Lower back pain is a problem that many people experience on a daily basis. In fact, research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that up to 80% of adults will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. Pain in this area can be the result of many factors. However, physical therapy-based lower back pain treatment can be used to treat many of these factors. There are two physical therapy methods in particular that are often used to treat this form of pain.

1. Dry needling

Dry needling is a type of physical therapy commonly used for lower back pain treatment. This therapy uses thin needles that many people may associate with acupuncture. However, dry needling is based on modern Western medical science rather than the ancient Chinese practices acupuncture is based on.

Using this technique, a physical therapist can reach tense muscles that other therapy methods can’t reach. For instance, tension can build up at certain points in the muscles, and these areas of tension are also known as trigger points. The thin needles used in dry needling are an effective way for a therapist to release the tension from these trigger points. This may help to reduce the pain you’re feeling in your lower back.

2. Aquatic therapy

Another physical therapy method that’s often used in lower back pain treatment plans is aquatic therapy. Patients may also hear this therapy method referred to as water therapy or aquatic rehab, and this technique takes advantage of the natural characteristics of water.

For example, water has the ability to make things float, which is also called buoyancy. This natural buoyancy helps reduce the effects of gravity on your back, and this ability allows your spine to decompress. In turn, this decompression may decrease the pressure placed on spinal nerves, which is one reason you may be feeling back pain.

Rehab Access wants to help you find great lower back pain treatment

Since 1999, our Rehab Access team has been helping patients in Belle Chasse and Gretna, Louisiana, find the physical therapy they need. Our team has helped many patients find effective treatment plans for lower back pain. Our treatment plans are personalized to the needs of each individual patient, and they may include many evidence-based physical therapy techniques, such as dry needling and aquatic therapy.

Take the next step to find relief from your lower back pain at Rehab Access. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.