Painful Back? Why Your Physical Therapy May Not Be Working
Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability in adults and can interfere with your ability to do everyday tasks. While physical therapy can be an effective method of treatment for many people, it doesn’t always work. If you’re dealing with persistent back pain, it’s important to understand why physical therapy isn’t having any effect. In this article, we’ll discuss why your physical therapy may not be working and how you can achieve relief from back pain.
1. Not Choosing The Right Type Of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is not a one-size-fits-all type of treatment. Different types of physical therapy can be more effective in treating certain types of conditions. For example, if your pain is being caused by an outer joint problem, manual therapy such as soft-tissue massage may be more effective than other types of physical therapy. It’s important to speak with your doctor and physical therapist to determine the best type of physical therapy for your condition.
• Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a form of physical therapy that uses hands-on, manipulative treatment to relieve pain by addressing the underlying causes. This type of therapy involves massage, joint mobilization, and other techniques to reduce pain and improve mobility. Manual therapy is often beneficial for people with back pain, as it can help relieve tightness, reduce inflammation, and improve flexibility.
• Exercise-Based Physical Therapy
Exercise-based physical therapy is a form of treatment that uses specific exercises and stretches to improve mobility, strength, and muscle control. The focus of exercise-based physical therapy is to optimise the way your body functions, which can help improve the quality of your movement and reduce pain. Exercise- based physical therapy can be beneficial for people with chronic back pain as it can help improve flexibility and strength, and reduce stiffness in the back.
2. Not Doing The Exercises Regularly
Physical therapy requires consistency for it to be effective. It’s important to follow the instructions of your physical therapist and do the prescribed exercises regularly. Skipping sessions or not putting in enough effort can interfere with the progress of your treatment and lead to a lack of improvement. To ensure your physical therapy treatment is successful, you should stick to the recommended routine and seek advice from your physical therapist if you encounter any difficulties.
3. Depending On Physical Therapy As The Only Treatment
For some people, physical therapy alone may not be enough to manage their back pain. It’s important to consider other forms of treatment in order to get the most out of your physical therapy treatment. Consider lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, stress-relief techniques, and other forms of therapy such as occupational therapy and acupuncture.
• Diet and Exercise
A healthy diet and regular exercise can help reduce inflammation and increase flexibility in your back muscles. The types of exercises recommended by your physical therapist should be low-impact, such as swimming, walking, yoga, and stretching. Eating a balanced diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help fight inflammation and reduce pain in the back.
• Other Therapies
Aside from physical therapy, other forms of therapy can help reduce the pain and improve your quality of life. Occupational therapy can help adapt your environment to your needs and teach you how to move in healthier ways. Acupuncture can help reduce pain in the back by stimulating specific pressure points. Stress-relief techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises can also help to manage back pain.
4. Not Communicating With Your Physical Therapist
Having an open dialogue with your physical therapist is essential in order to get the most out of your treatment plan. Make sure to keep your physical therapist updated on the progress of your treatment and any new symptoms you may be experiencing. This will help them determine if any changes need to be made to your treatment plan in order for it to be more effective. Making sure your physical therapist understands your treatment goals can also help ensure that your treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs.
People Also Ask
1. What Are The Benefits Of Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and increase strength and flexibility. It can also help to reduce the risk of reinjury, improve posture, and promote better overall physical health.
2. How Long Does Physical Therapy Take To Work?
The length of time it takes for physical therapy to be effective varies from person to person. Generally, about 10 to 12 sessions of physical therapy is recommended for those with chronic conditions.
3. What Should I Do If Physical Therapy Is Not Working?
If physical therapy is not working, it is important to speak to your doctor or physical therapist to discuss other options. You may need to incorporate other forms of treatment, such as lifestyle changes, occupational therapy or acupuncture, in order to see an improvement.
4. What Are The Risks Of Physical Therapy?
The risks of physical therapy depend on the type of treatment and intensity of exercise. Generally, the risk of injury or side effects is low. Speak with your doctor or physical therapist before beginning physical therapy to ensure your safety.
5. Is Physical Therapy Painful?
Some forms of physical therapy can cause discomfort, however, it should not be painful. If any exercises are causing pain, speak to your physical therapist to find an alternative exercise that is better suited to your condition.
Final Words
When physical therapy isn’t working for your back pain, it’s important to understand why and make changes to your treatment plan. Speak to your doctor and physical therapist about the best type of physical therapy for your condition and consider incorporating other forms of treatment for maximum effectiveness. Make sure to communicate your progress with your physical therapist and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Hopefully, with the right combination of treatments, you can find relief from your back pain.