Physical Therapy Treatment Can Help With Spine Alignment
When most people think of issues with spinal or back alignment, they often only think of chiropractic care or even think they need surgery to fix the issue. However, physical therapists are also trained to deal with issues involving the spine including bulging and herniated discs, joint issues, problems associated with poor posture and other complex issues such as scoliosis of the spine.
Anyone who is having back pain on a regular basis or has chronic tightness in any of the muscles along the spine might very well be able to benefit from a series of physical therapy treatments. If you are having issues like the ones described or any other spinal issues, it’s important to discuss your options with your doctor. If physical therapy could be beneficial to your pain, a prescription for physical therapy treatment can be written.
Depending upon the issues you are currently experiencing, a qualified physical therapist may provide any or all of the following treatments as part of your recovery plan:
- instructions on the proper application of heat
- muscle stretching exercises
- ultrasound treatments
- muscle-strengthening exercises
- electrical nerve stimulation
- spinal traction
- direct hands-on manual therapy
Each of these treatments has several specific purposes. Applying heat at the right time relaxes muscles and makes them more pliable and easier to work with. A physical therapist may prescribe stretching exercises to be performed during the appointment and at home in order to help relieve pain while also increasing flexibility. Ultrasound can provide treatment to deep joint tissues, while muscle strengthening exercises can increase muscle strength over time, leading to better support for spinal structures.
Electrical stimulation is sometimes used to relieve pain and muscle spasms, and spinal traction can help align the spine and relieve painful pressure on nerves and spinal discs. Physical therapists may perform certain hands-on manual manipulation techniques designed to mobilize or stabilize spinal joints in order to reduce spasms or joint dysfunction.
Want to know more about how physical therapy can help with spinal alignment issues? Visit us online to request an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!
