Physical Therapy for Back Pain
Friday, June 27th, 2008There are two different forms of physical therapy that can be used to aide in the recovery of back pain. Passive Physical Therapy is one, which includes modalities that are done to the client by a therapist and Active Physical Therapy is when a client actively pursues relief through patterns of exercises.
Passive therapy includes the most common form of therapy: heat and cold therapies. Depending on the injury and the client’s response some find more relief with heat therapy (i.e.: heat packs), while others find release from cold therapy (i.e.: ice massages). Each compression usually last 20 minutes. However, cold and heat therapy is best implemented early on in an injury (the first 72 hours), where back pain is concerned. These modalities prevent muscle spasms and reduce inflammation.
Iontophoresis is another passive therapy option, which means that a steroid is topically given to the injured area and shortly thereafter followed by an electrical current. This is also an anti-inflammatory therapy, however it is most appropriately applied when the injury is acute in nature.
On the heels of electrotherapy options another popular form of passive physical therapy is TENS. TENS is an abbreviation for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator. This “unit” releases electrical signals to the brain, which assist in the adaptation of the pain in the lower back. It “overrides” the pain signals and provides relief. TENS is usually only prescribed to clients who have gone through trial with the equipment and experienced success. If TENS does decrease the lower back pain, a home device can be found, and used for temporary relief and comfort in the home for however long the client may need it.
Another form of “deep heating” can be found in using an ultrasound. When an ultrasound is applied to the pain in the lower back, sound waves enter the soft tissues to alleviate the pain. If the back pain is acute, an ultrasound is a probable option for tissue repair enhancement.
Active Physical Therapy revolves around three necessary elements of rehabilitation. For generalized spine health it is imperative to incorporate deep stretching, elongating strength training, and low impact aerobic conditioning. Making time for these essential active recovery exercises should be a priority.
Deep stretching can be accomplished through Pilates based rehab as well as the more traditional styling of active physical therapy. For back pain, hamstrings need to be paid attention to. Even though the pain isn’t originating in the legs, a tightening of the hamstrings can cause pinching and spinal dysfunction. Timing of stretching should be scheduled out so that your body can begin to adjust to the exercises and so that you can chart personal progress on a consistent basis.
To strengthen weakened muscles in the back, which is the number on cause of back pain due to imbalanced muscles configuration. There needs to be at least 20 minutes a day of lumbar stabilization exercise. Gentle lifting and slow and controlled movements will begin to build up endurance in the back as well as create a graceful line of everyday activity within the body.
Low impact conditioning can be cardio-based Pilates routines, walking, swimming, and bicycling. Cardio needs to be used in conjunction with passive or active Physical therapy to maintain overall health of the body and to increase energy utilization.