5 ways physical therapists can treat lower back pain from arthritis

Pain from arthritis can be frustrating to deal with anywhere in the body. When arthritis pain affects the lower back, it can be especially debilitating. You may experience swelling and a chronic, stinging joint pain. Your symptoms may worsen with physical activities that put pressure on your lower back. This can keep you from doing things like lifting heavy objects and bending your back. Even simple activities like working at a desk can cause discomfort when you have lower back pain from arthritis. To find relief and get back to your normal life, finding the right kind of care is essential.

Arthritis is a common diagnosis that comes in many forms. What all forms of arthritis have in common is the way they cause joint inflammation and irritation. Two of the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition that involves the cartilage degeneration around the joints. When the cartilage becomes less effective, it causes the joints to rub against bone and other tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that inflames joints throughout the body. This kind of arthritis is typically most intense around the hands and feet. However, it can also be a source of lower back pain. If you have any kind of arthritis, receiving treatment to manage your symptoms can be crucial to finding relief. Physical therapy is a popular choice among people with arthritis. By learning about various physical therapy treatments for lower back pain caused by arthritis, you can understand how physical therapy could benefit you.

5 physical therapy treatment methods for lower back pain from arthritis

• Prescribed exercises — Exercise tends to be a fundamental part of arthritis treatment. After an initial evaluation, your physical therapist can recommend exercises that target the source of your symptoms. Building strength and flexibility in your lower back can be a great way to reduce arthritis pain. Stretching is often core to a physical therapy exercise regimen. Gentle stretches can help alleviate stiffness and discomfort in the lower back. This can make your pain easier to manage. Certain strengthening exercises can also be highly beneficial. Core exercises are meant to build strength in the core and supporting muscles to provide better spinal support.

• Manual therapy — Your physical therapist can apply hands-on techniques collectively known as manual therapy. Manual therapy involves applying light pressure and controlled movements to treat a range of conditions. For arthritis, manual therapy can work to relieve tension, stiffness and pain. If your arthritis is restricting your lower back movement, a physical therapist can use joint mobilization techniques to improve your range of motion. Frequent manual therapy sessions can be a great way to manage your arthritis and find symptom relief.

• IASTM — IASTM stands for instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. As a form of manual therapy, this approach utilizes special tools to promote healing and pain relief. Your physical therapist can apply IASTM to improve blood flow in the lower back. This can be an effective way to reduce swelling around your joints and alleviate joint pain. By improving your mobility and reducing your pain, IASTM can make it easier to participate in daily activities.

• Posture training — Poor posture and ergonomic issues often worsen your lower back pain. For people with arthritis, using ergonomic solutions can be highly beneficial. Ergonomics encompasses a range of treatments relating to body mechanics. When you think of ergonomics, you might imagine assistive devices and special workplace equipment. While tools like these may be helpful, there is more to ergonomics. The focus of ergonomics in physical therapy is improving your posture and the way you move. To improve your posture, your physical therapist may provide guided posture training. You may also receive education on how to make healthy adjustments to your working routine. Posture training and other elements of ergonomics can work together to alleviate your current symptoms and help prevent future pain.

• Aquatic therapy — Being in water creates buoyancy. The water supports your weight, which takes pressure off the arthritic joints. The warmer temperature of a therapy pool allows muscles to further relax and reduces pain at the joints. Water can also provide resistance, which assists in improving muscle strength for better support of the back and spine.

• Dry needling — Looking for treatment that can provide immediate relief? Dry needling is a great option. This physical therapy modality involves the insertion of dry, sterile needles in an area affected by pain and stiffness. The process typically causes little to no discomfort, making it an excellent treatment option. Clinical studies show that dry needling can lead to a significant decrease in arthritis pain.

Advent Physical Therapy can help address your lower back pain from arthritis

Managing lower back pain from arthritis can be a challenge. Fortunately, Advent Physical Therapy can help you manage your symptoms. Our skilled physical therapy team offers a range of proven techniques to address the root cause of your pain and build toward lasting improvement.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.