The Benefits of Stretching

Exercise and proper stretching of the hips, abdomen, legs and lower back is crucial in maintaining normal range of motion. Stretching and exercise provide relief to muscles that aren’t used due to inactivity, or muscles that spasm due to improper posture or nerve irritation. Try the “knees-to-chest” stretch at home to help alleviate lower back pain. Lie on your back with your knees bent, and feet flat on the floor. Raise your right knee towards your chest and interlock your fingers around your knee. You should feel a stretch throughout your lower back and hamstrings. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat with your left leg. 

Movement Control Exercises

With movement control exercises, the goal is to retrain the spine’s muscles to support and control the spine through various range of motion exercises and normal daily activities. Many patients with chronic and acute pain have adopted poor movement patterns or postures that play a large part in the consistent pain they are feeling. 

Manual Therapy 

The most effective combination in relieving non-specific lower back pain is the use of manual therapy and exercise. These techniques include joint and soft tissue mobilization, dry needling, passive stretching and Myofascial release- gentle pressure applied to the connective tissue. Once these techniques are performed, patients are able to move easier, with less pain and more confidence. Patients are able to return to daily activities with little recovery time.

Education

Above all, educating our patients at Crafted Physical Therapy is the best course of treatment. Education in movements, stretches and other in-office treatments can reduce fear in movement and largely assist in the healing and recovery process.