Learn more about Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons why people go to the doctor, miss work, or stop participating in their regular activities. In addition, it’s the most common condition seen in physical therapy. Approximately 80% of people will experience at least one episode of back pain in their lifetime.
Common Diagnoses of Back Pain
- Sciatica
- Degenerative disc disease
- Degenerative joint disease
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Piriformis syndrome
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Muscle strain
- Fractures
- Muscle weakness
Symptoms of Back Pain
- Low back pain
- Pain in the buttock or legs
- Nerve pain in the legs
- Muscle spasm
- Muscle tension
- Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs (i.e.- sciatica)
How We Treat Back Pain
Studies show that early use of physical therapy can reduce the use of other healthcare services including injections and surgeries, and is also more cost effective. In addition, manual therapy is proven to reduce low back and neck pain.
Your physical therapist will complete a comprehensive evaluation and direct treatment to meet your individual needs and goals.
Services may include:
- Joint mobilization
- Stabilization exercises
- Neuromuscular conditioning
- Modalities (ice, heat, electrical stimulation)
- Dry needling
- McKenzie based diagnosis and therapy
- Traction
- Patient education on activity modification and ergonomic assessment
- Aerobic exercise
- Flexibility exercises
- Aquatic Therapy
*Services are not available at all locations. Call or click the location page near you for that center’s services.
What to Expect
Every patient has a unique health history, diagnosis and personal goals. When you come for your first appointment, we will create a personalized treatment plan for you.
We work with most major insurance providers and do our best to help keep the paperwork pain-free. If you’d like to confirm your insurance coverage, please let us know and we can verify when you schedule. If your insurance provider requires a co-pay, we will ask for this payment at each visit. We accept payments by cash, check or credit card.
When to Arrive
On average, a patient’s first visit lasts about an hour. We typically ask patients to arrive 15 minutes early to sign-in, complete paperwork and/or change clothes.
What to Bring
On your first visit, you’ll need to bring your physician referral or prescription (if needed), your insurance card, your primary registration forms, your ID or driver’s license and your co-payment (as applicable). If desired, you may bring a change of clothing.
How it Works
During your first visit, your physical therapist will do an initial evaluation and discuss your plan of care. The therapist uses this information to set goals for your continued treatment. Physical therapy goals may include improved movement, strength, endurance and flexibility, as well as decreased pain. Your subsequent visits will focus on treatment that is based on your diagnosis and individualized goals.