Lower back pain can be a debilitating issue that affects one's daily activities and quality of life. If you're experiencing this discomfort, you may be seeking a long-term solution to finding relief. Fortunately, physiotherapy is a viable option that can assist with your lower back pain.
So, how exactly does physiotherapy work? In this blog post, we'll delve into the various ways physiotherapy can aid in alleviating lower back pain and improving your overall functioning.
Understanding Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is a prevalent condition that can cause discomfort, pain, or stiffness in the lower back region, including the lumbar spine, hips, and pelvis. It can be caused by a range of factors, such as poor posture, prolonged sitting or standing, muscle strain or injury, or underlying medical conditions like slipped discs, arthritis, spinal stenosis, or spinal injuries.
In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified lower back pain as the leading cause of disability worldwide. This condition affects people of all ages, genders, and professions, and can significantly impact their daily lives and quality of life.
Benefits Of Physiotherapy For Back Pain
Physiotherapy for lower back pain is an affordable and non-invasive treatment option. Its primary goal is to identify and address the underlying cause of the pain, as well as to enhance physical well-being. The following are some of the key advantages of physiotherapy for lower back pain:
Reduced Pain:
Physiotherapy can alleviate pain by decreasing inflammation, promoting blood flow, and supporting the healing process in the affected area.
Improved Function:
Through physiotherapy, individuals can increase the range of motion and flexibility in the lower back region, leading to improved physical function.
Prevention Of Future Recurrences:
Physiotherapy can prevent the recurrence of lower back pain by strengthening the muscles in the area and promoting better posture. This can reduce the risk of future injuries or strains.
What are the types of exercises that a physiotherapist may perform to alleviate lower back pain?
To alleviate lower back pain, a physiotherapist may evaluate the impact of the condition on nerves, muscles, or bones, and then create a customized treatment plan that may include exercise therapy or manual therapies. Exercise therapy typically involves specific exercises that target muscle groups in the lower back region, aiming to improve strength, flexibility, and stability. Here are some common exercises a physiotherapist may recommend for lower back pain:
Core Strengthening Exercises
These exercises aim to strengthen the abdomen, back, and pelvic muscles, leading to improved spinal stability, reduced injury risk, pain relief, better posture, and overall physical function.
Pilates is a type of core exercise that is commonly incorporated into physiotherapy management for low back pain. Pilate’s exercises can be performed using equipment such as reformer in The Physio Studio Singapore or simply just on a mat at home.
Your physiotherapist will assess your condition and provide tailored exercises that suit your needs.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching exercises involve elongating muscles to enhance flexibility, range of motion, and joint mobility. They can also reduce muscle stiffness and tension, and relieve pain. Commonly recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for lower back pain, hamstring, hip flexor, and lower back stretches are often used to address the issue.
Your physiotherapist will guide you on specific stretching exercises suitable for your condition.
Aerobic Exercises
Also known as cardio exercises, these activities involve repetitive movements of large muscle groups, such as walking, swimming, or cycling. During aerobic exercise, the body uses oxygen to produce energy, leading to improved endurance, reduced fatigue, and enhanced fitness levels.
Manual Therapies
Manual therapies refer to hands-on physical therapy, where the physiotherapist uses their hands to mediate and mobilize the body's muscles, joints, and soft tissues. Various types of manual therapies include mobilization, manipulation, and trigger point therapy.
The physiotherapist applies pressure, stretches, and manipulates the muscles and joints during manual therapy. This results in reduced inflammation, improved joint mobility, and overall physical performance.
These therapies are typically used in combination with other exercise therapies to reduce pain and promote healing.
Individuals with lower back pain can benefit from these exercises as they help to improve cardiovascular fitness and alleviate pain, stiffness, and disability. The physiotherapist may initiate low-impact aerobic exercise and gradually increase the routine's intensity and duration, depending on the individual's condition.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is generally considered a safe and effective treatment option for lower back pain. However, some individuals may experience temporary pain, soreness, or discomfort in the treated area. This is a normal response as the muscles adapt and strengthen to the new exercises.
The duration of symptom relief after a physiotherapy session may vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience immediate relief, while others may require several hours or even a few days for their symptoms to subside. It is important to choose a qualified and experienced physiotherapist to minimise the risk of potential side effects.
Takeaway
Physiotherapy is a valuable treatment method that can improve the quality of life for those suffering from lower back pain. Collaborating with a qualified physiotherapist can help reduce pain and restore normal daily activities.
If you're looking for a reliable physiotherapist in Singapore, the Physio Studio can help. We offer effective treatment options such as physiotherapy for neck pain and physiotherapy for lower back pain with a team of highly qualified professionals, specialising in musculoskeletal treatments. In addition, we also provide in-home physiotherapy services for those unable to visit our clinic.
With effective back pain treatment options, we strive to provide pain relief and improve mobility, so book an appointment with us today and take the first step towards a pain-free and active lifestyle.