Lumbar Radiculopathy

Most Americans experience lower back pain at some time in their lives. This frustrating and painful condition leads to more work absenteeism and lost productivity than any other physical cause and is one of the most common reasons that people seek medical treatment. Although doctors often suggest over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs to ease back pain, these medications all carry risks. A less invasive alternative is physical therapy (PT).

Here’s what to expect if you choose US Rehabilitation to treat your lower back pain.

Your Initial Visit

At US Rehabilitation, we understand the devastating effects pain can have on your daily life. It takes both a physical and mental toll on you, your work, and your loved ones. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you achieve long-term relief, so you can get back to enjoying your life.

During your first visit, our goal is to identify the probable cause of your lower back pain and whether that pain is acute or chronic. To accomplish this goal, we will conduct some or all the following steps:

  • An in-depth review of your medical history
  • A thorough evaluation of your symptoms
  • An assessment of your range of motion and strength
  • An analysis of your gait and posture

Our licensed therapists are trained to conduct a thorough clinical exam. If we encounter any indication that you may need advanced diagnostic tests, we will refer you for those tests.

US Rehabilitation’s Treatment Plan for Lower Back Pain

To develop a physical therapy treatment plan that specifically addresses your needs, US Rehabilitation’s physical therapists carefully evaluate your medical history, test results, and any additional information that you have provided.

Our goal for your physical therapy visits:

We believe that physical therapy can make a positive impact on your life, especially if you are dealing with a condition like lower back pain. Our goals for your time with us include:

  • Decreasing pain
  • Increasing function
  • Teaching you how to keep your back healthy long-term

Physical Therapy Sessions

Modalities that your physical therapist may use to treat your lower back pain include:

  • Hot or cold packs (for acute pain)
  • Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS), a therapy that uses mild electrical waves to help muscles and nerves recover
  • Spinal manipulation to relieve pain and improve spinal mobility
  • Exercises to strengthen your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles (core) to better support your back, relieve pain, and improve movement
  • Exercises to strengthen abdominal, gluteal, and quadriceps muscles (flexion exercises) to decrease stress on the lower back
  • Stretching exercises to improve range of motion and mobility
  • Low-impact aerobic exercises (stationary bike, treadmill, bicycling, water therapy) to increase endurance

Your therapist will teach proper body posture techniques for sitting, standing, and lifting that reduce the likelihood of back strain or injury. You will also learn specific exercises to do at home. Regularly performing these recommended home exercises can help your back muscles strengthen more quickly.

Why Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy can be a holistic alternative to surgery, medication, and other treatment methods, especially if you’re experiencing lower back pain for the first time.