Page 11 - Senior Times South Central Michigan February 2021 - 28-02
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Senior Times - February 2021 Page 11
SUFFERING FROM BACK PAIN? PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP
By: Colton Omler and Shraddha Patel, Physical Therapists, Bronson Rehabilitation Services
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, back pain is the most common type of pain reported by patients. Back pain can make everyday tasks challenging and can negatively affect your quality of life.
fluids trapped in the tissues that cause pain
Whether your pain has occurred suddenly or it has been a chronic problem, physical therapy is a safe and effective research- based approach to treat back pain and help you return to the life you enjoy.
age range of motion, reduce muscle spasms, and prevent muscles from shrink- ing from lack of use.
How effective is physical therapy for back pain? Physical therapy can help restore the health of your back and spine while improving mobility and reducing pain.
symptoms or you do not have a primary care provider you can see a physical therapist in Michigan without a physician referral for
10 visits or 21 days, whichever comes first. Make sure to contact your insurance pro- vider to see if this direct access is a covered benefit in your plan.
• Stabilization exercises: Movements designed to strengthen muscles to support the spine and help prevent lower back pain.
You will also receive education and resources to help you continue to heal at home and prevent future injuries to your back. Your physical therapist may recom- mend lifestyle changes, such as improving your posture, wearing supportive shoes and avoiding repetitive movements at work, to improve the health of your back.
The goal of physical therapy is to give you full relief from your back pain so
you can resume your normal activities. In some cases, physical therapy can reduce pain in just a few sessions.
When will my back start to feel better?
and inflammation.
• Flexibility exercises: Stretches to encour-
Studies suggest that early access to phys- ical therapy may help you avoid more inva- sive medical diagnostics and interventions, and reduce your out of pocket healthcare costs. It is also a covered benefit by most insurance carriers.
What can I expect when I go to physi- cal therapy? Physical therapy begins with a 45-minute evaluation. Your physical ther- apist will study the way you move and help determine the primary source of your pain. Then, you will work with your therapist to develop an individualized treatment plan that is designed to reduce your pain and restore the function of your back.
In most cases, full recovery from back pain takes two to eight weeks of physical therapy. However, this can vary based on your indi- vidual health.
Do I need a referral from a doctor
for physical therapy? It is recommended that your physical therapy plan of care be a collaborative approach with your primary care provider. This is particularly import- ant if you notice any red-flag symptoms in addition to your back pain, including bowel or bladder dysfunctions, a significant loss of strength in the lower legs or numbness across the pelvis area.
Your treatment begins at your first appointment. Treatment methods may include:
• Spinal mobilization: Gentle, controlled
Connected care – The health of your back and spine is an important part of your overall health. At Bronson Rehabilitation Services, we can communicate with your doctor through one electronic medical record. We believe a team approach gives you the care you need in a timely manner.
However, if you do not have red-flag
applying pressure to break up rigid muscle tissue, relax muscle tension, and move
movements that stretch and relax the mus-
Find relief from back pain. If you are experiencing back pain, talk with your pro- vider or contact Bronson Rehabil-itation Services in Battle Creek at (269) 245-8125 to make an appointment with a physical therapist. You can also request an appoint- ment online at bronsonhealth.com/rehab.
cles between the vertebrae.
• Soft tissue mobilization: Stretching and
Now More Than Ever, Safety Matters!
Generations of families have put their trust in Bronson Battle Creek, and our teams are dedicated to continuing to earn that trust by delivering care to the highest standards.
During this pandemic, you’ll find us working even harder to go above and beyond to care for you and those you love. That’s why we are especially proud to be recognized with an “A” grade from the Leapfrog Group for being one of the safest hospitals in America.
Quality. Safety. Compassion. Commitment to community. Every day in every way, we are here for you.
bronsonhealth.com