Say Goodbye To Your Back Pain
Here’s a fact about back pain that may bring you some comfort: it’s one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in the world. Around 80% of people will have back pain at least once. So, if you’re suffering now, you probably aren’t the only one!
Of course, that thought does little to help if your back pain keeps you from performing day-to-day activities — as it often does. Back pain is often accompanied by mobility restrictions that make walking, rising from sitting, or bending over difficult. And if left untreated, it can sometimes lead to long-term pain and dysfunction.
At Prevail Physical Therapy, we know how debilitating back pain can be. Our team of dedicated physical therapists will help you understand the cause or causes of your back pain and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that will let you get back to the activities you love to do.
Call our clinic today to set up your initial consultation!
What Causes Back Pain?
One of the reasons that back pain is so common is that it’s associated with several different injuries, underlying conditions, or lifestyle factors. That said, most back pain is non-specific, meaning it’s not caused by a specific disease or specific structural problem, but caused by mechanical issues. Mechanical issues are difficult to pinpoint and may include multiple tissues in and around the spinal joints.
The first step in treating your back pain is understanding what’s contributing to it. Our therapists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to help us learn as much as possible about your experience with back pain, including screening for any mobility limitations or weakness you’re struggling with.
Here are some of the more common sources of back pain that we see at our clinic:
1.Strains and Sprains: A strain occurs when you injure the muscles in your back. A sprain occurs when you injure the ligaments that link your spinal vertebrae. Both can cause pain and limited mobility, and they often result from lifting with improper form (such as twisting while lifting) or attempting to lift something too heavy.
2.Herniated Discs: Soft, flexible discs separate and cushion your spinal vertebrae. If one of those discs herniates — that is protrudes out — and irritates a nearby nerve, it can lead to intense pain, feeling “stuck” in a stooped over position, and often pain down the leg known as sciatica.
3.Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the world, occurring when the cartilage and bone tissue in a joint degenerate and become inflamed. While we often associate it with the hips, knees, or hands, it can occur in the spine, too. Spinal osteoarthritis is sometimes called spondylosis.
4.Lifestyle Factors: Several factors can contribute to lower back pain, including improper posture, prolonged sitting, or weakness in the muscles that wrap and support your spine (your core muscles).
Why Physical Therapy at Prevail Physical Therapy Is Your Back Pain Solution
While back pain often resolves on its own within 1-3 months, physical therapy is an excellent choice for people with particularly intense pain or extremely restrictive mobility. It’s also useful for people with chronic back pain — defined as pain that lingers past that three-month mark.
We customize all our back pain treatment plans according to your specific needs: the location and severity of your back pain, any mobility restrictions, your ability level, and overall goals. We’ll work to address the underlying issues causing your pain rather than simply masking the symptoms.
How will we do this? Through a blend of the following techniques:
Manual therapy helps manage pain, promote blood circulation, and improve mobility.
A personalized therapeutic exercise plan improves the strength, flexibility, and endurance of your back and core muscles. Muscle weakness significantly contributes to lower back pain, so exercise is a must.
Specialized training, such as proper techniques and activities that simulate functional movements you’ll need to perform (i.e., squats, lunges, lifting, etc.).
Prevention strategies help reduce future back pain incidents. These strategies might include postural corrections or suggestions for at-home exercises, such as a walking program or regular strength and mobility practice.
Get Moving Again with Physical Therapy!
Back pain is more than just pain. It can severely restrict your mobility, leading to less exercise and movement, further contributing to pain and dysfunction. The Prevail Physical Therapy team is here to help you break that cycle and find relief from back pain for good.
Call us today to schedule an appointment!
Come Back to Physical Therapy at Prevail!
Feeling pain or slowed down? Come back to Prevail Physical Therapy for a personalized plan to get you strong, pain-free, and moving again!
4 Leaf Raking Tips
For many of us, autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year. There’s nothing like the cool refreshing air and breathtaking fall foliage. However, with the changing of the seasons comes a chore that we all dread– raking leaves.
Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to make raking the leaves more enjoyable. If you need help with your follow through on this chore, keep reading!
1. If you can, rake downhill
Raking leaves is hard enough without having to go against gravity. Make this process a little easier on yourself by raking downhill.
2. Pull the leaves towards you as you rake
This technique helps keep stress off your back and prevents injury. For extra preventative measures, tighten your abdominal muscles as you move.
3. Divide your lawn into sections
If you’re dealing with a huge lawn, don’t overdo it by trying to tackle all the space in one day. Instead, divide your lawn into smaller, more manageable sections and spread the work out over a couple days.
4. Wear the proper clothes
To prevent blisters or bug bites, it’s important to wear long sleeves and long pants while raking. It’s also a good idea to invest in a pair of strong gloves to protect your hands while you work.
Our Patients Get Great Results
“I cannot say enough good about Bruk Ballenger and the care I have received at Prevail Physical Therapy. I have had back pain on and off for a number of years and seen quite a few practitioners. Far and away, Bruk is the most knowledgeable and helpful. He actually listens when I am describing symptoms. He does thorough research when prescribing exercises. He watches when I am trying something new and offers thoughtful form corrections when needed so that I can work independently at home. He has shown me stretches and mobility and strength exercises that I had never done before that are key to my recovery. He is patient and I feel “seen.” I believe he cares about my wellness and that makes all the difference.”
– Deb P.
Do you have a family insurance plan or HSA?
Have you had surgery this year?
Have you used your insurance more than usual?
If you answered YES, you are more likely to have met your insurance deductible for the year and have a $0 balance remaining in your out-of-pocket expenses. This means the cost of physical therapy could be minimal or even completely covered by your insurance plan. Now is the time to come in for physical therapy! Are you feeling aches and pains? Let us help you get a head start on a pain-free 2025.
Call us today! We’ll guide you to affordable treatments for pain relief.
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Had a great experience at Prevail Physical Therapy? We’d love to hear from you! Share your review and help others discover the care and support we offer.
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Quick & Easy Healthy Recipe
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Directions:
In a 5-to-6 quart slow cooker, whisk together chicken broth, pumpkin purée, ground cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Add ground turkey, separated, and mix to combine. Fold in the onion, garlic cloves, green chiles, and white beans, and cook, covered, until the turkey is cooked through, 4 to 5 hours on high or 6 to 7 hours on low. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, radishes, and cilantro, if desired.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can pumpkin purée
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans green chiles
- 2 cans white beans
- sour cream
- shredded cheese (try sharp cheddar for an extra bite)
- sliced radishes
- fresh cilantro leaves
Thank You for Subscribing to Prevail Physical Therapy
Refer a Friend
Our purpose at Prevail Physical Therapy is to leave a greater impact on the community around us. In order to achieve our goal we want to change as many lives as possible as we become a beacon of positivity in our community.
Meet Our Team
Bruk Ballenger
PT, DPT
Sam Kidder
PT, DPT
Rachel Krieder
PT, DPT
Keagan Tice
PT, DPT
Adam Waggoner
PT, DPT
Stephanie Dunagan
Office Manager
Vanessa N.
Client Services Coordinator
