Physical Therapy Treatments That Can Help You Recover From A Back Injury
Posted on: 9 March 2018
Physical therapy can often help you recover more quickly from a back injury, and it can help you avoid further injuries in the future. It may be used alone or along with other treatments such as chiropractic adjustments. Here are some of the treatments you may undergo when you begin your physical therapy sessions.
Stretching And Range Of Motion Movements
Stretching and putting your body through range of motion movements helps work out stiffness and keeps your muscles limber so you don't lose your ability to bend and twist normally. While stretching may seem like a simple activity you can do on your own, it's always a good idea to obtain instruction from a physical therapist first. The stretching movements you'll be given are tailored for your specific injury. This helps you get the most benefit and it also helps you avoid further injury that comes from working out your back too soon after the injury.
Strengthening Exercises That Support Your Back
Strengthening exercises are also important after an injury, although you'll need to be careful not to overdo it too soon. These exercises are geared to build muscles that support your back and spine so you are less likely to pull a muscle during daily activities. You'll not only work on back muscles but also on abdominal and thigh muscles. You'll learn a variety of exercises and you may even work out with weights. Once you learn how to do the moves correctly so you avoid injury, you can do the exercises on your own at home or in a gym for the maximum benefit.
Posture Improvement That Reduces Risk Of Injury
Your physical therapist may also teach you how to maintain proper posture as you work at your computer, drive, watch TV, stand, walk, and sleep. Poor posture makes it more difficult for an injury to heal since your back is under constant strain. Once your muscles have strengthened, you'll be able to hold proper posture positions for longer and reduce your risk of additional back injuries. In addition, you'll be taught about ergonomics. This might involve learning how to stand to relieve pressure from your back or learning how to position a computer monitor to take stress off of your neck and back. Sitting in furniture that supports your back and allows your feet to rest flat on the floor is also important for relieving back pain.
A large part of physical therapy involves techniques for rehabilitation such as exercising and ergonomic body mechanics. Physical therapy can also involve treatments for pain relief such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound treatments, and hot/cold therapy. While you'll need to see the physical therapist for treatments on a set schedule, you'll be taught the steps for continuing your treatments at home so you get maximum benefit from the therapy. For more information, contact companies like Progressive Chiropractic.
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