Back pain is a widespread problem for women of all ages, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. Among all the different treatments for back pain, physical therapy remains one of the most effective. Understanding how physical therapy can help women with back pain can help you create a plan for finding relief.
Correct Any Poor Movement or Posture Habits
Physical therapists work to find and correct any poor movement or posture habits that might contribute to your back pain. For example, they can teach you how to bend correctly and how far you can safely twist or reach. If they spot anything else in the way you move that could be causing your pain, such as a limp, they will work to correct that too.
Help You Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese puts excess strain on your spine and the muscles in your back. Many physical therapists like to address nutrition or work with a dietician to ensure your body receives the best fuel for the healing process. These efforts help you develop healthy eating habits that support a healthy weight.
Improve Your Strength and Flexibility
Physical therapy can help improve your strength and flexibility, which can help reduce your back pain. PT may include exercises like stretching or yoga, which can help loosen tight muscles and joints. Strengthening exercises can also help to improve your posture and reduce the risk of future injuries.
Provide Massage and Stretch Exercises
One of the ways physical therapy can help women with back pain is through the use of massage. A therapist can use several types of massage to help loosen up tense muscles and relieve pain. They may also recommend specific stretch exercises that can help improve your range of motion and further reduce stiffness.
Create a Personalized Treatment Plan
Back pain can affect people in differing ways. For example, some back pain conditions impact women more than men and, in turn, require specialized treatment. Each person reacts to pain differently as well, so no single treatment plan suits everyone’s needs.
These diverse needs are why physical therapists create personalized treatment plans for each patient. Your therapist will take into consideration your age, overall health, fitness level, and the cause of your pain. From there, they work with you to create a treatment plan that works for your needs.
One benefit of sticking with a single physical therapist or PT team is that they modify this plan if they notice it’s not working, whether for your pain or lifestyle.
If you’re experiencing back pain, don’t suffer in silence. Talk to your doctor about whether physical therapy is the right treatment for you. Physical therapists are experts in helping people overcome their back pain, and they can help get you back to doing the things you love.
