Back pain can disrupt your daily life, making even simple activities seem insurmountable. This is especially true if osteoarthritis (OA) is the root of your pain, as OA is a chronic condition with no cure. But there is hope!
While you can’t cure OA, you can manage your symptoms–and physical therapy at Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy ensures you don’t have to do so alone. In fact, we recently helped a patient, Tom, manage his osteoarthritis symptoms so he could live a rich, full life. We want to share Tom’s story to give some insight into all that physical therapy can do to help.
The Link Between Tom’s Osteoarthritis and His Back Pain
Tom (not his real name) was in his mid-50s when he developed osteoarthritis in his lower back. The cartilage cushioning his spinal joints had worn down, leading to several symptoms:
- Painful inflammation around the vertebrae
- Back stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Pressure on surrounding nerves, which caused pain to radiate through his back and into his legs
As you might expect, this blend of symptoms made movement difficult for Tom. He even struggled to get a full night’s sleep! Despite trying over-the-counter pain medications and rest, his symptoms persisted, prompting him to seek help from the team at Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy
How Physical Therapy Helped Tom Manage His Pain
We started with a comprehensive assessment that evaluated Tom’s pain levels, health history, and movement patterns. Using this information, we created a customized treatment program to help Tom manage his spinal osteoarthritis. Here’s what we included:
Hands-On Therapy to Improve Mobility
Manual therapy played a key role in Tom’s recovery. Techniques such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilization helped to reduce muscle tension around his spine, improve his spinal alignment, and enhance his overall range of motion.
After each session, Tom noticed significant reductions in stiffness and a greater ability to move freely. Manual therapy also helped him perform his prescribed exercises, which were a key part of his treatment.
Personalized Exercises for Pain Relief and Strength
Exercise is one of the best ways to manage osteoarthritis. We created a customized exercise program designed to reduce pain and build strength. These exercises were gradually increased in intensity as Tom’s strength improved, ensuring steady progress without causing discomfort.
Here are just a few of the exercises we included:
Core Strengthening
- Exercises like modified planks and pelvic tilts helped stabilize Tom’s spine and relieve pressure on his lower back.
Mobility Exercises
- Gentle stretches improved mobility and reduced stiffness in his lumbar region.
Low-Impact Aerobic Activity
- Walking on a treadmill and water-based exercises enhanced circulation and reduced inflammation.
Education and Lifestyle Adjustments
However, as physical therapists, we didn’t just want to mask Tom’s symptoms–we wanted to provide him with the tools to manage his OA on his own. To that end, we provided him with some helpful tips, such as the following:
- Proper posture techniques to reduce strain on his back during daily activities
- Ergonomic adjustments for his workspace and home environment
- Tips for managing flare-ups, such as applying heat or ice packs
With these lifestyle adjustments, Tom could confidently manage his condition outside of therapy sessions.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You don’t have to let osteoarthritis-related back pain control your life. At Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy, our experienced therapists specialize in creating personalized treatment plans to help you find relief and improve your quality of life. Contact our Broomall, PA, and Springfield, PA clinics to get started!
