Hip pain can develop for several reasons, including joint conditions, muscle strains, tendon irritation, and problems involving the lower back. Where you feel the pain can also vary. Some people experience tenderness along the outside of the hip, while others notice a deep ache in the groin, stiffness after resting, or discomfort that travels into the thigh.

Because these symptoms can have different underlying causes, treatment begins with understanding how your hip moves, which activities aggravate the discomfort, and whether surrounding muscles or joints may be contributing.

At Everett Spine & Rehab, physical therapy focuses on helping patients address movement limitations, improve strength and mobility, and return to daily activities with greater comfort. An individualized rehabilitation plan can help patients work toward their goals while accounting for their specific symptoms and physical needs.

What Are Common Causes of Hip Pain?

Hip pain can develop gradually or follow an injury. The location of the discomfort and activities that aggravate it may provide clues about the underlying condition.

Hip Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis develops when changes within a joint affect cartilage and surrounding tissues.

People with hip osteoarthritis often experience stiffness, reduced mobility, and pain that becomes more noticeable when walking or performing weight-bearing activities.

Discomfort may be felt in the groin, thigh, or buttock. Some people also notice stiffness after periods of inactivity.

Tendon Irritation and Muscle Strains

The hip relies on several muscle groups to support movement and stability.

Overuse, sudden increases in physical activity, or an injury can irritate muscles and tendons around the hip.

Symptoms may include localized tenderness, discomfort during specific movements, or pain after activity.

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Pain along the outside of the hip can occur when tissues surrounding the greater trochanter, the bony prominence on the upper thighbone, become irritated.

This condition is often associated with discomfort when lying on the affected side, climbing stairs, or walking.

Referred Pain From the Lower Back

Sometimes discomfort felt near the hip originates from structures in the lower back.

Certain spinal conditions can produce pain that travels into the buttock, hip, or leg.

This is one reason a thorough evaluation should consider the surrounding joints, muscles, and spine rather than examining hip movement alone.

Does Age or Gender Affect Your Risk of Hip Pain?

Hip pain can affect people of all ages, although certain conditions become more common as we get older. Age-related changes in joint cartilage, reduced muscle strength, and decreased flexibility can contribute to hip discomfort, particularly in adults over 50. Gender can also influence the types of hip problems people experience. For example, women are more likely than men to develop greater trochanteric pain syndrome, a condition that causes tenderness and pain along the outside of the hip, particularly during middle age and later life. Hormonal changes, differences in hip anatomy, and tendon health may contribute to this increased risk. However, younger adults and men can also experience hip pain from sports injuries, repetitive movements, muscle strains, and other conditions. Regardless of age or gender, persistent hip pain that interferes with walking, sleeping, or everyday activities deserves a professional evaluation.

Hip Pain Symptoms You Should Pay Attention To

Hip discomfort can present in several ways.

Common complaints include:

• Groin pain when walking or bending the hip
• Tenderness along the outside of the hip
• Stiffness after getting out of bed
• Pain when climbing stairs or walking uphill
• Discomfort when standing up from a chair
• Difficulty getting in or out of a car
• Pain when lying on the affected side
• Reduced flexibility or difficulty putting on shoes
• Aching that spreads toward the thigh or buttock

The NHS guidance on hip pain explains that symptoms may be associated with arthritis, tendon irritation, strains, and several other conditions.

If hip pain is worsening, repeatedly returning, disrupting sleep, or interfering with daily activities, a professional evaluation is recommended.

Seek urgent medical attention for severe pain after an injury, inability to bear weight, or a hot, swollen hip accompanied by fever.

Why Does My Hip Hurt When I Walk or Climb Stairs?

Walking and climbing stairs require coordinated movement of the hip joint and surrounding muscles.

During these activities, the hip must support body weight while the muscles around the pelvis help maintain stability.

If the hip joint is irritated, mobility is restricted, or certain muscles are weak or painful, these movements may become uncomfortable.

Stair climbing can be particularly challenging because it requires greater hip and leg muscle effort than walking on level ground.

The location of your symptoms can help guide an examination, but imaging or additional medical testing may sometimes be necessary to identify the underlying cause.

How Can Physical Therapy Help With Hip Pain?

Physical therapy may help address certain causes of hip pain by improving strength, flexibility, movement control, and the ability to perform everyday activities.

At Everett Spine & Rehab, a rehabilitation evaluation may include assessing walking patterns, joint mobility, muscle strength, balance, and activities that reproduce symptoms.

Depending on the findings and your individual needs, treatment may incorporate several approaches.

Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening the muscles surrounding the hip can help improve joint support and movement control.

Exercises may focus on the gluteal muscles, hip abductors, hip flexors, and other supporting muscle groups.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that strengthening the muscles supporting the hip helps promote joint stability and can be useful in rehabilitation.

Mobility and Flexibility Exercises

Restricted hip movement can make activities such as sitting, walking, or bending more difficult.

Appropriate mobility exercises may help improve flexibility and make certain daily movements more comfortable.

Balance and Movement Training

Some patients benefit from exercises designed to improve balance, walking mechanics, and coordination.

For example, a person struggling with stairs may work on controlled step movements and strengthening activities that reflect their functional goals.

Activity Modifications

Your rehabilitation provider may also recommend temporary adjustments to certain activities while symptoms improve.

These changes may include modifying exercise intensity, limiting movements that aggravate pain, or incorporating appropriate rest and recovery periods.

Exercise selection and progression should reflect the underlying condition and the patient’s response to treatment.

What Can You Do at Home for Mild Hip Pain?

If your symptoms are mild and you have no warning signs, several general strategies may help you remain comfortable while arranging an evaluation if needed.

Try changing positions regularly rather than sitting for extended periods. Gentle walking or other tolerable movement may help reduce stiffness, but avoid repeatedly pushing through painful activities.

If lying on one side increases discomfort, adjusting your sleeping position or placing a pillow between your knees may help.

Choose activities that feel manageable and avoid starting aggressive stretches or strengthening routines before understanding the cause of your symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can physical therapy help hip pain when walking?

Physical therapy may help when hip pain is associated with conditions that respond to strengthening, mobility exercises, and movement retraining. The appropriate approach depends on the diagnosis and severity of symptoms.

Why does my hip hurt when I stand up after sitting?

Hip stiffness, joint irritation, and certain tendon or muscle conditions can make the transition from sitting to standing uncomfortable. Persistent pain should be evaluated to determine the cause.

Can hip pain actually come from my back?

Yes. Some conditions affecting the lower spine can produce discomfort felt in the buttock, hip, or leg. A clinician can assess whether symptoms appear to originate from the hip joint, surrounding tissues, or another area.

How long does physical therapy take for hip pain?

The length of treatment varies depending on the condition, symptom severity, functional limitations, and individual progress. Some patients improve within several weeks, while others require a longer rehabilitation program.

Should I keep walking if my hip hurts?

Gentle walking may be appropriate for some conditions, but significant or worsening pain should not be ignored. If walking causes limping, increasing discomfort, or difficulty bearing weight, seek professional guidance. Sudden inability to bear weight requires urgent medical care.

Physical Therapy and Hip Rehabilitation in Everett, WA

Hip pain can affect your ability to exercise, work, and enjoy everyday activities, particularly when walking and climbing stairs become uncomfortable.

Everett Spine & Rehab offers physical therapy and rehabilitation services for patients experiencing appropriate musculoskeletal conditions, including certain causes of hip pain.

We serve patients throughout Everett, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Marysville, Lynnwood, and nearby Snohomish County communities.

If persistent hip pain is interfering with your daily routine, contact Everett Spine & Rehab to schedule an evaluation and learn about available rehabilitation options.

References

1. NHS: Hip Pain in Adults
2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Hip Conditioning Program

You may also hear terms such as herniated disc, ruptured disc, disc bulge, pinched nerve, or sciatica.

They are related, but they do not all describe exactly the same thing.

Understanding the basics can make a diagnosis much less confusing and help you better understand your treatment options.

What Does a Spinal Disc Do?

Your spine is made of stacked bones called vertebrae. Between many of those bones are flexible discs that act as cushions and help the spine absorb force while you move.

Each spinal disc has two main parts:

• A softer, gel-like center called the nucleus
• A tougher outer layer called the annulus

You can think of the disc as a shock-absorbing cushion between two vertebrae. These discs help your spine bend, twist, and handle the forces created by everyday movement.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc occurs when some of the softer material inside a spinal disc pushes through a tear or weakened area in the outer portion of the disc.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a herniated disc can irritate or compress a nearby nerve, potentially causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.

A herniated disc can occur anywhere along the spine, although it is especially common in the lower back. Herniated discs can also occur in the neck.

Does a Disc Actually “Slip”?

“Slipped disc” is a common everyday term for a herniated disc, but the disc itself generally does not slide out of position.

Instead, material from inside the disc pushes outward through or into the tougher outer layer.

Other terms you may hear include:

• Herniated disc
• Ruptured disc
• Protruding disc
• Disc extrusion
• Bulging disc

Imaging reports can sound highly technical, so your symptoms and physical examination remain important when determining whether a disc finding is actually contributing to your pain.

Herniated Disc vs. Bulging Disc

A bulging disc and a herniated disc describe different patterns of disc displacement.

Bulging Disc

With a bulging disc, a broader portion of the outer disc extends outward beyond its usual boundary.

Herniated Disc

With a herniated disc, material from the softer center pushes farther into or through a weakened area in the outer layer.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that disc problems may be described using terms such as bulging, protruding, or herniated depending on the pattern and extent of disc displacement.

It is also important to know that imaging findings do not always match the severity of a person’s symptoms. Some people have a herniated disc without experiencing pain at all.

What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like?

Symptoms depend on where the affected disc is located and whether it is irritating or compressing a nearby nerve.

Herniated Disc in the Lower Back

Possible symptoms may include:

• Low-back pain
• Buttock pain
• Pain traveling down one leg
• Tingling or numbness
• Leg weakness
• Sciatica-like symptoms

Pain caused by nerve irritation may sometimes feel sharp, burning, electric, or radiating rather than remaining confined to the lower back.

Herniated Disc in the Neck

A cervical herniated disc may cause:

• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Pain traveling into an arm
• Tingling in the hand or fingers
• Numbness
• Arm or hand weakness

What Causes a Herniated Disc?

Disc changes often develop gradually rather than happening during one dramatic event.

As spinal discs age, they can lose some of their flexibility and become more vulnerable to tearing or degeneration.

Other possible contributors include:

• Heavy lifting
• Repeated bending
• Twisting while lifting
• Physically demanding work
• Previous spine injuries
• Falls or trauma
• Repetitive stress on the spine

The Mayo Clinic notes that many people cannot identify one specific event that caused their herniated disc.

Does a Herniated Disc Always Require Surgery?

Most people with a herniated disc do not automatically require surgery.

Symptoms may improve with conservative treatment and time. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that nonsurgical treatment is generally the initial approach for most lumbar herniated discs.

Depending on your symptoms and examination findings, conservative treatment may involve:

• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Therapeutic exercise
• Medication recommended by a physician
• Chiropractic care when clinically appropriate
• Spinal decompression when appropriate for the individual patient

At Everett Spine & Rehab, treatment can be coordinated across chiropractic care, physical therapy, and spinal decompression based on the patient’s symptoms, examination findings, and overall health history.

How Physical Therapy Can Help With Disc-Related Pain

Physical therapy may be helpful when a disc problem has affected your strength, mobility, posture, or ability to perform normal activities.

A physical therapy program may focus on:

• Improving spinal and hip mobility
• Strengthening muscles that support the spine
• Improving movement mechanics
• Gradually returning to work or exercise
• Reducing movements that repeatedly aggravate symptoms

The goal is to improve function while helping you move more comfortably and confidently.

When Are Herniated Disc Symptoms More Concerning?

Some symptoms require prompt medical attention.

Seek medical evaluation if back or neck pain is accompanied by significant weakness, progressive numbness, or increasing difficulty walking.

Loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness around the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms require urgent medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Herniated Discs

Can a herniated disc heal?

Symptoms from many herniated discs improve over several weeks or months. The body may gradually reduce or reabsorb some of the herniated disc material over time. Recovery depends on the location of the disc, severity of symptoms, nerve involvement, activity level, and other individual factors.

Can a herniated disc cause sciatica?

Yes. A herniated disc in the lower back can irritate nerve roots that contribute to the sciatic nerve. This may cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels from the lower back or buttock into the leg.

Learn more about sciatica from the Mayo Clinic.

Do I need an MRI to know if I have a herniated disc?

An MRI can provide detailed images of spinal discs, nerves, and other soft tissues, but imaging is not always required immediately. Your healthcare provider can determine whether imaging is appropriate based on your symptoms, physical examination, injury history, and response to conservative care.

Herniated Disc Treatment in Everett, WA

If back pain, neck pain, sciatica, tingling, numbness, or radiating pain is interfering with everyday life, the first step is understanding what may be causing your symptoms.

Everett Spine & Rehab provides chiropractic care, physical therapy, spinal decompression, and injury rehabilitation in Everett, WA for patients dealing with disc-related pain and mobility problems.

We also serve patients throughout Snohomish County, including Mill Creek, Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Lake Stevens, Marysville, Snohomish, Edmonds, Bothell, Monroe, and Mountlake Terrace.

Call Everett Spine & Rehab at (425) 347-8614 to schedule an evaluation and learn which treatment options may be appropriate for you.

Sources

• Mayo Clinic: Herniated Disk, Symptoms and Causes
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Herniated Disk in the Lower Back
• Mayo Clinic: Sciatica, Symptoms and Causes

Both chiropractic care and physical therapy address musculoskeletal problems, but the emphasis of treatment can differ. Your symptoms, examination findings, mobility, strength, and ability to perform daily activities all help determine which services may be appropriate.

For patients looking for car accident rehabilitation in Everett, WA, understanding those differences can make the treatment process clearer.

Why Auto Accident Injuries Can Require Rehabilitation

During a collision, the body can be exposed to sudden acceleration, deceleration, and changes in direction. These forces can affect the neck, back, shoulders, and surrounding tissues.

Whiplash is a familiar example. Mayo Clinic describes whiplash as a neck injury caused by forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck. Common symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, headaches, shoulder or upper-back tenderness, fatigue, and dizziness.

Other patients may develop low-back pain, muscle soreness, restricted joint movement, weakness, or difficulty tolerating activities they performed comfortably before the accident. Those differences are why an individual evaluation matters.

How Chiropractic Care May Help After a Car Accident

Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, with particular attention to the spine, joints, movement, and related pain.

At Everett Spine & Rehab, chiropractic evaluations consider the spine, joints, posture, movement patterns, injury history, and symptoms before an individualized treatment plan is developed.

Chiropractic care may be considered when you are experiencing limited neck or back mobility, joint stiffness, musculoskeletal pain, or difficulty moving comfortably.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that evidence suggests spinal manipulation can be helpful for some types of neck pain. NCCIH also stresses that providers should assess patients carefully because individual medical conditions can affect whether manipulation is appropriate. That evaluation becomes particularly important following trauma.

How Physical Therapy Supports Recovery

Physical therapy places a strong emphasis on restoring movement and function. After a collision, your physical therapist may evaluate range of motion, strength, flexibility, stability, movement patterns, and the specific tasks you are struggling to perform.

Treatment can include therapeutic exercise, mobility work, strengthening, manual therapy, and a home exercise program.

At Everett Spine & Rehab, physical therapy is available for patients recovering from car accident injuries and can be coordinated with chiropractic care when appropriate.

This can become especially useful when pain has caused you to move less or compensate for an injured area. Restoring strength and comfortable movement helps prepare your body for activities such as driving, working, lifting, walking, or returning to exercise.

Can Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Work Together?

A combined rehabilitation approach can make sense when an injury involves several different limitations.

Research into neck pain rehabilitation has examined combinations of manual therapy and exercise. A 2023 systematic review published in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy found that multimodal approaches incorporating manual therapy and exercise can improve pain and disability compared with some control or exercise-only approaches, although the authors noted that the certainty of evidence varied across comparisons.

A more recent Cochrane review also found potential functional benefits from combining manual therapy and exercise for neck pain while emphasizing limitations in the available evidence, particularly for acute and subacute conditions. Your own treatment should still be based on your examination rather than a predetermined combination of services.

What Determines Which Treatment You Need?

Your healthcare provider will consider what is preventing you from functioning normally.

Someone with significant joint stiffness and reduced neck movement may have different treatment priorities than someone whose primary limitation is weakness and reduced endurance.

Your plan may also evolve. Early treatment may focus heavily on restoring comfortable movement, while later rehabilitation may emphasize strength, stability, and a gradual return to normal activity. Progress should be reassessed so treatment continues to match your current condition.

What If Symptoms Appeared After the Accident?

Delayed symptoms can occur with whiplash. Mayo Clinic notes that symptoms often develop within days after the injury.

If you begin experiencing neck pain, headaches, shoulder discomfort, stiffness, numbness, tingling, or other changes after a crash, mention when those symptoms started during your evaluation. Severe pain, substantial weakness or numbness, loss of consciousness, confusion, or other serious symptoms require prompt medical attention.

FAQs About Chiropractic and PT After an Accident

Should I see a chiropractor or physical therapist first?

The best starting point depends on your injury and symptoms. An evaluation can determine whether chiropractic care, physical therapy, additional medical assessment, or a coordinated approach is appropriate.

How long does car accident rehabilitation take?

Recovery time varies considerably based on the type and severity of the injury, previous health conditions, activity demands, and response to treatment. Your progress should be reassessed during care.

Can I receive chiropractic and physical therapy at the same clinic?

Yes. Everett Spine & Rehab provides both chiropractic care and physical therapy at its Everett location, allowing treatment to be coordinated when both are part of the rehabilitation plan.

Auto Accident Rehabilitation in Everett, WA

The right rehabilitation plan after a collision begins with understanding your injury.

Everett Spine & Rehab provides chiropractic care and physical therapy for car accident injuries in Everett, helping patients from Everett and surrounding Snohomish County communities work toward improved mobility and function.

Sources

1. Mayo Clinic – Whiplash: Symptoms and causes

2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Spinal Manipulation: What You Need To Know

3. PubMed – Manual therapy and exercise for neck pain: systematic review and meta-analysis

4. PubMed – Manual therapy with exercise for neck pain

5. Everett Spine & Rehab – Chiropractic Care

6. Everett Spine & Rehab – Physical Therapy

In the United States, the demand for physical therapy services is substantial. As of 2023, there are approximately 575,000 physical therapists in the U.S. Physical therapists (PTs) are often associated with treating sports injuries or aiding post-surgical recovery, but there are many lesser-known reasons someone might need to see a physical therapist. Here are a few:

Reasons to for Physical Therapy

Chronic Pain Management: Beyond common conditions like back pain, PTs can help with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome by developing personalized exercise programs and pain management strategies.

Headaches and Migraines: PTs can address musculoskeletal issues in the neck and upper back that contribute to chronic headaches and migraines through manual therapy, posture education, and exercises. A systematic review indicated that interventions like massage therapy, physiotherapy, relaxation training, and chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy could be as effective as medications such as propranolol and topiramate for migraine prevention​.

Vestibular Disorders: Conditions like vertigo and dizziness can be managed with vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which involves specific exercises designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness.

Jaw Pain (TMJ Disorders): Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty eating. PTs can use manual therapy and exercises to alleviate these symptoms.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Both men and women can experience pelvic floor issues, which may lead to incontinence, pelvic pain, or sexual dysfunction. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help strengthen these muscles and improve function.

Respiratory Issues: PTs can assist individuals with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis by providing breathing exercises and techniques to improve lung function and overall endurance.

Neurological Conditions: For conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or after a stroke, physical therapy can help maintain mobility, improve balance, and enhance overall physical function.

Cancer Rehabilitation: Cancer and its treatments can lead to significant physical impairments. PTs can help with fatigue, pain, weakness, and lymphedema management.

Lymphedema Management: Swelling often occurs after lymph node removal or damage. PTs trained in lymphedema management can provide manual lymphatic drainage and teach compression techniques.

Pediatric Development Issues: Children with developmental delays, cerebral palsy, or other congenital conditions can benefit from physical therapy to improve motor skills, strength, and coordination.

Work-Related Injuries: PTs can help with ergonomics and body mechanics to prevent and treat injuries caused by repetitive strain or poor workplace setup.

Women’s Health Issues: Conditions like prenatal and postnatal pain, osteoporosis, and recovery after mastectomy can be managed with the help of a physical therapist.

Sleep Disorders: Surprisingly, physical therapy can aid in managing conditions that affect sleep, such as sleep apnea, by improving posture and reducing neck tension.

Burn Recovery: Physical therapy can aid in the recovery process for burn victims by improving range of motion, strength, and function of affected areas.

These examples highlight the broad scope of physical therapy beyond the common perception, showcasing how PTs can play a vital role in managing a wide array of health conditions.

Everett, Washington Physical Therapy Center

At our physical therapy, chiropractic and massage center, we are dedicated to helping you overcome any issues you may be facing. Whether you are dealing with common conditions like sports injuries and post-surgical recovery or lesser-known challenges such as TMJ disorders, migraines, chronic pain, or vestibular issues, our team of skilled physical therapists is here to provide personalized, effective care. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques tailored to meet your specific needs, ensuring that you receive the best possible outcomes. Don’t let physical discomfort hold you back—contact us today to start your journey toward better health and well-being. Book an appointment today.

Sources:

Ibisworld.com
physio-pedia.com
saatva.com
healthpartners.com
cancer.wvumedicine.org
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
openai.com

Although no two back surgeries are alike, there are things you can do to prepare before and after surgery to help ensure a successful outcome. Here are some tips to help you heal after back surgery.

Why Do You Need Back Surgery?

One common reason for back surgery is a herniated disc, also known as a “slipped disc.” Herniated discs occur when the disc’s jelly-like soft center bulges out through a tear in the disc’s outer layer, which inflames and irritates the nerves in your spine. Surgery like a microdiscectomy can remove the small fragments of disc, bone and ligament to free the nerve.

Another reason you may need back surgery is spinal stenosis, which is a condition that occurs when the spaces in your spine narrow, causing the bones to press on the nerves. Spinal stenosis can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness. Surgery can widen the spaces in your spine, relieving the pressure on the nerves.

Have realistic expectations about your healing process.

If you’re expecting to go back to doing your everyday routine right after receiving back surgery, you’ll be disappointed to learn recovery is far longer. Sometimes, a full recovery can be up to three months. During that time; your goal is to strengthen your back muscles again, which means lots of walking and building of the spine muscles.

You will likely need to take some time off from work to recover. Depending on which type of back surgery you receive will determine how long it takes. For example, if the back surgery is a fusion and laminectomy, the total recovery time could be up to a year.

Your doctor may also have you referred to a physical therapist to put you on a physical therapy regimen.

Most people feel better after a few weeks and can return to normal activities from a few weeks to a few months. However, it is essential to remember that everybody heals differently. Some people may take longer to recover than others, and recovery times will vary depending on the type of surgery.

Be patient and give your body the time it needs to heal properly.

You may also need to modify your activities and how you do things to avoid putting too much strain on your back. For example, you must take it easy after back surgery and not push yourself too hard. Instead, focus on gentle activities that will help you regain strength and flexibility. Post-back surgery exercises include walking, swimming, or doing yoga.

Your doctor may also want you to try the following:

• Riding on a stationary bike with a straight spine between 20 to 30 minutes
• ball exercises
• squats

If you start to feel pain, stop what you’re doing and rest.

Follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments.

Your doctor will likely give you specific instructions on caring for your incision and what activities you should avoid in the first few weeks. You must follow these instructions. Additionally, you will need to take it easy for a few weeks and allow your body to heal, avoiding strenuous activity, lifting heavy objects, and bending over.

You will likely have a follow-up appointment a few weeks after your surgery. At this appointment, your doctor will check on your healing and give you any additional instructions. You must attend this appointment so your doctor can ensure that you are healing correctly.

Conclusion

Recovering from back surgery can be a long and challenging process. However, you can do certain things to help ensure a successful recovery:

1. Following your surgeon’s instructions and attending all follow-up appointments is essential.
2. Keep your back as mobile as possible, and do some gentle exercises to strengthen your back muscles.
3. Be patient and give yourself time to heal. Back surgery is a big deal.

Physical Therapy After Back Surgery in Everett, Wa

We offer physical therapy for back injury rehabilitation here in Everett. Please reach out to us if you have any questions about our therapy. We accept most insurance. Call 425-347-8614 for more information or to setup your appointment.

One of the uncommon ways to seek physical therapy (and perhaps one of the smartest), is preventatively. According to the Cleveland Clinic, using physical therapy before an injury can help mobility, balance and strength. Carpal tunnel may be caused by texting, a knee ache could have to do with the hips, and neck pain could be from typing. Being proactive about even small pains your body is having can help you move better, and figure out how to address it next time, said the article.

Another ailment physical therapy can help with is TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction). If you’ve heard of your TMJ (temporomandibular joint, aka, the bone that connects your jaw to your skull), you’ve probably had pain from it. You can tell if you have pain chewing, pain in your ear, face, jaw, or neck, headaches, or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth, says Healthline. It isn’t commonly known, but physical therapy can help with this. After identifying the problem, find a physical therapist that specializes in musculoskeletal problems with a craniofacial focus, says the American Physical Therapy Association. They will take a look at your posture, improving jaw movement, and may refer you to a dentist that can further help you. There are even special pain treatments like electrical stimulation and ultrasound to reduce severe cases of pain, says the article.

It may be commonly known by now, but it probably isn’t a party conversation; physical therapy for your pelvic floor. If you’re having issues with the urinary or reproductive parts of your body, there is a physical therapy for that, says WebMD. As a small anatomy refresher, the pelvic floor keeps the bladder in place in the front and the vagina and rectum in the back for a woman, and the bladder, bowels, urethra, and rectum in place for a man. It’s safe to say the pelvic floor is extraordinarily important. A physical therapist can take you through a specialized program of exercises to help relieve pain and restore muscle function. Some of the techniques include electrical stimulation, Kegels, trigger point therapy, and biofeedback, says the article.

There’s lots of ways physical therapy can help your overall health, prevent further injury, and keep you moving with ease. It may not be as dramatic as recovering from a sports injury as the team’s star player, but it really can make a big difference in your day to day life. There’s also nothing wrong with a little montage while you are at the physical therapist’s office, too.

Everett Physical Therapy

Those in the Snohomish County can look to Everett Spine & Rehab for professional, physical therapy. Whether you are looking for preventative care or post-injury rehab, we’re here to help!

It is crucial for a casualty victim to be evaluated for physical therapy as soon as possible after a car accident because severe symptoms of body trauma can bring additional pain and mobility issues as time progresses.

Symptoms of possible injury to be aware of are:

• Neck, arm, upper back stiffness
• Numbing in arms, neck, hands, and upper back
• Nausea, headache, and dizziness
• Hip, lower back, and knee pain
• Foot, ankle, toe pain or numbness
• Any ache or pain not previously felt before the accident

Multiple variations of these symptoms can contribute to an automobile accident victim’s pain or mobility problems. A casualty victim receiving the appropriate care can limit future suffering.

It is important for the injured person to receive a one-on-one and head-to-toe analysis with a specialist to evaluate and prepare a custom treatment program. Each individual involved with any accident is unique and requires an exclusive path to healing.

Different Methods of Physical Therapy

Physical therapists or chiropractors may incorporate different methods into a program to treat a car accident injury.

Manual therapy may be used by a therapist to adjust and mobilize joints. This type of therapy will decrease scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and allow the tissue surrounding the joints to heal as quickly as possible.

A therapist often uses specialized equipment to implement heat, cold, and electrotherapy to the affected area. This also reduces inflammation and allows more movement and less pressure to the affected area.

Other physical therapy treatments may include acupuncture, ultrasound, aquatic therapy, and intramuscular stimulation. The purpose of these techniques is to help relieve muscle tightness and spasms to decrease recovery time.

The therapist may discuss and coach custom exercises to allow patient control and daily therapy. Exercising can reduce a patient’s joint pain, build muscle strength, and maintain flexibility of the spine.

A therapist may also develop specialized or customized braces or slings appropriate to support the patient’s affected area. Sometimes the added support relieves the pressure and allows faster healing of the patient’s affected joint.

Automobile accident victims need to be worry-free about lasting symptoms and their future health. Some insurance companies are limited in their coverage of an auto accident injury, so an accurate accounting of needs following an accident is imperative.

Getting at the root cause of a patient’s injury as quickly as possible is where a physical therapist’s expertise will be invaluable. Not only will a patient’s healing process of strengthening or stabilizing the affected area begin, but the therapist will be able to assist in efficiently managing any future pain or dysfunction resulting from the accident.

Please contact Everett Spine & Rehab for your car accident rehabilitation: 425-347-8614.

There are many types of back surgeries and many levels of physical therapy. These services can range from reading care information in an educational leaflet to personally guided in-depth exercises. The level of support differs for each patient and type of surgery.

One of the most common back surgeries is lumbar spinal fusion. After lumbar spinal fusion for strength, range of motion, cardiovascular endurance, and patient education, physical therapy is necessary. Although anxiety due to pain may be high, early physical activity after surgery is encouraged. Research shows therapy focusing on the patient’s core and spinal muscles is vital for complete recovery from lumbar spinal fusion. In this case, treatment involves learning transfer techniques and neutral spine control exercises.

The necessity of physical therapy after back surgery has proven to aid healing and prevent failed surgeries. In addition, the process of helping increase flexibility by stretching the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the spinal column also aids in limiting the formation of internal scar tissue, preventing stiffness.

While planned movements and education are basic to physical therapy, they can also involve other components. For example, after lumbar surgery, one successful approach involving physical therapy is a cognitive-behavioral-based self-management approach. This adult lumbar spine surgery postoperative rehabilitation is called Changing Behavior through Physical Therapy (CBPT). This program successfully improved patient pain, disability, physical and mental health, and physical performance.

Traditionally, back surgery has been performed under general anesthesia. The patient is made to be unconscious and often awakes after surgery to a sense of disorientation, nausea, and vomiting. Surprisingly, a new approach called “awake spine surgery” has shown increased healing time with fewer adverse reactions. As the name implies, patients are not unconscious during surgery but are partially awake with regional anesthesia during the procedure. This approach is new and, so far, has shown promising results, particularly for patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia. Some can even have a conversation during their procedure. In addition, this minimally invasive surgical approach provides faster healing time and easier participation in physical therapy.

Healing properly from back surgery is vital to assure proper functioning in the future. Although the most basic type of postoperative physical therapy is walking, your physical therapist will provide you with care for your own rehabilitative needs.

Come visit us for physical therapy for your back injury at Everett Spine and Rehab, in Washington state.

Now you are wondering what will go on during your first session. Keep in mind that depending on what you come in for, the treatment will be tailored just for you. So, for example, if you’ve come in for physical therapy because you injured your leg playing soccer or hockey (torn acl, ankle sprain, etc) then a lot of the therapy will be centered around your leg. In every case, a physical examination will be conducted first so that the therapist can customize a plan just for you. He/she may test your range of motion, flexibility, strength, balance, palpation, posture.

If you’ve recently been in a car accident that has left with whiplash and/or pain with moving your head, a physical therapy session will likely entail the therapist guiding you through exercises that help heal your injury and increase range of motion (such as neck stretches and strengthening exercises). He or she may also perform massage to relieve tension or apply ice/heat. 

Physical therapy is not a magic bullet– you will have to go to multiple sessions and the therapist will monitor your improvement through time and will advise you on whether you need to continue therapy or not. 

What Should I Do to Prepare for My Physical Therapy Visit?

Make sure you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. As for shoes, sneakers or athletic shoes are ideal. While physical therapy is not meant to hurt you or be painful, there may be times where you may feel discomfort or feel challenged depending on what body part you are using and your particular injury or condition.

How’s it done, exactly? At Everett Spine and Rehab, we use a multi-modal approach. Depending on your specific case, we would integrate chiropractic, massage, and naturopathic techniques. This is a treatment plan customized just for you.

With that in mind, you can see how physical therapy can be beneficial for people with and without injuries (think prevention). However, in our practice it is common to treat patients who have suffered some kind of injury, be it from a car accident, workplace accident or from sports. In this article, we take a look at the common injuries that benefit from physical therapy.

• Achilles tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Brain injury
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cerebral palsy
• Concussion
• Cystic fibrosis
• Dislocations
• Golfer’s elbow
• Herniated discs
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Runner’s knee
• Sciatica
• Shin splints
• Sprained/strained ankle
• Swollen muscles
• Tennis elbow
• Torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament)

If you’re looking to recovery from an injury so you can “get back to normal,” or would like to reduce pain, increase mobility and strength and balance, please call us to schedule an appointment at (425) 347-8614.