Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is the medical field dedicated to developing, maintaining, and restoring the maximum functional ability and capacity for movement in a patient. Whether the patient’s ability to move and function is threatened by age, injury, disease, or environmental factors, a physical therapist’s role is to help maximize the quality of life through treatment sessions. This form of treatment can be applied in response to any number of medical issues, and can be helpful for patients of nearly any age.

Physical therapists are educated, licensed medical practitioners and can specialize their knowledge and craft in a variety of specific fields. The American Board of Physical Therapy lists eight specialist certifications:

• Cardiopulmonary
• Geriatric
• Neurological
• Orthopaedic
• Pediatric
• Integumentary
• Sports Physical Therapy
• Electrophysiology

Related to Spinal Conditions

Physical therapy is one of the most commonly suggested conservative treatments for individuals suffering from the painful symptoms often related to a degenerative spine condition. By working with a physical therapist, the patient attempts to improve their range of motion and capacity for movement, as well as stretch and strengthen muscles that can ease the burden on the spine and help diminish symptoms. Typically, a physical therapist might help an individual suffering from back pain by leading them through a series of exercises that can be either active or passive. In active exercises, patients perform the movements by themselves. In passive exercises, the therapist performs the movements on the patient or leads the patient through the motions. Regardless of the type of exercises a physical therapist asks a patient to perform, the overriding goal is most often to recover strength, improve flexibility and stability, and allow for an increased quality of life.

When Physical Therapy Isn’t Enough

Whether your pain and other symptoms are the result of a bulging or herniated disc, spinal stenosis, bone spurs, spinal arthritis, or another degenerative spine condition, physical therapy and other nonsurgical treatments may be sufficient to ease your pain. However, if weeks or months of conservative treatment have failed to bring relief, contact Laser Spine Institute. Our minimally invasive procedures are the safe, effective alternative to open spine surgery and have helped tens of thousands of patients suffering from chronic back and neck pain.