Physical Therapy Services
Back Pain
Finding which structure in the back is producing the symptoms.
Back Pain
Back pain can come from the joints of the spine, the discs, the surrounding muscles and fascia, or from structures referring symptoms into the back from elsewhere. The examination is what separates them. We assess how the spine and hips move together before treating, then combine hands-on work with the exercise needed to hold the change.
How It Works
How we assess and treat back pain
The examination establishes which structures are involved: the joints of the spine, the discs, the surrounding muscle and fascia, or the hips and pelvis, which load the low back with every step. Your therapist tests movement, watches how you load the spine, and looks for what reproduces your symptoms.
Treatment combines hands-on work with graded movement and strengthening. Which leads depends on what limits you, and it is reviewed as your presentation changes rather than fixed at the first visit.
What It Addresses
What back treatment addresses
Back treatment here is used to address presentations like these. What is driving yours is established at the evaluation.
- Low back pain with bending, lifting, sitting or standing for long periods
- Stiffness and restricted movement through the spine
- Back pain that recurs after activity or after periods of sitting
- Back symptoms being assessed alongside the hips and pelvis
- Returning to lifting, sport or gym work after a back problem
What to Expect
One-on-one care, built around you
Your care begins with a one-on-one evaluation. Rather than focusing on the symptoms alone, we establish a cause and effect relationship through accurate palpation and assessment of the body, then build a rehabilitation program customized to your individual needs.
- A history, then examination of the spine along with the hips and pelvis, because they load the back together.
- An explanation of what was found and what it means for what you should and should not be doing right now.
- Hands-on treatment where the findings support it, paired with specific exercise.
- A home program, reviewed and progressed at follow-up visits.
Common Questions
Questions we are asked about Back Pain
- Do I need an MRI or an X-ray first?
- Not necessarily. Many back problems can be assessed by history and examination. Bring any imaging you already have, and if the examination suggests imaging or a physician opinion is warranted, we will tell you.
- Should I rest or keep moving?
- That is one of the first things your therapist will answer for your specific back. Complete rest and pushing through are usually both the wrong end of the range.
- Is it safe to exercise with back pain?
- Exercise is prescribed at a level intended to be tolerable, and your therapist will tell you what sensation is expected and what is a reason to stop.
- Do I need a referral, and is it covered?
- We accept major insurance providers, but coverage for back treatment varies by plan, and some plans ask for a physician's referral or prescription while others do not. Call (212) 922-0044 before your first visit and we will confirm your coverage and tell you what, if anything, you need to bring.
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