If you’ve ever had any type of back pain, you’ll know that it can range anywhere on a scale from nuisance to debilitating. As off-putting as it may be to hear, the best thing to do with back pain is to move. When we don’t move our muscles and stay active, our problems will only worsen over time. Regular exercise is not only a key factor to staying healthy, but it’s also one of the best ways to reduce back pain. But what happens when your pain is so severe that getting out of bed is next to impossible, let alone attempting an exercise routine? How do you find relief when it feels like surgery is your only option to being able to move again?
Queue physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy is usually recommended as the first option for treating severe back pain before resorting to surgery. It is also recommended after surgery. With physiotherapy treatment, you will be well on your way to less pain, more mobility and learning the tools you need to maintain an active routine for a pain-less future.
Will physiotherapy help me?
Well, if you’re having back pain that won’t subside no matter what you do, it couldn’t hurt to give physiotherapy a try. Physiotherapy can be beneficial to you if your pain comes from a wide range of causes such as stress, sports, work related injuries or medical conditions.
Physiotherapists are trained specialists that will do a complete physical analysis and then create a customized treatment plan tailored to your condition.
Exercise in combination with manual therapy
With physiotherapy, there are a wide range of treatment options that your physiotherapist will use to lead you down the path to recovery. Depending on the severity of your pain, it is possible that your physiotherapist will suggest either manual therapy, exercise therapy, or a combination of the two. If your pain is so severe and you’re worried that moving will make it worse, don’t worry, your physiotherapist will not force you to do anything that could cause you more pain. It is important to keep your physiotherapist updated on your condition to update your routine as your treatment progresses. The point of combining exercise with your manual therapy is to improve your mobility and function in the long run. It also teaches you the tools you need to maintain a healthy and pain free lifestyle.
With the execution of specific exercises, you will be strengthening very important muscles that encase your spine, joints and discs. When those muscles are strong enough, they protect all those important moving parts in your back. It’s not as simple as looking up exercises to do at home though, you need the deeper understanding of how all of your muscles work together, which a physiotherapist can provide. They will be able to tell you which exercises and moves to perform to not only strengthen the acting muscles, but the counteracting muscles too. If you have had back surgery, physiotherapy can put you on the fast track to recovery and teach you how to care for yourself now and later.
A physiotherapist will teach you proper stretching techniques.
Learning the proper stretches to perform will provide you with long term relief from your back pain. Have you ever been in the middle of a good stretch and then all of a sudden something twinges and shoots pain down your leg? The slightest variation or twist during a stretch can be the dividing line between seriously hurting and helping yourself. A physiotherapist will show you exactly how every part of you should be positioned for maximum results when stretching.
A physiotherapist will use tools.
Kids aren’t the only ones who get to sit on the big bouncy balls. Kids can bounce on them for fun, for an adult, they can be used for stabilization exercises. However, physiotherapists don’t just use exercise balls, they have special equipment designed specifically for stabilization exercises.
A physiotherapist will teach you how to do it yourself.
A physiotherapist should teach you exactly how to perform exercises and movements for taking care of yourself long beyond the end of your treatment plan. Not only will you learn how to get your heart pumping and your muscles warmed up, you’ll also learn to relieve stiffness and how to cool down. From the start of your treatment to maintaining recovery, a physiotherapist will guide you and get you moving again.
A physiotherapist will help you.
Not only do you learn how to do things yourself, but a physiotherapist is also trained to use some hands-on techniques to enhance your relief. Mobilization is a gently assisted stretching technique that uses slow movements to stretch your spine. Manipulation is more intense; your therapist will use their hands to perform quick and precise movements on your neck and spine to relieve tension in your muscles. If you ever find that a part of your treatment plan is causing you discomfort, let your therapist know so they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Where can I get my own physiotherapist?
If you already have your own private doctor or family practitioner, then they can probably give you a great recommendation for physiotherapy in Surrey and other locations. If you like doing things yourself, you can do an online search for physiotherapy in Surrey or maybe even try asking a friend for a trusted recommendation. If you’re in pain, it’s the perfect time to seek out a physiotherapist to help you get the relief you deserve.
Why should I see a physiotherapist?
If you’re in serious pain or just struggling to do simple things like bending down to tie your shoe, it’s likely that trying physiotherapy could greatly increase your levels of daily comfort. Why wouldn’t you try something that will only make your situation better? Trying physiotherapy is nothing to be ashamed of and you can only walk away with more than you came with. You will not only receive professional treatment for what ails you, but they will teach you how to treat the cause yourself. Imagine waking up every day and starting out with a customized stretching routine designed just for your body and then going about your day pain free. With the techniques and tools you gain from physiotherapy, you will always have a solution to your pain available to you right when you need it.
