People who suffer from back pain often turn to physical therapy as their first line of treatment. While there are many different types of physical therapy available, many of them involve using tools to help improve your back health. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best physical therapy tools for back pain and how they can help you recover faster.
Types of Back Physical Therapy
There are many types of physical therapy tools that can be used to help treat back pain. These tools can be used individually or in combination, and vary depending on the person’s specific needs. Some popular physical therapy tools for back pain include:
–Heat pads: Heating pads are often used to treat back pain by relieving inflammation and pain. Heating pads can be placed on the back, neck, or legs, and should be warmed before use.
–Massage tools: Massage tools can be used to provide relief from back pain by massaging different areas of the back. Common massage tools include hand-held devices, elbow-length massage gloves, and rolling balls.
–Stretching: Stretching is an important part of physical therapy for back pain because it helps to improve flexibility and movement. Stretching exercises should be performed slowly and carefully to avoid aggravating the back injury.
–Exercises: Exercises can be used to improve strength and stability in the back. Exercises that are often recommended for back pain include back extensions, crunches, and planks.
–Physical therapy exercises: Physical therapy exercises can be performed at home to improve back function. These exercises can be performed with or without the help of a physical therapist.
–Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is often used to treat back pain. CBT may help patients identify and change unhealthy behaviors that contribute to their back pain.
Tools Used in Back Physical Therapy
There are many different tools that physical therapists use in their work with back patients. Some common tools include:
-A spinal cord stimulator, is a small device that sends an electrical current through the spinal cord to help relieve pain and inflammation.
-A mobilization strap, is a band used to stretch and move the spine around in different directions.
-A massage therapist, can use pressure and massage to help alleviate pain and tension in the back.
-A compression garment, is a piece of clothing worn over the skin that helps to compress and increase blood flow to injured areas.
-A hot pack, is a bag filled with hot water and placed on the back for short periods of time to help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
-A cold pack, is a bag filled with cold water and placed on the back for short periods of time to help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
-A back brace, is a device worn on the back that helps to support the spine.
-A back pillow, is a pillow that is placed on the back to support the spine.
-A traction device, is a device that applies pressure to the back to help stretch and loosen muscles.
Benefits of Back Physical Therapy
Your physical therapist may have a variety of tools to help reduce and ease back pain from certain solutions. Below is a list of the top five best physical therapy tools for pain relief:
-Treatment Tables: Treatment tables are often used in combination with other physical therapy techniques, such as heat and ice, to help improve back pain symptoms. Treatment tables can be used to support the body while patients perform exercises, which can help improve posture and reduce back pain.
-Massage Balls: Massage balls are also often used in combination with other physical therapy techniques, such as heat and ice, to help improve back pain symptoms. Massage balls can be filled with different substances, including oils and salts, which can help ease inflammation and reduce pain.
-Rocks: Rocks have long been known for their ability to provide relief from back pain. Studies have shown that rocks can help improve range of motion and provide relief from nerve compression. Rocks also work to relieve tension in the muscles and tendons around the spine.
-Exercises: Exercises can be used to improve back pain function and posture. Exercises that focus on the lower back, such as seated squats and hip rotations, can help to improve spinal alignment and reduce back pain. Other exercises that can be performed include core strengthening exercises, agility drills, and balance exercises.
-Heat Therapy: Heat therapy is often used in combination with other physical therapy techniques, such as massage balls and rocks, to help improve back pain symptoms. Heat therapy can help increase blood flow to the area of pain, which can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Conclusion
If you’re a physical therapist working with patients who experience back pain, then you know that finding the right tools can make a huge difference in your treatment. In this article, we’ve highlighted some of the best physical therapy tools for back pain, including exercises and devices that can help to relieve pressure on the spine and improve range of motion. Hopefully, by reading this article you’ll be able to find the tools you need to provide effective treatment for your patients.