Lower back pain is a common and debilitating condition that many patients face, and as physical therapists, understanding how to best treat it is crucial.
In today’s clinical environment, a key question often asked is, “How do physical therapists treat lower back pain?” This inquiry is common, not only for clinicians but also for patients seeking answers.
In this blog post, we will explore how physical therapists (PTs) approach this complex issue.
Contributing to this article are Ashley Langford, PT, DPT, Director of Clinical Excellence at CORA, and Alex Guanco, PT, DPT, Director of Clinical Education at CORA. These two experts help shed light on how the evolving education of PT students impacts their treatment strategies.
What Are PT Students Learning About Lower Back Pain?
The treatment of lower back pain begins with foundational education in physical therapy school. With so much to teach, PT programs can only cover so much within a short period.
While students gain a broad understanding of common diagnoses, there’s much more to learn beyond the classroom.
In PT school, students are exposed to a variety of manual therapies and treatment modalities. Each school teaches its curriculum based on the expertise of its faculty. This means that students at different schools will learn an approach to treatment that is unique to the institution.
This variability in education leads to different styles and techniques being passed down to students. This influences how they approach lower back pain in the clinic.
So, how do physical therapists treat lower back pain once they’ve graduated?
The reality is that a lot of the learning happens after they enter the workforce. As Langford and Guanco point out, new PTs must navigate diverse patient presentations in real time.
Experience in the clinic allows PTs to refine their approach and discover what works best for each individual patient.
Tailoring Therapy to the Patient
One key takeaway from a Clinical Conversations episode with Ashley and Alex is that no two patients are the same. This is especially so when it comes to treating lower back pain.
“Regardless of how structured your training was, every person that walks through the door will throw you something different.”
Ashley Langford, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT,
Cert. DN, AIB-VR
Director of Clinical Excellence, CORA Institute for Clinical Excellence
These challenges mean that physical therapists must be adaptable and creative in their treatments.
An example that Guanco shared was with her own challenges as a shorter therapist. Alex often modifes her techniques for larger or differently shaped patients.
Often times, standard manual therapy techniques don’t work for her. As a result, she’s had to learn new ways to position herself and her patients to achieve the desired results.
Being an adaptable clinician is key when working with patients. What works for one person may not work for another.
This emphasis on personalization raises the question, how do physical therapists treat lower back pain in a way that’s tailored to everyone?
The answer lies in the flexibility to adjust based on the patient’s unique needs, body mechanics, and psychological factors.
Addressing the Psychology of Back Pain
While PT students receive rigorous training in the mechanics of the body, psychology has a smaller role in PT education. Yet, the mental and emotional state of a patient can deeply impact their experience of pain and recovery.
“We’re dealing with humans, and the complexities of their lives—whether it’s a mother who’s been carrying her child on one hip for years or a grandmother stressed by her living situation—can exacerbate or even cause lower back pain.”
Alexandra Guanco, PT, DPT, OCS, MCPT
Director of Clinical Education, CORA Physical Therapy
This psychological element is crucial for physical therapists to consider when developing treatment plans. It’s not just about moving joints and muscles. It’s about understanding the stressors and emotional challenges that may be contributing to the patient’s pain.
So, how do physical therapists treat lower back pain with this psychological component in mind?
This requires developing strong communication skills, showing empathy, and creating a supportive environment. This holistic approach can make a significant difference in the outcome of treatment.
Staying Current with Research and Continuing Education
The world of physical therapy is constantly changing. Continuing education plays a pivotal role in ensuring that clinicians are equipped with the latest techniques and knowledge.
For a variety of reasons, PT schools are not always up to date on their research. Continuing education courses, however, are designed to stay current with the latest research. This makes them essential for PTs who want to provide the best care for their patients.
But how do physical therapists treat lower back pain using the most up-to-date methods?
It’s important for clinicians to get a few months of experience in the clinic before diving into continuing education. This allows them to identify the knowledge gaps and understand what areas they need to improve upon. “You’re going to find out what you don’t know,” Guanco says. That’s where continuing education comes in to fill those gaps.
The Importance of Mentorship and Collaboration
Mentorship is another crucial aspect of learning how to treat lower back pain effectively.
Working alongside more experienced clinicians provides insights that may not be covered in school. It’s important for new graduates to seek out environments where they will be challenged and supported in their growth.
“Where you take your first job can make a big difference.”
Ashley Langford, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT,
Cert. DN, AIB-VR
Director of Clinical Excellence, CORA Institute for Clinical Excellence
Experienced clinicians, too, can learn from their younger colleagues.
The field of physical therapy is always evolving. Newer graduates often bring fresh perspectives and the latest knowledge to the table. This spirit of collaboration and mutual learning benefits both the clinicians and the patients they treat.
“Older clinicians shouldn’t be afraid to learn from newer clinicians.”
Alexandra Guanco, PT, DPT, OCS, MCPT
Director of Clinical Education, CORA Physical Therapy
Lifelong Learning for Optimal Lower Back Pain Treatment
In the end, how do physical therapists treat lower back pain in the most effective way?
The answer lies in a combination of education, personalization, understanding patient psychology, and a commitment to ongoing learning.
“The more you put into it, the more it pays back.”
Ashley Langford, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT,
Cert. DN, AIB-VR
Director of Clinical Excellence, CORA Institute for Clinical Excellence
For new graduates and seasoned clinicians, expanding your knowledge and techniques is essential for providing the best care.
By investing in the right areas, physical therapists can ensure they are always at the cutting edge of patient care.
