Straining a muscle in your lower back can cause persistent back pain and discomfort until you recover. Fortunately, treatment is possible. With physical therapy treatments like therapeutic exercises and manual therapy, you can get the help you need to make a recovery.
Studies show that in 2020, low back pain affected 619 million people worldwide. If you’re experiencing lower back pain as the result of an injury, you’re not alone. Whether it’s from heavy lifting, sudden movements or poor posture, a strained lower back can make daily activities difficult. When you want to alleviate your pain and get back to the activities you enjoy, professional intervention can be crucial. Working with a licensed physical therapist, you can get expert treatment tailored to your needs. Learning about some of the treatment methods used by physical therapists may help you get a better understanding of how PT can help you.
5 physical therapy treatments for lower back muscle strain
- Therapeutic exercises — Physical therapists often incorporate targeted exercises into treatment. When the muscles in your back are weak or tight, they may be more prone to injury. A licensed physical therapist can guide you through a set of therapeutic exercises designed to manage your current symptoms and prevent future injuries. Each patient’s exercise plan is different, as treatment will be tailored to your personal needs and goals. Some common exercises for lower back pain include pelvic tilts, bridges and sit-ups. These exercises work to strengthen your core muscles, which support your lower back and spine. Therapeutic exercises can also improve flexibility and reduce tension. With guidance from your physical therapist, you can take an active role in your recovery by exercising.
- Dry needling — Dry needling is a technique used by physical therapists to target tight or knotted muscles. This treatment involves inserting thin needles into trigger points, or muscle knots, to relieve pain and improve mobility. When muscles are strained, they can become tense. Surrounding muscles may form knots as well. Dry needling works to release this tightness and improve blood flow. Better blood flow means more nutrients can reach injured tissue, accelerating your body’s natural healing processes. Dry needling can help treat a range of conditions involving lower back pain, from spinal conditions to sciatica.
- Manual therapy — Manual therapy refers to hands-on treatment where a physical therapist uses their hands to mobilize muscles and joints. For people with lower back strain, manual therapy may provide rapid relief and improve overall function. Key manual therapy techniques include soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization. If your strain is causing muscle spasms, strain-counterstrain may be another helpful technique. Manual therapy is often combined with other treatments, such as therapeutic exercises and dry needling, to form a well-rounded recovery plan.
- The Graston Technique® — The Graston Technique is a specialized form of PT. With this technique, your physical therapist will use stainless steel instruments to break up scar tissue and improve muscle function. The Graston Technique can be particularly effective for chronic lower back pain caused by muscle strain or overuse. After a major strain, this technique can help promote healing and minimize scar tissue growth.
- Lifestyle recommendations — Your body is a deeply interconnected system; dysfunction or pain in one part can affect other parts. For example, straining a muscle in your lower back may lead to a pinched nerve, which could then lead to radiating pain in your legs. Lifestyle changes can be a good way to address conditions affecting your whole body and improve your overall wellness. Your physical therapist can help you make lifestyle changes intended to alleviate your lower back strain. Some helpful changes might include postural adjustments and ergonomic support. Your physical therapist might also recommend taking periodic breaks from sitting. If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, for example, your physical therapist may recommend taking a stretch break every hour.
Forever Fit can treat your lower back muscle strain
Managing lower back muscle strain alone can be challenging. Fortunately, the expert physical therapy team at Forever Fit can provide the support you need. We use an array of proven treatments designed to help you recover. You can access our services at 10 locations across the state of Maryland. If you’re looking for specialty back pain services, you can get the help you need at our Gaithersburg location. We offer dry needling for back pain at multiple locations, including our location in Rockville. At all of our clinics, we create personalized treatment plans to help patients heal and prevent future injuries. We’re dedicated to helping you move better and feel stronger.
If you’re experiencing back pain after a muscle injury, don’t wait to get help. Contact our team today for more information about muscle strain treatments or to schedule an initial appointment.