How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Back

How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Back T he licensed physical therapist brings a unique perspective to caring for your back: The patient is the most important participant in the healing and prevention process.

It is, after all, your back. And whatever treatment you receive from others, it can't overcome treatment you give your back, day-in and day-out.

Your physical therapist will involve you in your care, teaching you to be, in a way, your own therapist. So that as you go about the routine of daily life, you'll be healing yourself, not causing reinjury. It all starts with a careful evaluation.

Evaluation. Physical therapy places greatest emphasis on this process. Your therapist will take the time to talk with you and perform a thorough physical evaluation to identify the dysfunction that causes your pain.

Therapy. Your physical therapist will plan a treatment regimen suited to your individual problem, and begin working to restore flexibility and ease discomfort. Treatment may include heat, cold, massage, traction, manipulation and exercises for relaxation, conditioning, and restoring range of motion.

Teaching. You don't need to become an 'expert' to avoid or overcome injury, but you may need to learn some new habits. Your physical therapist will help you continue therapy on your own with a home program designed to fit your needs.

Aftercare. The goal of physical therapy is to return you to normal life as soon as possible, with the skills you need to prevent reinjury. You won't need to visit your therapist again unless you have an acute injury.