Back Pain Slowing You Down? Physical Therapy Can Help!
Here’s a fact about back pain that may bring you some comfort: it’s one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in the world. Around 80% of people will have back pain at least once. So, if you’re suffering now, you probably aren’t the only one!
Of course, that thought does little to help if your back pain keeps you from performing day-to-day activities — as it often does. Back pain is often accompanied by mobility restrictions that make walking, rising from sitting, or bending over difficult. And if left untreated, it can sometimes lead to long-term pain and dysfunction.
At ReQuest Physical Therapy, we know how debilitating back pain can be. Our team of dedicated physical therapists will help you understand the cause or causes of your back pain and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that will let you get back to the activities you love to do.
Call our clinic today to set up your initial consultation!
What Causes Back Pain?
One of the reasons that back pain is so common is that it’s associated with several different injuries, underlying conditions, or lifestyle factors. That said, most back pain is non-specific, meaning it’s not caused by a specific disease or specific structural problem, but caused by mechanical issues. Mechanical issues are difficult to pinpoint and may include multiple tissues in and around the spinal joints.
The first step in treating your back pain is understanding what’s contributing to it. Our therapists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to help us learn as much as possible about your experience with back pain, including screening for any mobility limitations or weakness you’re struggling with.
Here are some of the more common sources of back pain that we see at our clinic:
Strains and Sprains:
A strain occurs when you injure the muscles in your back. A sprain occurs when you injure the ligaments that link your spinal vertebrae. Both can cause pain and limited mobility, and they often result from lifting with improper form (such as twisting while lifting) or attempting to lift something too heavy.
Herniated Discs:
Soft, flexible discs separate and cushion your spinal vertebrae. If one of those discs herniates — that is protrudes out — and irritates a nearby nerve, it can lead to intense pain, feeling “stuck” in a stooped over position, and often pain down the leg known as sciatica.
Osteoarthritis:
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the world, occurring when the cartilage and bone tissue in a joint degenerate and become inflamed. While we often associate it with the hips, knees, or hands, it can occur in the spine, too. Spinal osteoarthritis is sometimes called spondylosis.
Lifestyle Factors:
Several factors can contribute to lower back pain, including improper posture, prolonged sitting, or weakness in the muscles that wrap and support your spine (your core muscles).
Why Physical Therapy at ReQuest Physical Therapy Is Your Back Pain Solution
While back pain often resolves on its own within 1-3 months, physical therapy is an excellent choice for people with particularly intense pain or extremely restrictive mobility. It’s also useful for people with chronic back pain — defined as pain that lingers past that three-month mark.
We customize all our back pain treatment plans according to your specific needs: the location and severity of your back pain, any mobility restrictions, your ability level, and overall goals. We’ll work to address the underlying issues causing your pain rather than simply masking the symptoms.
How will we do this? Through a blend of the following techniques:
- Manual therapy helps manage pain, promote blood circulation, and improve mobility.
- A personalized therapeutic exercise plan improves the strength, flexibility, and endurance of your back and core muscles. Muscle weakness significantly contributes to lower back pain, so exercise is a must.
- Specialized training, such as proper techniques and activities that simulate functional movements you’ll need to perform (i.e., squats, lunges, lifting, etc.).
- Prevention strategies help reduce future back pain incidents. These strategies might include postural corrections or suggestions for at-home exercises, such as a walking program or regular strength and mobility practice.
Get Moving Again with Physical Therapy!
Back pain is more than just pain. It can severely restrict your mobility, leading to less exercise and movement, further contributing to pain and dysfunction. The ReQuest Physical Therapy team is here to help you break that cycle and find relief from back pain for good.
Call us today to schedule an appointment!
Say Goodbye to Pain – Get Started with PT Now!
Return to ReQuest Physical Therapy and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!
Did You Know You Can See a Physical Therapist Without a Referral?
In many cases, you can start physical therapy right away without needing a referral from your doctor—this is called Direct Access. It means faster relief from pain, quicker recovery, and less time waiting to get the care you need. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, nagging aches, or want to prevent future problems, our licensed physical therapists are here to help.
However, it’s important to note that if you have Medicare, a referral is still required before beginning treatment. We’re happy to help coordinate with your physician to make the process as smooth as possible.
Don’t wait for pain to get worse—reach out today and get started on the path to feeling better!
Restorative Yoga with Shawn Hinds
About This Class
Restorative yoga is a style of yoga that encourages physical, mental and emotional relaxation. Appropriate for all levels, restorative yoga is practiced at a slow pace, focusing on long holds, stillness and deep breathing.
When: Thursday 1pm-1:45pm
Where: Gainesville Health & Fitness
Family-Friendly Spring Activities
Try a New Outdoor Sport
As it begins to warm up, try picking up a new outdoor sport such as biking, rollerblading, hiking, golfing, fishing, or kayaking. These are all fun things you can do to get your blood pumping and introduce more physical activity into your routine after sitting at home for so many months!
Visit an Outdoor Farmers Market
If you love fresh and locally grown fruits and vegetables, a farmers market might be right up your alley! Visiting an outdoor farmers market gives you a chance to get some fresh air and hand-select the best produce, jams, preserves, and jellies for you to take home to try.
Go See a Drive-In Movie
This is a great spring activity, especially because you can roll down your windows and enjoy a nice breeze as you watch on the big screen. You could even invite people outside of your household to park their car near yours so you can watch it together.
Break Out the Gardening Tools
Do you love gardening and growing your vegetables, herbs, and flowers? If so, spring is calling your name! It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get your knees dirty in the backyard. Gardening is a great spring activity that provides some physical activity, and an excuse to get fresh air. Make sure to start with great soil and research the types of flowers and foods that grow the best in your climate.
Take a Scenic Drive
So many parts of nature come back to life in the spring, so why not take a scenic drive now and then to get out of the house? Try getting off the interstate and going the long way around to see some trees, fields, or parks – just make sure you have a GPS or know how to get home safely!
Make the Most of this Spring
We all deserve to enjoy spring for what it is: a new beginning. Try some of these fun activities to add a bit of joy to your daily routine!
Introducing Positional and Lymphatic Massage Therapy: Gentle, Restorative Bodywork
now available at ReQuest Physical Therapy
Positional therapy is a gentle and highly effective form of bodywork that supports your body’s own ability to self-correct. Unlike traditional massage, positional therapy and lymphatic techniques use light touch, comfortable positioning, and enables you to be in full control of the session.
Ideal For:
- Post-surgical recovery
- Auto accident rehab
- Trauma-informed care
- Chronic pain, fibromyalgia, myalgia
- Inflammatory conditions and stress overload
What to Expect:
- Relaxing sessions
- Option of clothing on or off
- Gentle contact and positioning that feels good to your body
- Client-led – we follow your comfort and instinct
- Promotes lymphatic flow, nervous system regulation, and deep rest
- Supports homeostasis and long-term healing
You already know what your body needs — we’re here to help it get it there.
May Word Scramble
edaldnnoi
nhiigfs
uuasrt
prsnig
eskbta
lveendar
Answer Key
dandelion
fishing
taurus
spring
basket
lavender
Quick & Easy Healthy Recipe
Smoked Salmon, Avocado and Cucumber Bites
Taste How Delicious Weight Loss Can Be
Ingredients
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1 large avocado, peeled and pit removed
- 1/2 tbsp lime juice
- 6 oz smoked salmon
- chives, for garnish
- black pepper, for garnish
Directions:
Slice the cucumber approximately 1/4-inch thick and lay flat on a serving plate. Add the avocado and lime juice to a bowl and use a fork to mash until creamy. Assemble the bites by spreading a small amount of avocado on each cucumber, then topping with a thin slice of smoked salmon. Garnish each bite with finely chopped chives and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.
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Walk & Talk Cancer Support Group
Each month, women walking through treatment, recovery, and survivorship come together to share stories, find strength, and celebrate resilience one step at a time.
Exercise of the Month
BIRD DOG
Start on your hands and knees on a mat or table. Brace your abdominals and keep your back flat. Slowly raise one arm straight out in front of you while simultaneously raising your opposite leg back behind you until both limbs are straight and parallel with the ground. Lower them back down and repeat with your other limbs.
3 Sets, 10 Reps.
Thank You for Subscribing to ReQuest Physical Therapy
Refer a Friend
Our purpose at ReQuest Physical Therapy is to leave a greater impact on the communities around us. In order to do that, we want to change as many lives as possible and become a beacon of positivity in our communities.
Do you have a friend or family member who could benefit from our pain-relieving services? At ReQuest Physical Therapy, we love helping people achieve relief from pain and reach their full potential, thus making a difference in their lives.
If you know someone who could use our help, click the button below to fill out our form and we will send them information about how we may be able to help their condition. Be sure to let them know you referred them so they can thank you!
Reward your hardworking employees with on-site massage!
ReQuest Physical Therapy can provide licensed massage therapists to offer chair massage at any business.
Email: samantha.ream@requestphysicaltherapy.com for more information.
Meet Our Team
Jeff Gilliam
PT, PhD, OCS
Penny Goldberg
PT, DPT, ATC
Jerry O. Rieta
PT, CSCS, CPT
Alphonso Jones
PTA, NASM CPT
Adrian Latscu
PTA, ACCI
Patricia Nichols
OT, CHT
Samantha Ream
M.Ed., LMT
Tiffany Fisher
PhD, LMT
