What is supervised exercise therapy for low back pain?

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Exercise maintains fitness and health. Exercise in general is very good for people with low back pain. Some of the best medical advice for low back pain is to continue exercising, even if you have symptoms. If you don’t usually exercise, start right away. Almost any kind of exercise is helpful. Walking, cycling, swimming, stretching, and strength training are all good. These exercises don’t focus on the low back, but they still improve low back pain.

Most exercise is performed for recreation or general health. However, exercise can also be done to address a specific medical condition. When a doctor oversees the exercise, it is called supervised exercise therapy. This kind of therapy may help if general exercise isn’t enough to address your low back pain. A therapist will prescribe exercises that target your low back. The exercises help improve strength, coordination, flexibility, and endurance.

Supervised exercise therapy for low back pain usually combines several types of exercises. Your individual needs will determine the design of your program. A routine might begin with brief aerobic activity (such as cycling) to warm the body. Stretches for the low back and hips might be next. Slow, repeated movements designed to improve balance might complete the program. Exercises to strengthen the low back muscles and abdominals could follow.

It isn’t clear just why supervised exercise therapy helps those with low back pain. Both physical and mental benefits are important. The physical benefits include greater range of movement, increased strength, improved coordination and balance, and better endurance. The mental benefits include learning how to perform once again certain movements that used to cause pain. Exercise is also helpful to reduce stress, which can interfere with your low back pain. Another mental benefit is building greater confidence in your body’s ability to carry out both normal and unusual activities.

Supervised exercise therapy for low back pain is often directed by physical therapists. Physical therapists receive extensive training in how to design rehabilitation plans. Supervised exercise therapy is an important part of most rehabilitation plans.

 
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