Types of back pain we treat
- Acute low back strain and "thrown out" backs
- Chronic and recurring low back pain
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Sciatica and nerve pain down the leg
- Spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease
- SI joint pain
- Post-surgical back rehab (fusion, discectomy)
How we treat it
Your evaluation identifies what's driving the pain — stiffness, weakness, a sensitive nerve, or a movement habit. Treatment combines hands-on therapy to calm symptoms with specific exercise to fix the cause. Most patients are moving noticeably better within two to three weeks.
When to see a physical therapist for back pain
Don't wait for it to become chronic. If back pain lasts more than a week, keeps coming back, or limits your work or sleep, a PT evaluation is the right next step. Colorado's direct-access law means you don't need a referral.
Frequently asked questions
Should I get an X-ray or MRI before physical therapy for back pain?
Usually not. Imaging rarely changes treatment for most back pain and often shows age-related changes that aren't the cause of symptoms. Your therapist will refer you for imaging if your exam shows red flags.
How long does physical therapy for back pain take?
Many patients improve significantly in 4–6 visits over 3–6 weeks. Chronic or nerve-related back pain can take longer.