Back pain is something so many of us experience at some point in our lives, and it can be incredibly frustrating. Actually, up to 80% of people will deal with low back pain at some point! It can make simple things—like bending over to tie your shoes or getting a good night’s sleep—feel like a major challenge. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to just put up with it. With the right approach, you can take back control, feel better, and stay active for the long run.
Here are some simple ways physical therapy can help you take care of your back:
Start PT Early for the Best Results
Think you need to wait for imaging or see a physician first? Nope! The sooner you tackle back pain, the better. Research shows that starting physical therapy within the first 30 days of back pain leads to faster recovery, fewer doctor visits, and a much lower risk of needing opioids, injections, or surgery. Getting ahead of the pain means getting back to feeling like yourself—sooner!
Hands-On Care and Strengthening Provide Maximum Relief
The best way to relieve back pain? A mix of hands-on care and strengthening exercises. Manual therapy helps ease tension and improve mobility, while targeted exercises strengthen the muscles that support your spine. Together, they not only reduce pain but also help prevent it from coming back. And who better to provide both than a physical therapist?
Movement is Medicine
“I hurt my back, so I should just rest for a few days.” Nope! Gone are the days of bed rest for back pain. Staying active is actually one of the best things you can do. Guided exercises restore function, improve flexibility, and build strength—all essential for reducing pain and preventing stiffness. The right movement plan can make all the difference in how you feel.
Skip Medications and Unnecessary Imaging
“I need pain meds and an MRI to figure this out.” Not necessarily! Early physical therapy can significantly reduce the need for opioid prescriptions and prevent up to 89% of unnecessary MRIs and emergency visits. Instead of masking symptoms with medication or going through costly imaging, PT helps you tackle the root cause of your pain through movement and rehabilitation.
Long-Term Pain Prevention
Physical therapy isn’t just about treating pain—it’s about providing you with all the tools you need to handle all the factors that can affect your recovery. By finding the root cause of your symptoms while considering how sleep, stress, lifestyle, and nutrition impact your back, you can take charge of your health for the long term. A personalized PT plan helps you move better, feel better, and stay active for years to come.
You don’t have to let back pain control your life. With the right care, you can feel stronger, move better, and get back to doing what you love. Let’s start that journey together!

Alexandra Piotrowski
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