therapy is to safely get you to your prior level of physical function. This includes successfully returning to work, recreational activities and sports.

What benefits could working with a physical therapist after surgery provide?

• Reduce swelling

• Reduce pain

• Regain range of motion

• Regain strength

• Increase endurance

• Returning to daily activities

• Improved circulation

• Minimize scar tissue formation

What types of surgical procedures tend to benefit most from post-surgery physical therapy?

• Total Knee Replacement

• Total Hip Replacement

• Total Shoulder Replacement

• Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

• Rotator Cuff Repair

• Lumbar Laminectomy

• Lumbar Fusion

• Bunionectomy

How can One to One Physical Therapy help me recover after a surgical procedure?

Our team of experienced professionals are here to assist you every step of the way, providing you with customized “one-to-one” care at our clinic in Tacoma, WA or via our digital telehealth option. Our goal is to closely monitor your progress according to your physicians’ guidelines, as well as your individualized response to physical therapy treatment.

Together we’ll go over any post-surgical expectations, taking any precautions or restrictions into consideration, and from there our therapists will guide you through specific exercises, stretches, and other activities customized to assist in your healing, helping you to maximize your muscle strength, range of motion, and overall function.

If you’ve recently had an operation or have an upcoming surgery scheduled, give our team a call today to discuss your needs or plan ahead. Our “patient first” philosophy ensures you will receive thorough, friendly, and expert treatment customized to your specific needs and goals. We are committed to helping all of our patients continually improve their quality of life and look forward to helping you!