In physical therapy, there are numerous techniques for treating neck and back pain. The structures that support the spine are the focus of physical therapy for these conditions. Tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints are examples of these. Physical therapists commonly use stretches, exercises, and adjustments to treat neck and back pain.
Some therapists use aquatic exercises to help with therapy. Aquatic therapy is beneficial because the surface tension of water relieves pressure on the lumbar and cervical spines while performing exercises.
Passive physical therapy modalities include heat or ice therapy, massage therapy, electrotherapy, and ultrasound therapy. Heat or ice therapy can improve blood circulation and decrease swelling and inflammation, which can hasten to heal. Massage therapy relieves pain by relaxing muscles.
Electrotherapy involves sending electrical pulses straight into sensory nerves to prevent pain signals from reaching your brain. Sound waves are used in ultrasound therapy to penetrate deep into tissues and deliver a soothing sensation to areas affected.
Physical Therapist for Neck and back pain
Before beginning treatment, a physical therapist will examine you to determine the source of your back or neck pain. Your motion range can be measured using a goniometer. A strength test will also be carried out. Spinal mobility will be assessed, as well as palpation to identify sore or tight muscles. In addition to your symptoms, a complete medical history will be taken. You can talk about the things you can’t do anymore. A physical therapist will also ask you to perform specific tasks to determine your functional mobility. In summary, your physical condition will be thoroughly evaluated, and a personalized treatment plan will be devised to address the root cause of your back or neck pain.
What can I expect from a PT treatment plan?
A physical therapist assists patients in all stages of healing, from original diagnosis to reparative and preventive care. Physical therapy can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments.
Some patients are directed to a physical therapist by their doctor, while others seek treatment independently.
A physical therapist, according to World Confederation for Physical Therapy, receives training that allows them to:
- Conduct a physical exam and evaluation of a person’s motion, flexibility, muscle and joint motion, and performance, as well as learn about their medical history
- Provide a clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan with short- and long-term objectives
- treatment and intervention in physical therapy
- Provide recommendations for self-management, including exercises that can be done at home
Physical therapy treatment may include, in addition to physical manipulation:
- Iontophoresis: This technique employs an electrical charge to deliver medications such as topical steroids. This has the potential to reduce the presence of inflammatory response.
- Electrical stimulation (e-stim) is classified into two types. Pain is reduced by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. On the other hand, neuromuscular electrical stimulation works to enhance muscular motor units to improve muscular engagement.
- Heat, moist heat, and cold therapy may benefit various conditions.
- Light therapy is the use of unique lights as well as lasers to treat specific diseases.
Benefits of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy benefits may include the following, depending on the cause for treatment:
- Pain management with less reliance on opioids
- avoidance of surgery
- improved movement and mobility
- recovery from an injury or trauma
- recovery from a stroke or paralysis
- Preventing falls
- improved equilibrium
- age-related medical problems management
A sports therapist can assist an athlete in enhancing their performance by reinforcing specific areas of the body and retraining muscles to work in new ways. A physical therapist or other healthcare professional can advise people on the benefits specific to their medical history and need for care.
Physical Therapy for neck and back pain in Michigan
Neck and back pain is brutal to deal with, regardless of age! What’s the good news? Physical therapy has been shown to help with neck and back pain, irrespective of the underlying cause. It’s a safe, natural, and effective treatment option for anyone who avoids costly surgeries or damaging medications.
If you’re experiencing neck or back pain, contact our office immediately to learn how physical therapy can help you get back and live a pain-free life. Our physical therapists are certified and ready to help you; they’ve helped many others before you, and you’re the next in line!
Contact us today to find out how we can help you get back on track. There’s no reason to be in pain when the solution is straight now!
Tags: Geriatric Physical Therapy, MI, Physical therapy for sciatica, Physical Therapy Services of Sterling Heights, Physical Therapy Clinics in Sterling Heights, licensed Physical Therapist, physical therapy for rotator cuff michigan, physical therapy for foot pain in michigan