few, in order to achieve their
goal.
For instance, just some of the
modalities that they may use include
iontophoresis, TENS units,
and ice or heat packs. The physical
therapist will also likely perform
an ultrasound to clearly
identify the root cause or source
of the patient’s back pain. Interestingly,
the term passive physical
therapy was coined because it
is a form of therapy that is actually
done or performed on the
patient.
Cold and Heat
Therapy
Cold and heat therapy is the most
commonly prescribed modality
and is designed to help reduce
back inflammation as well as
muscle spasms. Also, every patient
is different, so the physical
therapist will discuss their specific
needs thoroughly before
determining which course of
treatment will work best.
For example, some patients may
experience more relief from an
ice massage while others may
experience greater pain relief via
a form of heat therapy that incorporates
the use of heat packs. In
fact, both form may be alternated
in order to optimize results. In
addition, in most cases, they are
applied for roughly 15 minutes,
every 2 hours, and tend to be the
most effective during the first
few days of the patient’s back
pain episode.
Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis is a chronic back
pain modality that consists of
using steroids that are administered
through the patient’s skin.
To do so, the physical therapist
will first apply the steroid onto
the surface of the skin and then
administer a mild electrical current
in order to help mobilize or
migrate the steroid so that it penetrates
the epidermis. Furthermore,
the steroids that are used
are designed to reduce inflammation
in the primary area that is
causing the most back pain for
the patient.
Active
Physiotherapy
Active physical therapy essentially
consists of a combination
of exercises that are designed to
rehabilitate the spine of the patient
with back problems. For
instance, the physical therapist
may ask the patient to perform
stretching exercises on a routine
basis. In fact, most physiotherapists
agree that patients with
lower back pain should stretch
their hamstring muscles at least
once a day.
However, some patients may forget
to do them after some time,
especially if they only experience
a small amount of pain or
none whatsoever. The good news
is that patients can remember to
do them by getting into a daily
routine of one to two stretches
per day, and an added benefit of
hamstring exercises is that they
do not take a long time to perform,
so they can be easily be
incorporated into a patient's regular
fitness routine or regimen.
Strengthening
Exercises for the
Back
A physical therapist may recommend
that their patients perform
certain exercises every other day
in order to strengthen their back
muscles. For instance, they may
ask their patients to perform dynamic
lumbar stabilization exercises
for 15 minutes, every other
(Connued from page 39)
40—iPain Living Magazine