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What are the benefits of physical therapy for the back?
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Reviewed by: Dr. Walid Wanas

Back pain is one of the common problems that afflict millions of people every year around the world. Its causes are many. It may occur due to wrong postures and behaviors, such as carrying heavy weights. It may also be exacerbated by a group of diseases, such as a herniated disc and osteoporosis. Therefore, below we learn about the importance of physical therapy for the back, its types, and its most important benefits. 

What is the natural treatment for back pain?

It is one of the therapeutic interventions aimed at improving and strengthening the motor and physical functions of people who suffer from back pain that occurs with age or as a result of a disability or disease that limits the capabilities of the back. 

Back physical therapy involves using devices and exercises to relieve pain, strengthen muscles, enhance joint flexibility, and restore mobility.

How many back physical therapy sessions?

The number of physical therapy sessions depends on the person's condition, in addition to the medical diagnosis, but on average the sessions last for between 6-8 weeks, with an average of two to three sessions per week. 

Both the doctor and the physical therapist evaluate the ongoing development of the condition in order to modify the treatment program to suit developments.

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How long does it take for the back to heal?

Initial results begin to appear during the first sessions, but recovery is complete on average after a period of up to 6 months, and the period may be longer in some cases depending on the causes and diagnosis. 

Is physical therapy beneficial for a herniated disc?

The spine consists of vertebrae separated by a gelatinous material that helps protect the vertebrae and prevents their erosion. 

Physical therapy is the first treatment option for this problem. 

Physical therapy methods include: 

  • Manual physical therapy: Massage is used in a specific way to strengthen the back muscles and relieve pain. 
  • Electrophysical therapy: A group of specialized devices are used to treat a herniated disc, such as shock waves, shock waves, or ultrasound.
  • Water physical therapy: one of the modern therapeutic techniques that aims to place the patient in a water environment and use a set of exercises to improve joint movement and avoid feeling pain. 
  • Physical therapy using laser: Laser has become a major component in many fields of medicine, including physical therapy, as it works to strengthen muscles and get rid of vertebrae pain and herniated disc. 

Your physical therapist may recommend performing a range of exercises at home to speed up the recovery process. 

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What are the benefits of physical therapy for the back?

Physical therapy contributes to alleviating back pain, and its benefits and uses include the following: 

  • Improving vital functions: Back physical therapy aims to help the person regain his ability to practice daily activities normally again, after he was suffering due to constant back pain. 
  • Pain treatment: Physical therapy contributes to alleviating and treating back pain. 
  • Avoid surgery: Physical therapy is the first choice for cases of back pain, and it also spares the person the surgical option, or the need for painkillers. 
  • Improving movement: Back pain may restrict the rate of movement due to stiffness of the vertebrae, so physical therapy sessions help improve the flexibility of the joints and make them move better, and they also relieve muscle pain, which is reflected in the person’s movement.

احجز استشارتك الأن فى مركز العلاج الطبيعي At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital

What are physical therapy exercises for the back?

There are a group of exercises that contribute to treating back problems, including:

  • Stretching exercises: To ensure you achieve the desired goal, lie on your back, bend your knee while keeping the feet flat on the ground, then bring one knee to your stomach once, and alternate with the other leg.
  • Bridge Pose: Keep your head and shoulders relaxed on the floor, with your knee bent.

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 Side effects of physical therapy sessions

Manual physical therapy sessions usually do not cause any harm other than the possibility of the pain returning again, especially if the doctor’s instructions are not followed. 

  • Muscle tear: if the electrical pulse is strong. 
  • Skin irritation: One of the side effects that may occur, so the doctor may use soothing creams. 

In conclusion, physical therapy for the back is like magic for treating many problems and getting rid of annoying back pain. You can consult a doctor to find out if this procedure suits you and how long it will last for the person. You can also visit Al Mousa Specialized Clinics to learn more about our offers and packages.

Frequently asked questions

What happens in back physical therapy sessions?

Initially, after evaluating the case, the physical therapist develops a customized treatment plan for each case based on the diagnosis and symptoms. The details may vary from one session to another and from one person to another, but in general they can be summarized in the following stages:
1- Use pain relief techniques at the beginning of the session or as needed
2- Manual therapy stage to relieve muscle tension and improve blood circulation
3- Therapeutic exercises, which are the basis of physical therapy for the back
4- Education and guidance, where the physical therapist teaches the patient how to sit, stand, walk, and carry things in a way that reduces pressure on the back.

 How many physical therapy sessions per week?

The number of weekly physical therapy sessions depends greatly on several factors, such as the severity and nature of the injury, the goals of treatment, the patient’s response to treatment, and the extent of the patient’s commitment to the home exercise program. 

In general, a physical therapist often starts with two to three sessions per week, and as the condition improves, the frequency is gradually reduced to once a week or even once every two weeks.

Does pain occur after physical therapy sessions?

It is common for a person to feel some pain or discomfort after physical therapy sessions, especially in the beginning. The pain is usually mild to moderate and bearable, and is described as soreness, tightness, fatigue, or muscle fatigue. This pain should subside within 24-48 hours.

Medical sources

This information was based on:

spine-health

mayo clinic

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