Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Physical Therapy Treatment For Chronic Back Pain

If you are starting physical therapy for your chronic back pain, then there are things you can do to get the most out of your back pain treatment, including following each of these tips:

Tip: Arrive at Your Appointment Dressed for Your Treatment

Since you will be moving around a lot at your physical therapy appointments, you should wear clothing items that are comfortable and allow you to have the maximum range of motion. Some options to consider are:

• t-shirts
• sweatpants
• shorts

In addition, you should wear tennis shoes or other soft-soled shoes to your physical therapy appointments.

Tip: Request that You Work with the Same Physical Therapist Every Session

When you start your physical therapy, make sure that you speak with your therapist about exclusively working with them for the full course of your back pain treatment. While you may need to occasionally work with another therapist because yours has a day off, you will get much better results from your therapy if you stick with a single therapist throughout your treatment. Working with the same therapist ensures a smoother course of treatment.

Tip: Make Sure to Do All of Your Home Exercises as Instructed

One of the most important aspects of your physical therapy treatment is doing your back exercises at home. While you are at therapy, your therapist will go over each exercise with you to make sure that you understand exactly how it is to be performed. It is your job to learn how to do the exercises and then to make sure you do them as often as you were told to. By doing all of your home treatment as prescribed, your back pain will improve more quickly.

Tip: Avoid Overdoing It When You Feel Better

As your back starts to feel better, then it is natural that you will want to get back to doing all of the things you love. However, you need to take it very slowly and not stress your back too quickly. If you overdo it, then your treatment will take a lot longer than necessary.

Tip: Consult with Your Physician if You Aren't Happy with Therapy

Finally, if you are not seeing the improvement in your back pain that you expected, then you should make an appointment with your doctor. While physical therapy will not immediately improve your back pain, if a few weeks have passed and you aren't seeing any improvement in your pain, then you should go back to see your doctor to discuss alternative treatments.

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