Physical therapy is one of the many conservative treatments an orthopedic surgeon recommends for treating spinal pain that lasts over 3 months. It is also recommended before spine surgery to prepare the spine for surgery and after the surgery to boost healing and recovery.
Let’s talk about how physical therapy can help manage chronic spinal pain and where you can go for outstanding physical therapy in Rochester Hills, MI.
Physical Therapy for Chronic Spinal Pain
Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage neck and back pain due to spinal problems. A physical therapist is a healthcare professional who offers physical therapy and provides different forms of noninvasive treatments depending on individuals’ needs and conditions.
To assess your needs, physical therapists perform a comprehensive evaluation in which they ask questions about your medical history, symptoms, severity, and other important factors. Based on initial evaluation, they develop a physical therapy plan which may consist of:
Therapeutic Modalities
These are noninvasive treatment techniques to help relieve spinal pain, reduce inflammation, promote tissue healing, and improve the overall function of the spine. A physical therapist may use one or more of the following therapeutic modalities in conjunction with other physical therapy treatments to enhance pain relief and facilitate the healing process of the body.
- Heat therapy – This involves the application of heat to the affected area to increase blood flow, relax muscles, and reduce pain.
- Cold Therapy – This therapeutic modality involves the application of an ice pack or other form of cold to the effective area to numb the area, reduce information, and decrease pain. Cool therapy is highly effective at managing swelling that contributes to spinal pain.
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation – This modality involves the use of electrical nerve stimulation devices to target painful areas and promote healing.
- Ultrasound Therapy – This involves the use of sound waves to generate heat within the deep tissues to increase blood flow, relax muscles, and accelerate the healing process.
- Iontophoresis – This involves the application of topical medications on the affected area, followed by the application of electric current to deliver medications to relieve pain.
Manual Therapy
This is a traditional method in physical therapy and a type of hands-on technique used to treat musculoskeletal and neuro muscular conditions. In manual therapy, a physical therapist can manipulate joints, muscles, and soft tissues to alleviate long-standing pain, improve mobility, and promote healing.
Therapeutic Exercises
It is not uncommon for people with chronic pain to become fearful of moving or performing any exercises. However, the fact is that without movement or exercise, our body becomes weaker and less flexible,increasing susceptibility to injuries.
A physical therapist can perform therapeutic exercises as a part of physical therapy programs to alleviate spinal pain. These exercise plans may consist of a range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, flexibility and stretching exercises, core strengthening exercises, balance and coordination exercises, cardiovascular exercises, and balance training, among others.
Education on Posture and Body Mechanics
Poor posture and incorrect body mechanics can also contribute to long-standing spinal pain. Physical therapists educate their patients about the proper body alignment and mechanics during everyday activities as well as unique exercisesto reduce strain on the spine and relievespinal pain.
Chronic Spinal Pain Treatment in Rochester Hills, MI
Physical therapy is one of the most effective and highly recommended conservative treatments for people with chronic pain. At Ahlgren Spine Orthopaedic Surgery, our highly trained and skilled orthopedic surgeon,Dr. Bradley Ahlgren, understands the importance of physical therapy for orthopedic conditions and recommends physical therapy as a part of the conservative treatment plan. In addition to physical therapy, our spine surgeon also recommends other conservative treatments, such as RICE therapy, prescription medications, cortisone injections, etc.,before turning to orthopedic surgery.
To schedule a one-on-one consultation with our spine doctor, call our helpful staff today at (248) 215-8080 or submit an appointment request form online.
