Physical Therapy
Back Pain
The most common complaint we treat — and one of the most responsive to the right program.
Understanding This Condition
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physical therapy, and it almost always reflects a breakdown in how the entire system functions — the hips, core, and spine working together. When one part fails, the low back absorbs forces it was not designed to handle alone.
Disc bulges and herniations are common findings on imaging, but they rarely tell the whole story — most low back pain, even with a disc finding present, responds well to the right conservative program.
What Causes It
- Weak or poorly activated core and hip musculature
- Prolonged sitting and sedentary posture
- Lifting with poor mechanics
- Disc bulges or herniations from acute or repetitive load
- Muscle strain from sudden movement or overuse
Signs & Symptoms
- Dull, aching pain or sharp pain with specific movements
- Stiffness that's worse first thing in the morning
- Pain with bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting
- Muscle spasm or tightness across the low back
- Occasional pain referring into the hip or upper leg
How We Evaluate It
We assess the spine, hips, and core together — testing joint mobility, hip and core strength, and movement patterns during functional tasks like bending, squatting, and lifting to identify exactly where the system is breaking down.
Our Treatment Approach
We treat back pain by restoring the whole system rather than chasing the painful segment in isolation.
- Core and hip strengthening to rebuild the support system the low back depends on
- Movement pattern correction so the low back stops absorbing work that isn't its job
- Manual therapy to address restriction and guarding
- A progressive return-to-activity plan matched to your goals
What to Expect
Many patients experience meaningful relief within the first several visits, with continued improvement as strength and movement control are rebuilt over several weeks.
The path to lasting recovery is consistent: restore movement, restore balance, and rebuild the capacity of the whole system around the spine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an MRI before starting physical therapy?
Not usually — most low back pain can be evaluated and treated clinically, with imaging reserved for cases with red-flag symptoms or that aren't responding as expected.
Is bed rest a good idea for back pain?
Generally no — appropriate movement, guided correctly, almost always outperforms rest alone.
Will I need physical therapy forever?
Most patients don't — once the underlying weakness and movement pattern are corrected, the goal is a back that can handle normal life demands without ongoing management.
A disc finding on a scan is common, and common is not the same as career-ending. Most back pain responds very well to the right program.
Confidential · No Pressure · Coordinated Care
Start today. Walk-ins welcome.
Call us, send a message, or just come by the clinic. Same-day appointments are available, and our team will meet you without judgment.
1010 E McDowell Rd, Suite 410, Phoenix, AZ 85006 · Open until 7 PM Wednesdays