Physical Therapy for Spondylosis
Does your back hurt? Do you experience spinal stiffness, particularly during the early morning? Or is it painful to perform spinal joint movement? It is possible that you may be suffering from spondylosis. These are merely symptoms of Spondylosis and therefore, to get a definitive answer it is best you consult a doctor before reaching any conclusions.
So if you are suffering from lumbar spondylosis, professionals practising physical therapy in Edmonton would usually follow a structured approach as mentioned below. (It may vary depending on the condition.) Do not worry too much about the issue.
Passive treatment
Deep tissue massage
This technique targets spasms and chronic muscle tension that builds up through daily life stress. The therapist uses direct pressure and friction to release the tension in your soft tissues by massaging them (ligaments, tendons, muscles).
Hot and cold therapies
By using heat, the physical therapist seeks to get more blood to the target area because an increased blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to that area. Blood is also needed to remove waste byproducts created by muscle spasms. Cold therapy helps to slow circulation, helps reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain. You may have a cold pack placed upon the target area, or even be given an ice massage. The therapist will alternate between hot and cold.
Electrical stimulation
Electrical stimulation or e-stimulation is used in treatment for Spondylosis. It stimulates the muscles through variable, but safe intensities of electrical current. It helps reduce muscle spasms, and it may increase your body’s production of endorphins, your natural pain killers which eventually aids the process of healing.
Active treatment
When a physiotherapist recommends physical therapy exercises for lumbar spondylosis, the program may include exercises which would be of the following kind
Increase range of motion exercises
Performing these exercises will help you keep your joints moving properly. They can also help relieve stiffness and maintain or increase flexibility.
Exercises to increase strength
If spondylosis has affected your lower back (lumbar spine), you should work to strengthen back muscles as well as your core muscles (abs and obliques). Core muscles work like a “front anchor” for your spine, so if they’re strong, they take pressure off the spine.
Cardio
Increasing your heart rate is crucial for blood circulation. Get your heart rate up to an appropriate level by walking, biking, or swimming. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about it. You should do some sort of cardio workout 3 times a week.
To understand how the exercises are done you will need to consult a professional physiotherapist. A certified physiotherapist will help you in your treatment for spondylosis and also suggest the right kind of physical therapy exercises for lumbar spondylosis.
