At A.B.E. Rehab, our specialized physical therapists are skilled in treating a variety of conditions affecting the back, including:

Back

  • Spraining or straining your back is common and can occur when lifting heavy objects, especially when combined with twisting. These injuries involve overstretching the ligaments and muscles in the spine, leading to swelling and pain. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process, focusing on reducing inflammation, improving mobility, and strengthening core muscles to prevent re-injury.

    Our therapists address restricted areas, alleviate pain, and provide guidance on proper movement techniques. Completing a full course of therapy is essential to avoid future back injuries, as studies indicate that inadequate core muscle retraining increases the likelihood of re-injury.

  • Low back pain is a common condition affecting over 80% of people at some point in their lives. It is often caused by poor motion, weakness in the spine, abdomen, or hips, and coordination issues among these muscle groups. While medications can mask the pain temporarily, it is crucial to address the underlying causes. Physical therapy offers effective solutions for low back pain by restoring movement and strength.

    Our therapists assess posture, mobility, strength, flexibility, and body mechanics to identify weak areas and determine the primary problem. A personalized plan is then developed to provide quick pain relief, improve range of motion, and enhance body strength. We also prioritize injury prevention and educate you on proper posture and body mechanics.

  • Mid-back pain, located in the thoracic spine area, often stems from poor posture or a slouched position, leading to stretched and weakened back muscles. It can manifest as burning or shooting pain, sometimes radiating under the shoulder blade, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact source.

    Physical therapy plays a vital role in addressing mid-back pain. Our therapists focus on identifying restricted spinal movement, which can strain adjacent areas. By improving joint mobility, relieving muscle soreness, and restoring posture, we provide effective relief for mid-back pain. Additionally, we provide education on strengthening exercises and postural techniques to help maintain the progress achieved during therapy.

  • Sciatica refers to radiating pain from the buttock down the back of the thigh, often spreading out and causing discomfort. It occurs due to irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs through the buttock and leg. Tightness in the piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttock, can further aggravate the sciatic nerve. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in treating sciatica and radiating leg pain.

    Our experienced therapists conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the root cause of the problem, examining spine, hip, and leg movement, range of motion, strength, joint mobility, and muscle condition. With a comprehensive plan, we aim to alleviate pain, reduce radiating symptoms, improve mobility, enhance strength, and prevent future episodes. Our treatment may include specialized techniques, modalities like heat and ice, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, gentle stretching, and strengthening exercises. Through these interventions, we restore normal motion, strength, and provide lasting relief from pain.

  • Spinal arthritis is common in the low back and can be influenced by factors such as genetics, age, previous injuries, diet, and exercise. Abnormal forces on the spine can lead to joint wear, bone buildup, and bone-on-bone rubbing, resulting in chronic low back pain.

    Physical therapy helps by restoring natural movement, enhancing spinal muscle support, improving posture, and increasing joint fluid circulation. While it cannot reverse arthritis degeneration, physical therapy can significantly reduce pain and improve daily activities within a few weeks of treatment.

  • Osteoporosis is a common condition where bones thin due to changes in calcium deposition and uptake. It primarily affects women over 40 but can also impact men. Common areas affected are the spine and hips, increasing the risk of fractures from everyday activities.

    Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing osteoporosis by offering tailored exercise programs to target affected areas and improve bone strength. Physical therapists also address limited spinal and hip movement, reducing stress on bones. By collaborating with your doctor, we develop a personalized treatment plan for stronger bones and injury prevention.

    By working together, we aim to restore movement, alleviate pain, and help you regain your normal activities.

  • Spondylolisthesis occurs when one spinal bone is misaligned with another, often in the lower back. It is caused by stretched ligaments or fractures, exacerbated by poor posture and weakened muscles. Symptoms range from mild fatigue and back pain to severe compression of nerves or the spinal cord.

    Physical therapy provides stability, supports the low back, and strengthens muscles to alleviate pain. Our customized program improves mobility, strengthens key muscles, and educates on maintaining spinal stability. We also address related issues like hip weakness, poor balance, or leg symptoms. If surgery is needed, we support your comprehensive recovery process.

  • After low back surgeries like discectomies, laminectomies, or spinal fusion, the primary goal is to relieve pressure on spinal nerves and stabilize the area. It's crucial to explore conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, before considering surgery as a last resort.

    Physical therapy plays a critical role in post-surgery recovery. Working closely with your physician, we follow surgical protocols to ensure optimal healing. Initially, our focus is on pain relief and educating you about proper movement to protect the surgical site. As you progress, we incorporate gentle hands-on therapy and exercises for the legs, hips, abdominals, and supporting muscles. Range of motion and activation of stabilizing muscles are gradually introduced.

    As healing progresses and your surgery protocol permits, we incorporate gentle strengthening exercises, along with specific stabilization exercises for your core muscles that support the spine. Our therapy includes walking, balance training, and spinal coordination exercises. Our ultimate aim is to alleviate back pain, safeguard your spine during recovery, and rehabilitate your spine for a smooth return to normal activities.

    Our skilled physical therapists conduct comprehensive assessments of your balance and vestibular symptoms, analyzing visual movements, head positioning, neck mobility, and overall balance. In certain cases, we may provoke symptoms to pinpoint the precise mechanism of your vertigo or dizziness.