Back Pain

Up to 16 million Americans have chronic back pain that affects their mobility and quality of life. Manual orthopedic physical therapy provides a safe and noninvasive treatment alternative to surgery. At Preserve Physical Therapy in The Woodlands, Texas, board-certified physical therapist Rupal Mehta, PT, MS, DPT, PhD, has more than 20 years of experience using innovative therapies to relieve back pain. Call or text Preserve Physical Therapy today to schedule back pain treatment or request a new patient form online.

What type of back pain benefits from physical therapy?

Physical therapy provides a safe and effective treatment for acute and chronic back pain. You might benefit if you’ve been diagnosed with:

• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Ankylosing spondylitis (an inflammatory disease of the spine)
• A structural abnormality, like kyphosis or scoliosis
• A bulging or ruptured disc
• A muscle or ligament strain

A combination of stretches, strengthening exercises, and manual therapies reduce inflammation, encourage circulation, and speed up your body’s healing.

When should I see a physical therapist about back pain?

Make an appointment at Preserve Physical Therapy if you have severe back pain that keeps you from work and exercise. That’s especially true if your symptoms last longer than a month and don’t improve with at-home treatments.

What happens during a physical therapy consultation?

Dr. Mehta completes a comprehensive evaluation before making treatment recommendations. He asks about your back pain, including what it feels like, where it occurs and when it started, and quizzes you about how the pain affects your mobility and life. 

Answer Dr. Mehta’s questions honestly. Tell him if you work a physically strenuous job, smoke, or have a family history of musculoskeletal problems, like arthritis. This information provides crucial insights and helps Dr. Mehta determine the best treatment approach. 

What does physical therapy for back pain involve?

At Preserve Physical Therapy, Dr. Mehta uses innovative technologies to manage back pain effectively. He might suggest:

• Joint mobilization
• Tissue mobilization
• Myofascial release
• Massage therapy
• Movement training
• Postural training
• Gait training
• Balance training
• Motor control training
• Shockwave therapy

Dr. Mehta is the only physical therapist in The Woodlands offering biofeedback muscle training. This advanced therapeutic technique combines mind-body techniques and electronic sensors to improve muscle performance and speed up recovery.

Most people with back pain benefit from a combination of treatments. Dr. Mehta monitors your progress at regular checkups and makes adjustments as needed. 

How long will I need physical therapy for back pain?

The time you need to participate in physical therapy for back pain depends on the cause and your symptoms.

When starting, Dr. Mehta usually recommends two or three weekly sessions over 6-8 weeks. Most people see a significant improvement in their back pain during this time, but if it continues or worsens, Dr. Mehta might recommend seeing a surgeon.

Call Preserve Physical Therapy today to schedule treatment for back pain or request new patient paperwork online.