Topic Overview
The purpose of physical therapy is to decrease pain and allow you to
continue daily activities. Physical therapy can reduce pain in the soft tissues
(such as the muscles, ligaments, and tendons), improve function, and build
muscle strength. A
provides these treatments and will
also provide education, instruction, and support for recovery.
Physical therapy techniques for
may include:
- Stretching, to reduce stress on
joints.
- Education, to help you improve and maintain your
posture.
- Exercise, to strengthen muscles.
- Manual
therapy, including massage, to improve or maintain range of motion.
- Heat therapy, to improve blood circulation to the muscles and
other soft tissues.
- Ice therapy, to reduce swelling and relieve
pain.
- Cycling and limited walking, to promote good physical
conditioning.
- Water exercises, to allow your body to exercise
without pressure on the spine.
Your health professional and/or physical therapist will design a
program specific to your normal level of activity, physical fitness, and
severity of pain and disease activity.