Back and Spine Physical Therapy

Physical therapy (PT) is an effective treatment option for many back and spine conditions. In some cases, back and spine PT can reduce or eliminate the need for more invasive treatments and help people avoid surgery.

At UPMC, we have physical therapists with advanced training and certifications who are experts in spine rehabilitation. They can define and address the true cause of your back pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to improve mobility, manage symptoms, and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Find the Right Care For You

What Is Back and Spine Physical Therapy?

Back and spine physical therapy is a noninvasive treatment that combines exercise, stretching, massage, heat/cold therapy, and electrical stimulation to manage and treat pain and other symptoms of back and spine conditions.

The goal of back and spine physical therapy is to provide personalized care that:

• Addresses the cause of your back pain.
• Improves mobility.
• Manages symptoms.
• Reduces the risk of recurrence.

What Back and Spine Conditions Do We Treat?

Depending on your doctor’s recommendation, back and spine physical therapy may be an option for people with: 

• Back or neck pain. 
• Compressed (pinched) spinal nerves. 
• Disc disorders, including herniated or bulging discs. 
• Pain (or for recovery) after back surgery. 
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction. 
• Sciatica. 
• Scoliosis (learn more about the Schroth Method). 
• Spinal stenosis. 
• Spondylolisthesis.

Who Is Eligible for Back and Spine Physical Therapy?

You may be eligible for back and spine physical therapy if you have back and spine pain or other symptoms that may be improved with nonsurgical treatment.

What Back and Spine Physical Therapy Services Do You Offer?

Our physical therapists who specialize in care of the back and spine will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your condition, goals, preferences, and care needs.  

Your treatment plan may include:

• Body mechanics and posture correction — Your physical therapist will teach you proper body mechanics and posture when sitting, standing, bending, walking, and lifting.
• Electrical stimulation — Electrical stimulation treats pain and injury by delivering electrical pulses through electrodes placed on your skin. 
• Exercise — Our physical therapists may recommend various types of exercise, including aquatic (water) physical therapy, core strengthening and stabilization, resistance training, stretching and flexibility, and body weight exercises. In addition to supervised exercise during your physical therapy appointment, you may learn exercises to do at home.
• Heat/cold therapy — Applying heat or ice may reduce swelling or promote healing after a back injury.
• Joint mobilization (manual therapy) — Specific movement techniques to restore painless motion and reduce pressure on your spinal discs and joints.
• Massage — Your physical therapist may use massage to relieve muscle pain, stiffness, and tension.

What Can I Expect?

Before: How to prepare for back and spine physical therapy

Before your physical therapy visit, your doctor will conduct a physical exam. They may also order tests, such as:

• CT scan — Creates images of the bones, discs, nerves, and tissues.
• MRI — Produces detailed images of organs and structures within your body.
• X-ray — Gives your doctor more details about your bones and tissues.

Based on the results of your exam and imaging tests, your doctor may be able to make a diagnosis and recommend treatment with physical therapy.

Your doctor may also be able to send your medical records electronically and a prescription for PT to your physical therapist before your first visit.

During back and spine physical therapy

During your initial PT visit, your physical therapist will do the following:

• Review your medical records and ask questions about your overall health.
• Ask questions about your back and spine condition and symptoms.
• Perform a physical exam and test your mobility, strength, and flexibility.
• Develop a treatment plan for your condition.

During your second visit and beyond, your physical therapist or their physical therapy assistant will guide you through the different steps in your treatment plan. This plan may include supervised exercise, massage, electrical stimulation, heat/cold therapy, joint mobilization, or other therapeutic techniques.

Your physical therapist will perform “tests” every few days or weeks to see if your mobility, strength, flexibility, and symptoms improve. They may also ask you to rate how you feel compared to when you started treatment.

After back and spine physical therapy

After you are discharged from back and spine PT, your physical therapist will provide you with a home exercise plan. You can maintain your strength and mobility — and reduce your risk of recurrence — by following this exercise program at home.

Why Choose UPMC for Back and Spine Physical Therapy?

Back and spine physical therapy can provide effective, noninvasive treatment for a range of back and spine conditions, helping people avoid more invasive treatments or surgery.

From diagnosis through treatment and recovery, our team uses advanced treatments and evidence-based techniques to promote safer care, improved outcomes, and enhanced quality of life.