Physical Therapy Benefits for Back Pain in Vacaville

Physical therapy in Vacaville is recommended especially when your back pain has lasted for more than 2 weeks, or if it occurs too often.

In general, physical therapy is meant to reduce pain, increase function, and provide education about a program that can prevent further recurrences.

There are two components tied to a physical therapy program for back pain:

• Active exercises
• Passive physical therapy to reduce the pain to a more manageable level.

Active physical therapy - Back pain exercises in Vacaville

An active physical therapy is required to rehabilitate the spine. Generally, a back exercise program of a patient should involve a combination of the following:

• Stretching for back pain exercises - Every patient who have gone through low back pain should stretch their hamstring muscles once or twice a day. This stretching exercise doesn't take up too much time, but it can be easily forgotten especially if the pain is not that severe. Therefore, hamstring stretching exercises should be done at the same time each day so that it can become a person's daily routine. There are also other stretches that can be done to further alleviate back pain.
• Strengthening for back pain exercise - One way of strengthening the back muscles is to do a 15 to 20-minute dynamic lumbar stabilization every other day. Strengthening the core muscles is important for lower back pain treatment. You need to perform the exercises correctly in order so that you can experience the benefits. These exercises are best learned with the help of a physical therapist or other qualified health professional.
• Low-impact aerobic conditioning - For a long-term pain reduction, low-impact aerobics can be performed. There are many options for this one such as bicycling, swimming, walking, or water therapy. Aerobic exercises should be done for 30 to 40 minutes three times weekly, which should be on alternate days from the strengthening exercises.

Passive physical therapy - Modalities

Physical therapists may focus on decreasing pain with passive physical therapy (modalities). These therapies are known for being passive because they are done to the patient. Here are samples of modalities:

• Lontophoresis - This is a means of delivering steroids through the skin. After applying the steroid in the skin, an electrical current is applied to let it migrate under the skin. These steroids will produce an anti-inflammatory effect in the general area that causes pain. This is effective in relieving acute episodes of pain.
• Ultrasound - This form of deep heating produces sound waves that are applied to the skin and penetrate the soft tissues. Ultrasound can help relieve acute episodes of pain and may aid in tissue healing.
• Heat/Ice packs - This therapy is easily available and is a commonly used modality. No matter which one you choose, it can help in reducing muscle spasms and inflammation. Some patients have reported that they found more relief from heat therapy. However, you can alternate both to experience further relief.
• TENS units - A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) units use electrical stimulation to reduce the sensation of low back pain by overriding the pain signals being transmitted to the brain. A trial of electrotherapy with the TENS unit is normally done first, and once the patient experiences substantial pain relief, a TENS unit can be used at home for long-term low back pain relief.

Even patients with a busy schedule should maintain their moderate back pain exercise regimen that includes strengthening, stretching, and aerobic condition. These exercises are enough to serve as physical therapy for back pain relief.