“Can physical therapy make back pain worse?”

Physical therapy is generally designed to help alleviate back pain, but in some cases, it might temporarily feel worse before it gets better. This is often due to the body adjusting to new movements, exercises, or treatments. For example, you might experience soreness or discomfort after a session, similar to how your muscles feel after starting a new workout routine.

However, physical therapy should not cause sharp or severe pain. If your back pain worsens significantly or persists after therapy, it could indicate that the exercises or techniques need to be adjusted. It's important to communicate openly with your physical therapist about any discomfort you experience so they can tailor your treatment plan to your needs.

The goal of physical therapy is to strengthen your back, improve flexibility, and reduce pain over time. With the right approach, it can be a highly effective way to manage and even resolve back pain.

Physical therapy can be painful initially but the pain should lessen over time. You should speak with your Physical Therapist prior to your Treatment.

Great question! Depends on the root cause Disc issue - initially will hurt then will centralize Stenosis- focus on neutral spine to flexion Both cases need to strengthen core!!!

Anything can make a condition worse if not done properly. Normally, Physical Therapists help conditions not hurt them so I would consult with your doctor, there may be something else that needs to be addressed. Our chiropractor in San Francisco can help with pain and works with other doctors as well to get you back to health.

That depends on what the cause is for your low back pain. For the most part, if your pain is not organic in nature, PT would strengthen your core and back muscles and helps to do away with any muscle imbalances that is causing dysfunctions in the muscles of your back.