Do you have back pain? Try these 4 common therapies
Do you experience lower back pain? If so, there is something that can help you address your needs – physical therapy.
Physical therapy is an important part of the overall healthcare system, with various types of physical therapy approaches available. From rehabilitation for sports injuries to helping people with chronic pain, physical therapy plays a key role in improving the health of our musculoskeletal system while addressing lower back pain.
Read on to find out more about the different kinds of physical therapy such as soft tissue, dry needling, chiropractic care, and acupuncture.
1. Soft tissue therapy
Soft tissue therapy, also known as muscle therapy, is a form of physical medicine and rehabilitation that focuses on musculoskeletal conditions. Soft tissue therapy involves a variety of hands-on techniques like soft tissue release to address pain or movement dysfunction.
The goal of soft tissue therapy is to restore normal range of motion and relieve muscle tension in order to reduce pain and improve musculoskeletal function. This type of therapy uses various techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, and heat/cold applications.
Soft tissue therapy may help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote healing in the affected area.
Some clinics, such as The Back Clinic, combine soft tissue with chiropractic care for a multi modal approach to care. This may provide better patient outcomes.
2. Dry needling
According to Metro Chiropractic Clinic, dry needling is a technique used for muscle relaxation and tone/trigger point reduction using a very fine, single use needle.
It is used to address a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, neck pain and headaches. Needles are inserted into the affected muscles with the goal of reducing tension and increasing circulation.
Dry needling can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as massage therapy, physical therapy, or chiropractic care. The primary benefit of dry needling is its ability to reduce muscle spasms and provide relief from chronic pain.
3. Chiropractic care
Chiropractic care is a form of manual therapy used to address musculoskeletal problems. It involves the application of controlled force – a chiropractic adjustment – to specific parts of the body to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function.
The goal of chiropractic care is to restore your body to its proper alignment while helping reduce stiffness and pain. Chiropractic is ideal for those who are experiencing chronic and acute back and neck pain, sciatica, headaches and shoulder pain.
Chiropractors may use various techniques such as chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, and exercises in order to achieve this goal. Adjustments may be done manually or with various tools such as traction tables and rollers.
4. Acupuncture
According to the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA), acupuncture is an approach that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific acupuncture points along the body’s energy pathways to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of energy through the body.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice to stimulate healing. It has been used for thousands of years to address a variety of health conditions such as pain management.
Acupuncture has become popular in western countries as a natural form of alternative medicine. Acupuncture may help relieve pain, improve mobility, and musculoskeletal health. By stimulating specific points on the body called acupoints with thin needles, acupuncture may be able to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
So, who has your back?
Physical therapists use a variety of treatments and techniques to help people address their musculoskeletal health issues from injuries or illnesses. There are different kinds of physical therapy techniques that may be used depending on the patient’s needs and situation.
These alternative approaches include soft tissue therapy, dry needling, chiropractic adjustments, and acupuncture.
With the right kind of physical therapy plan tailored for your needs, you may be able to find relief from pain.
