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Back Pain Slowing You Down? Physical Therapy Can Help!

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 PerformaX Elite 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.

Ready to Get Started?

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:

Common Sources of Back Pain

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 PerformaX Elite 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.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy helps manage pain, promote blood circulation, and improve mobility.

Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Plan

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

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

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 PerformaX Elite 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!

Prevent Back Pain and Mobility Restriction Before It Starts!

Prevent Back Pain and Mobility Restriction Before It Starts!

Do any of these statements apply to you?

  • I have a job that requires me to sit at a desk.
  • I struggle to find time to exercise regularly.
  • I never learned proper lifting techniques.
  • People frequently tell me I slouch.

If so, you may be at a higher risk of developing back pain. Several lifestyle factors can increase the likelihood of an injury leading to back pain. Fortunately, physical therapy at PerformaX Elite Physical Therapy is a great choice not only for resolving back pain but for stopping it before it even begins!

Three Simple Back Pain Prevention Tips

Tip 1: Exercise

Regular physical activity helps strengthen the muscles that support and stabilize your spine. Find something that suits your interests and ability level, such as daily walks, simple resistance exercises, or dance fitness classes.

Tip 2: Minimize Sitting

Prolonged sitting can have wide-ranging effects, including increased pressure on your spine. If you have a desk job, get up and move around every 30 minutes or so, even if it’s just to stand up and stretch.

Tip 3: Ask for Help

When it comes to lifting heavy objects, don’t get ambitious! Ask for help when lifting anything heavy or awkwardly shaped, and make sure you’re using proper lifting techniques. Not sure what those are? Our therapists will happily show you how to lift without risking injury.

While these tips can get you started, the PerformaX Elite Physical Therapy physical therapists can help you develop a customized back pain prevention plan. We’ll help you identify any lifestyle factors that might put you at risk of developing back pain and then work with you to address them.

Chris Akmakian, PT, DPT

Thank You, Chris Akmakian

Physical Therapist

As Chris Akmakian, PT, DPT, prepares to begin an exciting new chapter, we want to take a moment to thank him for the incredible impact he has made during his time at PerformaX Elite Physical Therapy.

Chris recently became engaged and will be relocating to Northern California to begin this next season of life with his fiancée. He will also be joining Kaiser Permanente’s Physical Therapy Residency Program, where he’ll continue developing his clinical skills and pursuing his passion for professional growth. From the day he joined our team, Chris brought compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to helping his patients achieve their goals. He consistently went above and beyond to provide personalized care, ensuring every patient felt heard, supported, and empowered throughout their recovery journey.

Chris’s dedication extended far beyond the treatment table. He became a valued member of the PerformaX family and earned the trust and appreciation of both his patients and colleagues through his positive attitude, strong work ethic, and genuine desire to make a difference.

While we are sad to see him go, we are equally excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for him. We are grateful for everything he has contributed to our practice and the community we serve, and we know he has an incredibly bright future ahead.

Please join us in congratulating Chris on his engagement, wishing him every happiness as he and his fiancée begin this new chapter together, and celebrating this exciting next step in his professional journey. Thank you, Chris, for the lasting impact you’ve made at PerformaX.

Once part of the PerformaX family, always part of the PerformaX family.

Beyond PerformaX - Willie D. Eppes, Jr.

Beyond PerformaX

Willie D. Eppes, Jr.

Many of our patients may remember Willie D. Eppes, Jr., who worked as a Physical Therapy Aide at PerformaX while pursuing his dream of becoming a professional storyteller in the entertainment industry.

After earning his degree from Columbia College Chicago, Willie moved to Los Angeles with the goal of building a career as an actor and writer. Like many dreamers, he balanced auditions and creative pursuits while working to support himself. During that journey, he became part of the PerformaX family.

Following His Dream

Willie Willie Willie

A Perspective That Changed Everything

“I learned at PerformaX to persevere with those who struggled with things as simple as wiping their nose or scratching their face. I walked away each day, not as the star I hoped to become, but having witnessed stars that often go unnoticed every day. Steven and the entire PerformaX family fostered an environment that gave me a greater perspective as a storyteller—one I hope honors not only them, but also the many inspiring patients I was blessed to serve.”

Where He Is Today

Today, Willie is developing both a podcast and a feature film with a major production company. Watching him continue to pursue his passion while sharing meaningful stories is an inspiration to all of us.

Once Part of Our Team, Always Family

We couldn’t be more proud of Willie and are grateful that PerformaX played a small part in his journey. His success reminds us that every person who walks through our doors has a unique story to tell, and we can’t wait to celebrate everything he accomplishes in the years ahead.

Willie with the PerformaX Team
Apple Peanut Butter Yogurt Snack
Healthy Snack of the Month

Apple Peanut Butter Yogurt Bowl

Need a quick, satisfying snack? This Apple Peanut Butter Yogurt Bowl combines creamy Greek yogurt, crisp apples, healthy fats, and a touch of cinnamon for a balanced snack that helps keep you full between meals.

Why We Love This Snack

Greek yogurt provides protein to help keep you satisfied, apples add fiber and natural sweetness, while peanut butter and nuts offer heart-healthy fats. It’s a simple, delicious snack that’s perfect for busy afternoons or post-workout recovery.

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