Physical therapy is a division of healthcare aimed at helping people to improve their mobility, functionality, and quality of life when they are dealing with a disability, injury, or other type of health condition. Physical therapy can focus on a variety of aspects of the body and its behaviors, from helping to increase strength and flexibility to helping someone re-learn how to tie their shoes or hold eating utensils.

Physical Therapy for the Spine

Physical therapy for spinal conditions is one common type of treatment that people may undergo for a variety of reasons. If someone has undergone spine surgery and needs assistance rehabilitating, physical therapy will likely be recommended. Chronic spine conditions like sciatica or spinal stenosis may also respond to physical therapy. In these cases, the physical therapist will likely show patients how to adapt their body mechanics so as to reduce pain. Strengthening the body’s core muscles may also be a facet of spinal rehabilitation, since a strong center can help to take stress off of the spine.

Back Exercises for Spine Pain

If a patient is undergoing physical therapy for a chronic spine condition, he or she will likely visit a physical therapist on a regular basis. This could be once each day, once a week, or once every two weeks. Regardless of a patient’s physical therapy schedule, however, much of the rehabilitative work will need to be performed by the patient at home. The physical therapist will likely prescribe a variety of exercises for the patient to perform on a daily basis.

Some examples of exercises include:

– Pelvic tilt – Lie on your back with your knees bent. Keep your feet flat on the floor with your arms resting comfortably at your sides. Focus on keeping your back on the floor while slowly tightening your abdominal muscles and raising your pelvis up slightly. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Repeat five times.

– Piriformis stretch – Lie on your back and bend one knee. Cross the other leg over the bent leg, with the ankle resting on the thigh of the bent leg. Lace both hands behind the thigh of the lower leg and gently pull this leg toward your chest. You should feel a gentle stretch in your buttocks and lower back. Repeat on the opposite side.

– Hamstring floor stretch – Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your right thigh and raise your leg slowly off the floor. Straighten the leg gradually until you feel a slight stretch in the back of your leg and try to hold this position for 20-30 seconds. Repeat with the other leg.

– Abdominal contractions – Lie on your back with your knees bent. Your lower back should be flat against the floor and your hands should be resting comfortably just below your rib cage. Slowly tighten your abdominal muscles until you feel your ribs pushing downward into your lower back. Don’t forget to breathe regularly as you do this. Repeat 10 times.

Combining Physical Therapy with Other Treatments

It is important to stay in close communication with your physical therapist as you perform rehabilitation exercises at home. If any of the exercises cause you severe pain, stop immediately and notify your physical therapist. You should also be aware of your physical limits as you undergo this type of therapy. While you may experience some degree of discomfort as you stretch and strengthen your body, you should never experience unbearable pain, numbness, or shortness of breath. Don’t be afraid to tell your physical therapist if you feel you have reached your physical limit. In the event that back pain is hindering your ability to perform your physical therapy exercises, talk to your doctor about additional treatments such as pain medication, bracing, pain relief injections, or hot/cold compresses.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to physical therapy.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to physical therapy and back exercises. http://www.spine-exercises.com/

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to physical therapy.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: physical therapy,back exercises