Physiotherapy is a treatment that helps improve the movement and function of joints and muscles, which can help reduce back pain and return you to normal movement. It can also help reduce the risk of reinjuring your back. Physiotherapists use many treatments and techniques to help with back pain. They also offer advice on taking care of your back. Why do I need physical therapy for back pain? If you have back pain that causes significant problems or does not improve after a few weeks, it is best to see a physical therapist. Physical therapy can be helpful for many types of back pain. such as the following: Non-specific back pain – where no cause (such as an underlying medical condition or injury) is identified. Sciatica pain – this pain radiates from your back down your legs and may be caused by a prolapsed disc (when the disc in your spine bulges out of its normal shape and presses on a nerve). Back pain caused by aging discs in your spine (degenerative disc disease). Spinal stenosis – when the space around your spinal cord narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord, causing pain. Your orthopedic doctor or physical therapist may recommend physical therapy as part of a treatment package that includes physical therapy, an exercise program, pain relievers, and psychological support. Having a combination of treatments like these may give you the best chance of getting rid of back pain. Your physical therapist will also help you figure out what's causing your pain so you can take steps to manage it. Physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor? Physiotherapists, chiropractors, and osteopaths are all health professionals who treat back pain in a therapeutic manner, but their approach to treatment is slightly different. Physical therapists focus on restoring movement and function to your entire body after you've been affected by illness or injury. They look at how it affects your nerves, muscles and bones and can help you with exercise and physical therapy. Physiotherapists encourage you to take an active part in your rehabilitation rather than relying on passive treatments. Osteopaths look at the health of your body as a whole and aim to make sure all your bones, muscles and joints are working well together. They focus on manual therapies to bring your body back into balance. Chiropractors are interested in neck and back pain. They look at your body as a whole and how problems with your bones, muscles and joints affect your nervous system and general health. They focus on spinal manipulation – but may use other techniques as well. What happens when you visit a physiotherapist? When you first see a physical therapist, they will take a detailed medical history. They will ask you about any medical conditions, lifestyle, work environment, and medications you are taking. They also want to know what symptoms you've had and what triggers them. Next, they'll do a thorough physical exam, including checking how you move and how your back works. They may also do a neurological evaluation to see how well your nerves are working. You may need to remove some clothing when you go to physical therapy so that the physical therapist can see your lower back. Your physical therapist will explain the type of treatment and how they expect it to help your back pain. They should also warn you about the potential risks of the treatment. If you're not sure about something, don't be afraid to ask. It is important that you fully understand what your physiotherapist is recommending as you will be asked to give your consent for treatment to continue. Exercise and stay active In general, staying active is the best thing for back pain. And exercise is the most important part of any treatment. Exercise can help improve flexibility, mobility, and strength in your lower back. Some people find it easier to exercise with others, so your GP or physiotherapist may suggest joining a group exercise programme. A physiotherapist can advise you on exactly what exercises are right for you and how to do them. Below is an overview of the different types of exercises you are likely to encounter. aerobic exercise It's any exercise that gets you moving and gets your heart rate up, which is the most important part of any treatment plan. Aerobic exercise can help with any stiffness you may have and keep you active. It also helps you manage your weight and health. Your physical therapist may recommend low-impact aerobic exercise to start, including walking, swimming, and using exercise bikes and steppers. They recommend aerobic exercise for 20 to 30 minutes, maximum 5 times a week. But you may need to start aerobic exercise with less time. Stretching exercises Stretching improves the flexibility of your spine and reduces tension in the accessory muscles of the spine. A common stretching exercise is to lie on your back and pull your knees toward you until your lower back is gently stretched. Or stand and lean forward to stretch the hamstrings behind your legs. These exercises can reduce stress on your lower back. Try to do these exercises every day. Strengthening exercises Sometimes exercises to strengthen the core muscles can be part of exercise programs for back pain. Your main muscles are your abs, abdominal muscles, back muscles and muscles around your pelvis. These exercises can be useful in the short term. But there is plenty of evidence to suggest that core exercises are no more beneficial in the long term than general exercise. Therefore, it may not be something your physical therapist focuses on. Manval therapy Your physical therapist may also suggest one of the following manual therapy techniques, which will always go along with an exercise program. Mobilization means that your physical therapist uses slow, gentle movements to stretch your spine. The goal is to return your back to its normal range of motion. Manipulation means that your physical therapist will make rapid pressure movements with their hands on a specific point in your spine. You may hear a "pop" sound when doing this. Physiotherapists offer other treatments such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and acupuncture. But these treatments are not recommended in back pain guidelines because there is not yet enough evidence that they help with back pain. Massage therapy is another way that is less effective, but only along with a good exercise program. What to expect after physiotherapy? At the end of the first session, the physiotherapist will usually encourage you to do a few more sessions and more often. It depends on how bad your back pain is and how you manage your symptoms. You may only need one counseling session, or your therapist may recommend a course of physical therapy over several months. Your physiotherapist will also give you advice on things you can do at home to help your back pain. This may include how to improve your posture and how to sit in a chair or adjust your car seat or office chair properly. Sitting at a desk all day can play an important role in causing back problems. Your physical therapist may make recommendations about the height of your chair and screen, and advise you on how often to rest and move throughout the day. You will usually also have a home exercise program. which is a series of exercises that takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You usually do these three to five times a week. Your physiotherapist adjusts the program in each session as you progress. Do not forget that physical therapy will only be part of your treatment for back pain. Making lifestyle changes and staying as active as possible, plus completing a course of treatment, will help you recover faster. Does physiotherapy have side effects? Some exercises and movements may aggravate your back pain. But your physiotherapist should monitor this and tell you which exercises to avoid and which ones will help relieve your pain. Manual treatments such as manipulation can have side effects, which are usually not serious and only last for a short time. For example, you may feel stiffness or discomfort in the treated area. If your home exercises include movements that your muscles are not used to, it can cause your muscles to be sore the next day, which can last up to 72 hours after exercise, but it is completely normal and the pain will be reduced by adapting and strengthening the muscles. Your physical therapist should also check how you feel during any physical therapy treatment and stop it if you experience any pain or discomfort. The best physiotherapy for back pain in Tehran Mana Physiotherapy Complex is ready to provide services to dear patients who suffer from back pain with the latest physiotherapy equipment and with the use of experienced specialists at the highest scientific level and world standards. You can contact us through phone number 02188916301 to get advice before treatment.