Beating Lower Back Pain with Physical Therapy
We've all been there—lost in our screens, whether working diligently or scrolling through social media, only to realize an hour has passed and our lower back is starting to protest from all that hunching over. While a quick stand-up or stretch might alleviate the discomfort for some, for many, it's a persistent issue.
According to the CDC, lower back pain is the most common pain complaint, surpassing all other types. The medical journal, The Lancet, adds to this, reporting that a staggering 619 million people globally have admitted to struggling with low back pain, though experts suspect the number is actually higher due to under-reporting. They also point out that poor work ergonomics, injuries (especially occupational ones), smoking, and being overweight are among the top culprits behind this widespread ailment.
Are you among those grappling with lower back pain? Recent studies from Europe, discussed in the journal Pain and Therapy, suggest that prioritizing injury prevention strategies and turning to physical therapy before reaching for pharmacological solutions can be more effective. Prevention is truly key, but if you find yourself past that point, like our client Evelyn, take heart—physical therapy for lower back pain can truly make a difference!
Try Holistic Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain and More
Evelyn is 75 years old and loves pasta, “Unfortunately!” she exclaims. And she’s had regular physical therapy before, for her double knee replacement.
“I went to PT after my double knee replacement surgeries so I could get my range of motion back for me to be able to walk,” explains Evelyn. “I did reach my goal, however, I was suffering from lower back pain too. I was having PT at another place which was much different than what I am doing today.”
Evelyn probably wouldn’t have tried physical therapy again were it not for a chance meeting with one of our other patients. “I met someone who saw me walking with a cane and he told me about his experience with ALIB,” she explains. “He told me about ALIB and I called for an appointment because my lower back was always in pain, which made it difficult to walk. It took some time, but I realized my left side was weak and much weaker than my right.” Once Evelyn came to ALIB, we all got to work!
Why is ALIB Physical Therapy in Flemington Unique?
Evelyn underlines the point that sets A Life in Balance apart from other physical therapy practices: it’s the holistic approach that works best for lower back pain relief, and any kind of relief. Although the isolated approach of just working on her knees did give her the ability to walk after her surgeries, the imbalances and weakness that occurred after that spread to her back!
Here at ALIB, our approach is very different. Holistic physical therapy sees the body as one interconnected organism: when there is weakness and pain in one area, there are usually imbalances and weaknesses in other areas too. It’s important to focus on strengthening the whole body, not just isolated parts. And then we can also work on injury prevention to help you avoid pain in the future through balanced movement. Every part needs to work together, and Evelyn has learned that lesson: “You must keep moving, or you’ll become very stiff.”
A New Approach to Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain
“ALIB is unlike any other PT I have ever been to in the past,” says Evelyn. “The rest don’t compare!”
One thing Evelyn really appreciated was that Dr. Paula developed a holistic course of action that engaged all of her muscles, helping her to regain strength and balance all over, which has helped take stress off of her lower back while also improving her range of motion. The rest of the physical therapists here work together on that same plan, always putting the patient’s needs first.
“I could not lift my leg before, and I can now!” says Evelyn. “Muscles can be activated in a good way!”
April Functional Movement Challenge: Lunges!
Speaking of activating muscles, April’s functional movement challenge will activate a lot of them! We are focusing on lunges! Lunges engage many lower extremity muscles, especially the glutes and quads, making them a highly beneficial exercise. This is useful to practice strengthening the muscles you would use when getting up or down from the floor or going into a half-kneeling position, which you may do when you need to do something low to the ground, like gardening.
As always, we're customizing the challenge movement to suit your abilities. So here’s how it works:
For most clients, how many lunges can you complete in 30 seconds?
For our athletes, you'll be tackling Bulgarian split squats! How many can you do in 30 seconds? Get ready to feel the burn in your thighs!
If you have conditions that make lunges difficult, contact us, and we can help you with adaptations to get you to regular lunges and beyond!
Evelyn is all in for this lunges challenge: “It will help me in case I fall down. It will help me use my legs to get back up!”
Physical Therapy in Flemington, NJ
If you’re struggling with lower back pain, it’s time to get better. Contact us here at A Life in Balance and try holistic physical therapy and see what a difference it can make for your whole body.
