Physical Therapy for Back Painin Philadelphia, Trenton & Surrounding Cities

Physical therapy is one of the best long-lasting treatments for back pain. Back pain physical therapy will begin with an evaluation to determine the cause and will offer several strategies to help reduce symptoms in the short and long term.

Although the majority of people (upwards of 80%) will experience back pain in their life, many do not seek physical therapy as a primary treatment. Physical therapists are happy to be the first provider you see for back pain as they can treat you on day one or refer you out if needed.

Common Causes Of Back Pain

Back pain comes in many forms and typically stems from a joint, muscle, or disc issue. Joint degeneration, such as arthritis and stenosis, typically happens in older adults. These conditions cause chronic, dull pain that worsens with activity. Muscle strains and spasms can also be a nagging back pain issue. This typically happens from overuse, such as repeated heavy lifting. Disc problems, such as herniated discs, typically happen after loading the disc more than it can take. Typically, this is through lifting with the back rather than the legs. Patients may develop severe pain and even sciatica, where pain shoots down their leg.

How To Treat Back Pain

Physical therapy exercises for back pain are one of the best ways to treat back pain, whether it just started or has persisted for months. Physical therapists are experts at educating their patients on appropriate activities and movements for each stage of healing, including which exercises will strengthen weak areas to accelerate healing. Physical therapy has been proven just as effective as surgery for even severe causes of back pain like herniated discs and instability.

Benefits Of Seeing A Physical Therapist For Back Pain

Physical therapy for lower back pain will help to alleviate pain in the short term and give you strategies to prevent it from returning. A Strive PT will teach you appropriate movement patterns, posture, how your daily habits are affecting your pain, and ways to tackle even the most stubborn intense back pain. The main benefit is once you go through PT for back pain, you will have the strategies you learned to maintain your healthy and pain-free spine after therapy is over!

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Frequently Asked Questions

A physical therapy visit lasts about 40-60 minutes. The actual contents of the visit vary based on your diagnosis/need, but typically what happens is:
1. You check in with the receptionist, make any appointments necessary, and we discuss your health insurance benefits with you.
2. You go into the gym. You can change clothes if you need to, then begin therapy.
3. You perform 6-8 various exercises and stretches. These can include therapeutic band exercises, light body weight exercises, or minimal weights. The stretches will promote strength, stability, improved range of motion, and pain relief.
4. We can initiate other techniques to include manual work, taping, cupping, and dry needling as needed.
5. The therapist makes recommendations based on your progress. These can include altering the frequency of visits, making additions/alterations to your home exercise plan, or things to do before your next visit.
We recommend budgeting 40-60 minutes for a typical therapy session. The only exception to this will be your first visit, which can take about 20 minutes longer due to the physical therapy evaluation your therapist will provide. We also recommend showing up about 10-15 minutes early to your first visit. This way, you can complete the paperwork before your visit time and streamline the process.
If we are asking you to do something that is hurting too much, let us know! Physical therapy should not be severely painful. It is not common to be so sore that patients are in pain or it affects their daily life. If this ever happens during or after an appointment, let us know and we will adapt your program.
During your initial evaluation, your therapist may ask you a number of questions to determine what the cause of your pain is. This can include questions about your sleep habits, activity level, and work environment. They will also ask for a medical history, and then typically ask direct questions about where and when you experience pain.

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Hear from patients that reclaimed their lives.

I was fortunate enough to see Dr. Anthony on the very SAME day I called, to request help with vertigo. He was very knowledgeable, thorough, and compassionate. Not only did I leave feeling better, I also left equipped with practical, easy to follow information to help prevent future incidents. This was my second visit to SOAR and both times I was very impressed!

Doreen B

I had a total knee replacement in Sept this year. At first I dreaded going in for the appointments and going thru the process which was estimated to be 3 months of therapy. My therapist is Chris Albanese. He's easy going and dedicated to getting my new knee construction to improve its mobility and functioning. After exactly 2 months with Chris I was released from therapy 1 month ahead of schedule. The staff at Soar was very helpful and everyone pitches in. I will recommend Soar Therapy to anyone.

Don G

Dr. Keith was wonderful. Very thorough and always took the time to explain everything in detail. The entire staff is welcoming, friendly and efficient. My experience with Soar was wonderful and I recommend it to anyone requiring PT.

Jill Z

Mark knew what he was doing; in all my years of therapy Mark was the best. He gave me Physical Therapy that worked for me. He knows his career very well. He knows what the patient needs to get better. Thank you so much!

Verified Patient

Strive PT

The time I spent with Tom and other members of the staff was great. The therapy that was provided cured me! I’m thankful to Dr. Paz who recommended that I come here. Again the staff here at STRIVE have been great. I could come here just for the workout. Again, I say thanks for your professionalism and support to help me.

Verified Patient

Strive PT

The professional atmosphere, cleanliness, and attentiveness of the staff I came in contact with at Strive provided a wonderful experience.

Verified Patient

Strive PT

Nearly 4 years ago I had a severe cervical spine injury resulting in 2 surgeries that left me in constant agony, unable to walk unassisted, bathe myself, cut my own food, or get up the stairs alone. But Mike, Matt, Tyler and the entire crew at Dresher PT NEVER gave up on me. They cheered me on, gently and consistently challenged me, and exceeded the expectations of the surgeons who felt I was bound for a life of significant disability. I can do almost everything I had been able to prior to the injury. ALL thanks to Dresher PT!

Amy E.

I first came to Dresher PT with a rotator cuff injury. My surgeon had told me to expect a two-year recovery period. I came to Dresher PT and, within three months, my shoulder was back to 100% normal. They are fabulous!

Susan

I owe your admin staff a HUGE thank you for helping me through the insurance maze. No other medical office I’ve ever been to takes as much time to educate their clients about their insurance coverage and to advocate for them when insurance companies try to pull their dirty tricks.

Physical Therapy for Back Painin Philadelphia, Trenton & Surrounding Cities

Common Causes Of Back Pain

How To Treat Back Pain

Benefits Of Seeing A Physical Therapist For Back Pain