Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain
After an episode of low back pain has lasted between two and six weeks, or if there are frequent recurrences of low back pain, physical therapy is often recommended. Some spine specialists consider physical therapy sooner, particularly if the pain is severe.
In general, the goals of physical therapy are to decrease pain, increase function, and provide education on a maintenance program to prevent further recurrences.
A physical therapy program for back pain usually has two components:
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Passive physical therapy to help reduce the patient's pain to a more manageable level
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Active exercises
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Passive Physical Therapy - Modalities
Acutely, the physical therapist may focus on decreasing pain with passive physical therapy (modalities). These therapies are considered passive because they are done to the patient. Examples of modalities include:
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Multiple modalities are commonly employed to reduce low back pain. They are especially useful in alleviating acute low back pain (e.g. an intense, debilitating episode of low back pain) for the patient. Physical therapists often use passive modalities.
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Active Physical Therapy - Exercises
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In addition to passive therapies, active physical therapy (exercise) is also necessary to rehabilitate the spine. Generally, a patient's back exercise program should encompass a combination of the following:
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Stretching exercises
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Almost every individual who has suffered from low back pain should stretch their hamstring muscles once or twice daily. Simple hamstring stretching does not take much time, although it can be difficult to remember, especially if there is little or no pain. Therefore, hamstring stretching exercises are best done at the same time every day so it becomes part of a person's daily routine. There are many more stretches that can be done to alleviate lower back pain.
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Strengthening exercises
To strengthen the back muscles, 15 to 20 minutes of dynamic lumbar stabilization or other prescribed exercises should be done regularly. Core muscle strengthening is also important in lower back pain treatment. It is important to perform the exercises correctly under guidance of your physical therapist in order to see benefits.
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Low-impact aerobic conditioning
Low impact aerobics are important for long term pain reduction. There are many options available, such as walking, bicycling swimming or water therapy. Aerobic exercise of often best done for 30 to 40 minutes three times weekly.
Even patients with a very busy schedule should be able to maintain a moderate back pain exercise regimen that encompasses stretching, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning.