What kind of back and neck pain benefits from physical therapy?
Physical therapy provides a safe and effective treatment for acute and chronic spine pain. You might benefit if you've been diagnosed with:
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- A bulging, herniated, or ruptured disc
- A structural abnormality, like kyphosis or scoliosis
- Ankylosing spondylitis (an inflammatory disease of the spine)
- A muscle or ligament strain
- Whiplash from a car accident or fall
Poor posture, muscle tension, sleeping in an awkward position, and prolonged sitting while driving or working at a computer are among the most common drivers of neck pain. A combination of stretches, strengthening exercises, and manual therapies reduces inflammation, encourages circulation, and speeds up your body's healing.
When should I see a physical therapist?
Make an appointment at Preserve Physical Therapy if you have severe back or neck pain that keeps you from work and exercise. That's especially true if your symptoms last longer than a month and don't improve with at-home treatments.
Even though most cases aren't serious, certain problems, like herniated discs and arthritis, worsen without treatment. Dr. Mehta has the knowledge and expertise to identify the cause and make personalized care recommendations.
What happens during a physical therapy consultation?
Dr. Mehta completes a comprehensive evaluation before making treatment recommendations. He asks about your pain, including what it feels like, where it occurs and when it started, and quizzes you about how it affects your mobility and life.
He then examines your spine, gently pressing along the vertebrae to identify sensitive areas and assessing muscle strength and range of motion. If he suspects an underlying issue, like a broken bone or a herniated disc, he orders diagnostic imaging for a closer look.
Tell Dr. Mehta if you work a physically strenuous job, smoke, or have a family history of musculoskeletal problems, like arthritis. This information provides crucial insights and helps determine the best treatment approach.
What does treatment involve?
At Preserve Physical Therapy, Dr. Mehta uses innovative technologies to manage spine pain effectively. He might suggest:
- Joint mobilization
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Myofascial release
- Massage therapy
- Movement training
- Postural training
- Gait training
- Balance training
- Motor control training
- Shockwave therapy
Dr. Mehta may incorporate biofeedback muscle training into your care plan. This advanced therapeutic technique combines mind-body techniques and electronic sensors to improve muscle performance and speed up recovery.
How long will I need physical therapy?
The time you need depends on the cause and your symptoms. When starting, Dr. Mehta usually recommends two or three weekly sessions over 6–8 weeks. Most patients experience significant improvement during this time and are able to avoid surgery.
Call Preserve Physical Therapy today to schedule treatment for back or neck pain, or request new patient paperwork online.
