Physical Therapy Can Help With The Pain Of Arthritis In Your Back

If you have arthritis in your back, the chances are very good that it's affecting many aspects of your life. While some days may be better than others, you probably deal with more pain and irritation than you are able to enjoy days where you feel great. If you have arthritis in your back, you may want to consider going to physical therapy. This article will explain some of the different ways physical therapy can help you to alleviate some of the pain.

Muscle strengthening

The physical therapist will go over your file and use the information provided to come up with a good exercise plan for you. The plan will be tailored to focus on strengthening the muscles in the areas of your back that will affect you in a positive manner. By strengthening certain muscles, some of the pressure can be relieved and the end result will be less pain and inflammation.

In the beginning, you may find you feel a little worse after you go to physical therapy. This is due to the fact that you are working out muscles you haven't used in a while and aggravating the area. However, once you continue and your back gets used to the routine, you will start to see the benefits of all your hard work.

Massage

You may also be given a massage at your physical therapy session. This is going to help to provide you with instant relief. When you have back pain, the muscles in your back will tighten up in an attempt to protect the affected area. This can lead to knotted muscles that cause more pain. A massage will get those knots out and help relax your muscles.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is another treatment you may receive when you go to physical therapy. Ultrasound is done with the use of a handheld wand the physical therapist applies directly to your back. The wand will cause sonic waves to go into your skin where they will vibrate your soft tissues. This causes a temperature rise in the tissue which increases the blood flow to that area. The heat will help decrease the pain and allow the soft tissue to stretch easier.  

Now that you have a better understanding of how going to physical therapy can help you to manage the pain associated with arthritis in your back, you may want to ask your doctor for a referral to a physical therapist.