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By Dr. Frank Scerbo, PT, DPT, MS, CSCS
Early Physical Therapy Can Be Cost-Effective Treatment for Low Back Pain Low back pain is the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work,” the National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes, and a recent study suggests there’s no reason to delay physical therapy that might relieve the pain.l activity: Start slow, get a feel for the field, and learn your limits before trying to push yourself.
How Can a Physical Therapist Help?
Your physical therapist can help you improve or restore mobility and reduce low back pain—in many cases, without expensive surgery or the side effects of medications. If you are having low back pain right now:
- Stay active, and do as much of your normal routine as possible (bed rest for longer than a day can actually slow down your recovery.)
- If your pain lasts more than a few days or gets worse, schedule an appointment to see your physical therapist.
Not all low back pain is the same, so your treatment should be tailored to for your specific symptoms and condition. Once the examination is complete, your physical therapist will evaluate the results, identify the factors that have contributed to your specific back problem, and design an individualized treatment plan for your specific back problem.
Treatments may include:
- Manual therapy to improve the mobility of joints and soft tissues
- Specific strengthening and flexibility exercises
- Education about how you can take better care of your back
- Training for proper lifting, bending, and sitting; for doing chores both at work and in the home; and for proper sleeping positions
- Assistance in creating a safe and effective physical activity program to improve your overall health
- Use of ice or heat treatments or electrical stimulation to help relieve pain
We are always available if you have any questions or need assistance. Call us at 201-941-2240 or visit us atwww.scerbopt.com. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
