Is the source of your low back pain a mystery? You’re not alone: Nine out of 10 patients don’t know the primary cause of it either.
The problem is that most people seek treatment after they’ve begun exhibiting symptoms. While this may seem logical on the surface, we’re here to tell you that there’s a better way.
The key is to go to a physical therapist before you begin to see the signs and symptoms of back pain. I’m sure that right about now you’re asking, “Why would I do that?” One, because physical therapists are trained to recognize the physical dysfunctions that may one day lead to back issues.
And two, because eight out of 10 Americans suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives, so the chances are good that you could become a statistic one day.
Seeing a physical therapist on an annual basis is one of the most effective ways to prevent pain from occurring in the first place. Doesn’t that sound like the better alternative? Great, now that you’re on board, let’s talk about what you can expect during that annual physical therapy appointment.
The first time you go, your physical therapist will collect a complete picture of your medical history. During subsequent visits, it’ll be important to update your physical therapist about any changes to your health during the previous 12 months, but it won’t be necessary to review your entire medical history again.
Next, your physical therapist will perform an examination using a variety of tests and measures including a movement screen. A movement screen is a screening tool that’s designed to identify imbalances in your mobility and stability that may contribute to limited function or other impairments.
This gives your PT the ability to see how your back, hips, core, shoulders, knees and ankles perform during a series of carefully selected exercises.
The information gathered during an examination helps your physical therapist to identify changes from one year to the next, a critical step in assessing your risk for back pain and a host of other debilitating conditions. If a problem is identified early enough, then your physical therapist is better equipped to discuss preventive measures instead of designing a treatment plan.
And that’s how you identify the root cause of back pain and derail issues before they even begin. Mystery solved.
Here at North Boulder PT, we use the most advanced equipment and techniques to keep your back and your entire body in optimal shape. While we provide many types of therapy and rehabilitation services, we can also help you prevent pain and injuries in the first place.
To learn more about how we can assist you, please call the nearest North Boulder Physical Therapy location near you. We have two offices in Boulder, as well as Golden and Westminster. Compared to other PT groups, we work with more insurance companies, including Medicare.
Get in touch today – next day appointments are often available!