Spinal stenosis can often be managed through physical therapy without the need for surgical intervention. If you require surgery, upon your initial evaluation at Elite Physical therapy, your physical therapist will educate you on your physician’s protocol for recovery.
Following your evaluation, your physical therapy team will develop and guide you through an individualized exercise program. This exercise program will be geared specifically to you and your limitations and pain patterns. These exercises will help improve your ROM post op and start to strengthen weak muscles around the cervical or lumbar spine and to promote healing. You will also be evaluated for any abnormal gait patterns and hip weakness that can directly affect your function and ADLs. Some exercises that you may be asked to perform during your physical therapy treatments are as follows:
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- Isometric abdominal exercises
- Gluteal squeeze progressing to bridges to engage your gluteal muscles
- Hamstring stretches to increase flexibility and tissue extensibility
- Upper trap stretch
- Levator stretch
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As part of your physical therapy intervention, your PT or PTA may find it necessary to perform manual interventions to help manage muscle tightness, spasms and pain. Our physical therapy team will also integrate a number of modalities to decrease pain and inflammation in the spine. These modalities include such treatments as: interferential electrical stimulation, cold packs, moist heat, therapeutic ultrasound, and traction (if applicable). Dry Needling can also be used to help decrease a chronic pain pattern if you meet the criteria determined by your physical therapist.
If you are experiencing any kind of back pain or have been diagnosed with Sciatica, contact us for a free consultation. To request an appointment, click here, or call directly to one of our three locations during regular business hours:
Cool Springs: 615-224-9810
Shelbyville: 931-684-0027
Spring Hill: 931-489-2022
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is intended to be informational only, and is not intended to be used in lieu of medical care. Consult a doctor or a physical therapist before attempting treatment on your own.
