Overcoming the Hurdles of Physical Therapy
November 19, 2024
Navigating physical therapy for back pain can be a journey filled with high hopes, unexpected setbacks, and frustration. We reached out to people to ask about their biggest challenges with physical therapy for back pain. Here’s what patients wish they knew sooner to make the most out of their PT journey.
1. Progress Isn’t Always Linear
One of the biggest frustrations people share is feeling stuck on a plateau after an initial period of progress. One patient explained how they noticed that, after a few weeks of therapy, they reached a point where the standard exercises were no longer effective. This led them to seek out a back specialist who introduced more vigorous exercises that finally got them closer to recovery.
If you feel like you’re stalling, it might be time to ask for more advanced exercises or seek a therapist specialising in back pain who can help move you past the plateau.
2. Not All Physical Therapists Are the Same
Physical therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. As one patient pointed out, there’s no clear consensus on back pain treatment, which means therapists may vary widely in their approaches. The right therapist can make a huge difference, but unfortunately, finding one who’s knowledgeable about your specific condition can be challenging. Another patient shared that after working with multiple therapists, they realised that experience and adaptability were essential for success—especially with complex conditions like spinal issues.
If you feel like you’re getting a “cookie-cutter” plan, it’s okay to look around until you find a therapist who listens, adapts, and customises exercises for you. Effective back pain therapy should be as unique as your pain.
3. Consistency and Structure Make All the Difference
A recurring conversation is the importance of a structured plan. Patients describe feeling like previous therapists were “throwing spaghetti at the wall,” resulting in a lack of focus. One in particularly finally found a back specialist who developed a consistent, daily routine that allowed them to measure and feel their progress. This approach of consistency gave them the guidance they needed to stay on track and avoid the frustration of random exercises.
Regular visits and a daily plan can create the momentum necessary for long-term recovery.
4. Financial and Logistical Barriers Are Real Obstacles
Many people highlighted how expensive physical therapy can be. Patients described the burden of copays, travel time, and missed workdays. Back pain recovery often requires regular sessions, which can add up financially and time-wise. This can make the process feel overwhelming, especially if you’re managing pain on top of daily responsibilities.
To make therapy more sustainable, explore options like telehealth sessions, discounts, or even group exercises that can supplement individual sessions. Some workplaces offer accommodations, so consider discussing your situation with HR or a manager.
5. Self-Advocacy is Key to Progress
For those new to physical therapy, it can be intimidating to speak up, especially if you feel unsure about what's causing your pain. Patients found it helpful to keep track of exercises and note any delayed pain, which allowed them to share more detailed feedback with their therapist.
Keep a log of your exercises, pain levels, and any post-session discomfort. Bring these notes to each session so you and your therapist can identify patterns and make adjustments.
6. Understanding What Type of Pain to Expect
Many Patients shared the experience of “pushing through” pain during exercises, only to realise later that this pain was counterproductive. Some mentioned that some therapists encouraged them to work through mild pain, but they later learned that even mild pain can signal an exercise that needs modification.
Pain can be a sign that something isn’t right. Communicate with your therapist about any discomfort during exercises, and never feel pressured to “push through.” Sometimes a minor adjustment or alternative exercise can make all the difference without adding strain.