Physical Therapy

While most aches and pains respond to simple physical therapy, the longer a pain persists, the more difficult it becomes to treat. Chronic pain leads to vicious cycle of sedentary lifestyle, weight gain, de-conditioning and a sense of helplessness. Physical reactivation through active and passive therapy modalities is tailored to individual needs, focusing on restoration of normal function and active lifestyle. As a physician-supervised program utilizing well defined treatment plans, the physician is closely involved in patient's progress. From therapeutic massage to back strengthening, individualized attention sets us apart.

At PainCare, our physical therapy program goes beyond the usual modalities found in most places.  Not only do we provide standard physical therapy treatments through our licensed physical therapists, we also provide the option for patients to see a pain management chiropractor for alternative treatments. 

Finally, we are the Certified IDD Therapy Center in Orange County providing the most advanced non-surgical decompression treatment of the spine.

Active physical therapy - back pain exercises
In addition to passive therapies, active physical therapy (exercise) is also necessary to rehabilitate the spine. Generally, a patient’s back exercise program should encompass a combination of the following:

• Stretching for back pain exercise

• Strengthening for back pain exercise

• Low-impact aerobic conditioning

• Even patients with a very busy schedule should be able to maintain a moderate back pain exercise regimen that encompasses stretching, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning.

• Stretching for back pain exercises. Almost every individual who has suffered from low back pain should stretch their hamstring muscles once or twice daily. Simple hamstring stretching does not take much time, although it can be difficult to remember, especially if there is little or no pain. Therefore, hamstring stretching exercises are best done at the same time every day so it becomes part of a person’s daily routine.

• Strengthening for back pain exercise. To strengthen the back muscles, 15-20 minutes of dynamic lumbar stabilization or other prescribed exercises should be done every other day.

• Low-impact aerobic conditioning. Low impact aerobics (such as walking, bicycling or swimming) should be done for 30-40 minutes three times weekly, on alternate days from the strengthening exercises.

Physical therapy: Passive PT (modalities) for back pain

Multiple modalities are commonly employed to reduce low back pain. They are especially useful in alleviating acute low back pain (e.g. an intense, debilitating episode of low back pain) for the patient. Physical therapists or chiropractors usually use passive modalities.

Heat/ice packs for heat therapy and cold therapy
Heat and/or ice are easily available and are the most commonly used type of modality. Each type of therapy helps reduce muscle spasm and inflammation.

Some patients find more pain relief with heat therapy using heat packs and others with cold therapy such as ice massage. The two may also be alternated. They are generally applied for 10-20 minutes once every two hours, and are more useful early on (the first few days) in the course of an episode of pain.

Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis is a means of delivering steroids through the skin. The steroid is applied to the skin and then an electrical current is applied that causes it to migrate under the skin. The steroids then produce an anti-inflammatory effect in the general area that is causing pain. This modality is especially effective in relieving acute episodes of pain.

TENS units for electrotherapy
A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) unit uses electrical stimulation to modulate the sensation of low back pain by overriding the painful signals that are sent to the brain. A trial of electrotherapy with the TENS unit is usually done first, and if the patient experiences substantial pain relief, a TENS unit may be used at home for low back pain relief on a long-term basis.

Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a form of deep heating in which sound waves are applied to the skin and penetrate into the soft tissues. Ultrasound is especially useful in relieving acute episodes of pain and may enhance tissue healing.

The information contained here is not intended as a substitute for professional medical evaluation and management.  It should be used only as a starting point for further research.  A physician should always be consulted for any health problem.