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Physical Therapy For Lower Back Pain

Physical therapy for lower back pain is one of the most effective, non-invasive solutions for relieving lower back pain, restoring mobility, and preventing future flare-ups.

Understanding Back Pain

What is Low Back Pain?

Low back pain is one of the most common conditions treated by healthcare professionals, affecting up to 70% of people at some point in their lives. While many cases resolve on their own, others become chronic, lasting longer than three months.

What are the Symptoms of Lower Back Pain?

Low back pain can vary widely from person to person, depending on the underlying cause, severity, and duration of the condition. Some people experience mild discomfort that comes and goes, while others may struggle with persistent, debilitating pain that interferes with daily life.

In general, low back pain symptoms can be categorized by their intensity, location, and how they respond to movement. You may notice pain that is localized to one spot or radiates to other areas of the body. Regardless of the cause, the symptoms can include:

  • A dull ache contained to the lower back
  • A sharp pain that could move to other parts of your body
  • Muscle spasms or tightness
  • Pain that gets worse after sitting or standing too long
  • Difficulty maintaining an upright posture, walking, or transitioning between sitting and standing.

Specific and Non-specific Back Pain

What Causes Low Back Pain?

In about 90% of cases, the exact cause of back pain is unclear—there’s no single disease or structural issue behind the discomfort. This type of lower back pain is called “non-specific”. Though the source of the pain cannot be identified, it can be treated with physical therapy, with high effectiveness.

Identifiable pathologies account for a small percentage of lower back pain cases. This type of pain is called “specific”. Treatment for specific lower back pain requires addressing the underlying condition. In many cases, physical therapy can also help. Causes of specific lower back pain include:

  • Muscle or ligament strains:
    Repeated heavy lifting or awkward movements without adequate recovery can overstretch and injure muscles or ligaments.
  • Bulging or herniated discs:
    When spinal discs protrude or rupture, they can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain.
  • Arthritis:
    Osteoarthritis can affect the spine, leading to inflammation and, in some cases, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).
  • Osteoporosis:
    Weakening of the bones can make vertebrae more prone to fractures, leading to chronic pain.

Specific and Non-specific Back Pain

What Causes Low Back Pain?

In about 90% of cases, the exact cause of back pain is unclear—there’s no single disease or structural issue behind the discomfort. This type of lower back pain is called “non-specific”. Though the source of the pain cannot be identified, it can be treated with physical therapy, with high effectiveness.

Identifiable pathologies account for a small percentage of lower back pain cases. This type of pain is called “specific”. Treatment for specific lower back pain requires addressing the underlying condition. In many cases, physical therapy can also help. Causes of specific lower back pain include:

  • Muscle or ligament strains:
    Repeated heavy lifting or awkward movements without adequate recovery can overstretch and injure muscles or ligaments.
  • Bulging or herniated discs:
    When spinal discs protrude or rupture, they can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain.
  • Arthritis:
    Osteoarthritis can affect the spine, leading to inflammation and, in some cases, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).
  • Osteoporosis:
    Weakening of the bones can make vertebrae more prone to fractures, leading to chronic pain.

The Road to Diagnosis

How Is Lower Back Pain Diagnosed?

Diagnosing lower back pain starts with a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider. This includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to your pain. A physical examination assesses posture, range of motion, muscle strength, and nerve function to pinpoint potential causes.

If further investigation is needed, imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be recommended to detect structural issues like herniated discs, fractures, or spinal stenosis. In some cases, additional tests, such as nerve studies or blood work, may be used to rule out underlying conditions. A precise diagnosis ensures a targeted treatment plan that effectively addresses the root cause of your pain.

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How PT Helps

How to Relieve Lower Back Pain with Physical Therapy

At PT Solutions, our physical therapists combine education, therapeutic exercise, and manual therapy to provide evidence-based low back pain physical therapy treatment approaches that will address all underlying contributing factors of your low back pain.

  • Therapeutic Exercise: Strengthening core and back muscles for long-term stability.
  • Functional Training: Posture correction and improving movement patterns to prevent future strain.
  • Lumbar Mobilization: Gentle, hands-on techniques to reduce stiffness and restore mobility.
  • Patient Education: Teaching you other body mechanics and lifestyle habits to support recovery.
  • Soft Tissue Mobilization: Reducing muscle tightness and improving circulation for faster healing.
  • Dry Needling & Trigger Point Therapy: Targeting deep muscle tension for pain relief and relaxation.

Find Pain Relief with Physical Therapy

Treatments

Orthopedic Physical Therapy
We diagnose and treat conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps restore movement and manage pain after an injury, surgery or illness. It also helps people dealing with chronic conditions that affect their ability to perform everyday activities.

Dry Needling
As part of a comprehensive physical therapy program, dry needling offers stimulation for muscular and connective tissue that can bring blood flow and relieve pain.

Sports Physical Therapy
This is a specialized branch of physical therapy focused on preventing, managing, and rehabilitating injuries related to sports and exercise while enhancing athletic performance.

Getting Ready for PT

What to Expect at Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain?

Recovering from lower back pain requires a structured, hands-on approach. At PT Solutions, our expert physical therapists use evidence-based techniques to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent future injury. Here’s what you can expect during your physical therapy journey.

  • Initial Evaluation & Assessment

    Your therapy starts with a detailed first assessment of your symptoms, medical history, and movement patterns. We evaluate posture, flexibility, and strength to identify the root cause of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan.

  • Hands-On Manual Therapy & Pain Relief Techniques

    We use soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and dry needling to relieve pain and improve mobility. Heat or cold therapy may also be applied to reduce pain and promote muscle relaxation.

  • Targeted Physical Therapy Exercises

    Your plan includes core strengthening, flexibility training, and functional movements to improve mobility and posture. These exercises help relieve pain, build strength, and prevent future issues.

  • Progress Tracking & Treatment Adjustments

    We monitor your progress, adjust your exercises as needed, and ensure your treatment remains effective. Regular assessments help keep you on track for a full recovery.

    At PT Solutions, we provide personalized physical therapy for lower back pain that is designed to restore strength, flexibility, and function—so you can get back to the activities you love. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or managing chronic back pain, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

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Discover Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain

At PT Solutions, expert physical therapists near you use a personalized, evidence-based approach to help you move better and feel better—without relying on medication or surgery.

Find a Clinic

Get Started

Discover Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain

At PT Solutions, expert physical therapists near you use a personalized, evidence-based approach to help you move better and feel better—without relying on medication or surgery.

Find a Clinic

Keep Learning

Frequently Asked Questions About Low Back Pain

You should seek medical attention if your back pain persists for more than a few weeks, intensifies over time, or interferes with daily activities. Warning signs that may indicate a more serious condition include numbness, tingling, leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, unexplained weight loss, or fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to prevent complications and ensure the right treatment.

While not all cases can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:

  • Strengthening core muscles to support your spine
  • Maintaining good posture when sitting and standing
  • Using proper lifting techniques to avoid strain
  • Staying active with low-impact exercises like walking or swimming
  • Avoiding prolonged sitting and taking movement breaks

The duration of physical therapy depends on the severity of the condition and individual progress. Mild cases may improve within 4-6 weeks, while chronic or post-surgical recovery may take several months. Consistency with therapy exercises and lifestyle adjustments plays a key role in recovery.

At PT Solutions, our goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and improve quality of life through evidence-based physical therapy techniques. Some conditions we treat with physical therapy that can cause lower back pain include:

  • Mechanical Low Back Pain
  • Muscle Strains & Tears
  • Degenerative Disc & Joint Disease
  • Osteoarthritis
  • SI Joint Pain & Dysfunction
  • Radicular Low Back Pain
  • Herniated Disc
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Spinal Instability
  • Gynecological-Related Back Pain
  • Endometriosis-Related Back Pain
  • Pregnancy-Related Back Pain
  • Postpartum Back Pain
  • Post-Surgical Recovery

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