Here’s a fact about back pain that may bring you some comfort: it’s one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in the world. Around 80% of people will have back pain at least once. So, if you’re suffering now, you probably aren’t the only one!
Of course, that thought does little to help if your back pain keeps you from performing day-to-day activities — as it often does. Back pain is often accompanied by mobility restrictions that make walking, rising from sitting, or bending over difficult. And if left untreated, it can sometimes lead to long-term pain and dysfunction.
At PTPro Physical Therapy, we know how debilitating back pain can be. Our team of dedicated physical therapists will help you understand the cause or causes of your back pain and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that will let you get back to the activities you love to do.
Call our clinic today to set up your initial consultation!
What Causes Back Pain?
One of the reasons that back pain is so common is that it’s associated with several different injuries, underlying conditions, or lifestyle factors. That said, most back pain is non-specific, meaning it’s not caused by a specific disease or specific structural problem, but caused by mechanical issues. Mechanical issues are difficult to pinpoint and may include multiple tissues in and around the spinal joints.
The first step in treating your back pain is understanding what’s contributing to it. Our therapists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to help us learn as much as possible about your experience with back pain, including screening for any mobility limitations or weakness you’re struggling with.
Here are some of the more common sources of back pain that we see at our clinic:
- Strains and Sprains: A strain occurs when you injure the muscles in your back. A sprain occurs when you injure the ligaments that link your spinal vertebrae. Both can cause pain and limited mobility, and they often result from lifting with improper form (such as twisting while lifting) or attempting to lift something too heavy.
- Herniated Discs: Soft, flexible discs separate and cushion your spinal vertebrae. If one of those discs herniates — that is protrudes out — and irritates a nearby nerve, it can lead to intense pain, feeling “stuck” in a stooped over position, and often pain down the leg known as sciatica.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the world, occurring when the cartilage and bone tissue in a joint degenerate and become inflamed. While we often associate it with the hips, knees, or hands, it can occur in the spine, too. Spinal osteoarthritis is sometimes called spondylosis.
- Lifestyle Factors: Several factors can contribute to lower back pain, including improper posture, prolonged sitting, or weakness in the muscles that wrap and support your spine (your core muscles).
Why Physical Therapy at PTPro Physical Therapy Is Your Back Pain Solution
While back pain often resolves on its own within 1-3 months, physical therapy is an excellent choice for people with particularly intense pain or extremely restrictive mobility. It’s also useful for people with chronic back pain — defined as pain that lingers past that three-month mark.
We customize all our back pain treatment plans according to your specific needs: the location and severity of your back pain, any mobility restrictions, your ability level, and overall goals. We’ll work to address the underlying issues causing your pain rather than simply masking the symptoms.
How will we do this? Through a blend of the following techniques:
Manual therapy
A personalized therapeutic exercise plan
Specialized training
Prevention strategies
Get Moving Again with Physical Therapy!
Back pain is more than just pain. It can severely restrict your mobility, leading to less exercise and movement, further contributing to pain and dysfunction. The PTPro Physical Therapy team is here to help you break that cycle and find relief from back pain for good.
Call us today to schedule an appointment!
Your Success Is Our Priority!
Return to PTPro Physical Therapy and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!
People often search for physical therapy in Bellevue, WA when pain, stiffness, or limited movement starts to interfere with work, exercise, or daily routines. PTPro Physical Therapy addresses those problems with clear answers and skilled care.
Our team believes effective physical therapy starts with listening. We take time to understand how symptoms affect daily tasks, work demands, and athletic goals. That information guides care plans that focus on building strength, improving mobility, and enhancing confidence in movement. That way, our patients can return to the activities that matter most to them.
Exercise of the Month
SEATED SCIATIC NERVE TENSIONER
Sit in a chair with one foot flat on the ground and the foot on the side you want to work flexed with your toes pointing towards your face. Lift one lower leg by lightly contracting the upper thigh while simultaneously lowering your head, slowly tucking your chin towards your chest and exhaling. Slowly return to start.
3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: chair)
Staff Spotlight: Mary Frances Miller
Mary Frances is a high-energy professional who earned a B.S. in Biology from Gonzaga 1991. Working as a trainer at the university level, she pursued her degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Washington in 1994. Mary Frances combines her many years of experience with a passion for building a rehabilitation program to fit every patient individually, from post-op to Iron Man, desk jockey to weekend warrior. She is certified in Activity Coaching through the Washington State L&I PGAP Program. She is currently working towards a certification as a manual therapist and is always exploring ongoing education opportunities. Mary Frances is ready to help her patients get moving and stay active. When she is away from her job, Mary Frances loves to travel to faraway places.
Prevent Back Pain and Mobility Restriction Before It Starts!
Do any of these statements apply to you?
- I have a job that requires me to sit at a desk.
- I struggle to find time to exercise regularly.
- I never learned proper lifting techniques.
- People frequently tell me I slouch.
If so, you may be at a higher risk of developing back pain. Several lifestyle factors can increase the likelihood of an injury leading to back pain. Fortunately, physical therapy at PTPro Physical Therapy is a great choice not only for resolving back pain but for stopping it before it even begins!
Three Simple Back Pain Prevention Tips
Tip 1: Exercise.
Tip 2: Minimize Sitting.
Tip 3: Ask for Help.
While these tips can get you started, the PTPro Physical Therapy physical therapists can help you develop a customized back pain prevention plan. We’ll help you identify any lifestyle factors that might put you at risk of developing back pain and then work with you to address them.
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Fresh, flavorful, and light, this Mediterranean Chicken Salad is the perfect springtime meal that makes healthy eating feel effortless. Packed with bright ingredients and satisfying protein, it’s ideal for enjoying warmer days and staying energized.
Enjoy This Healthy Recipe!
Mediterranean Chicken Salad
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp snipped fresh mint
- 2 tbsp snipped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 5 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 2 cups cut-up cooked chicken breast
- 2 plum tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans
- 2 tbsp pitted Kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
- 6 Whole kalamata olives
In a screw-top jar, combine lemon juice, mint, basil, olive oil, honey, and black pepper to make dressing. Cover and shake well. Place lettuce on a large platter. Top with chicken, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, the quartered olives (if using), and feta cheese. Drizzle with dressing. If desired, garnish individual servings with whole olives.
Get Outdoors and Have Some Fun
With the warmer weather and longer days, getting outdoors is perfect for enjoying recreational activities. Here are some great ways to integrate outdoor activities into your weekly regimen:
- Pickleball for Agility: This fun and social sport improves balance and coordination. It’s low-impact, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
- Golf for Mobility: Golfing is a great way to enhance mobility, especially in the hips and torso. It’s also a good walk, offering cardiovascular benefits.
- Walking for Endurance: Regular walks can significantly boost cardiovascular health and lower body strength, whether in a park or around your neighborhood.
Always listen to your body and consult your PTPro Physical Therapy team to tailor these activities to your needs!
April is your opportunity to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and take a step towards better health!
April Word Scramble
olofs
rwhesso
sutpli
aiprodsnr
tlaeacprilr
angrde
Answer Key
fools
showers
tulips
raindrops
caterpillar
garden
Our Patients Get Great Results
“Living in a place with 5 PT clinics around me, I will drive 30 minutes to this place. The staff at PTPro is incredible, from the front desk to the physical therapists. Not only did they treat my pain, but they also taught me how to improve what I needed in order to prevent the pain from coming back. I cannot recommend this place enough.”
-Valeria O
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Love your experience with PTPro? Leave us a review and help others in our community discover the care and support you enjoyed. Your feedback means the world to us and helps us continue spreading the love!
