Physical Therapy plays an important role not only in treating persistent or recurrent low back pain, but also in prevention and risk reduction of future occurrences. If you have experienced low back pain, you are not alone. Approximately one quarter of Americans report experiencing low back pain within the past 3 months at any given time. Low back pain often occurs due to overuse, strain or injury. This includes too much bending, twisting, lifting, and even too much sitting.
How Can You Prevent Low Back Pain?
Keep your back, stomach, and leg muscles strong and flexible. Maintain a regular fitness regimen – staying active can help prevent injuries!
Don’t slouch – keep good posture! Keeping your body in alignment allows it to be more efficient when you move.
Ask for help or use an assistive device to lift heavy objects. If you are lifting something heavy, keep the load close to your body.
If we are asking you to do something that is hurting too much, let us know! Physical therapy should not be severely painful. It is not common to be so sore that patients are in pain or it affects their daily life. If this ever happens during or after an appointment, let us know and we will adapt your program.
We recommend budgeting 40-60 minutes for a typical therapy session. The only exception to this will be your first visit, which can take about 20 minutes longer due to the physical therapy evaluation your therapist will provide. We also recommend showing up about 10-15 minutes early to your first visit. This way, you can complete the paperwork before your visit time and streamline the process.
A physical therapy visit lasts about 40-60 minutes. The actual contents of the visit vary based on your diagnosis/need, but typically what happens is:
You check in with the receptionist, make any appointments necessary, and we discuss your health insurance benefits with you.
You go into the gym. You can change clothes if you need to, then begin therapy.
You perform 6-8 various exercises and stretches. These can include therapeutic band exercises, light body weight exercises, or minimal weights. The stretches will promote strength, stability, improved range of motion, and pain relief.
We can initiate other techniques to include manual work, taping, cupping, and dry needling as needed.
The therapist makes recommendations based on your progress. These can include altering the frequency of visits, making additions/alterations to your home exercise plan, or things to do before your next visit.
You should wear loose clothes that make it easy to move. We also recommend sneakers. Workout clothes will work, but any comfortable clothing will work fine. Plan on giving your therapist access to your area of concern. The less your clothes restrict your movement and the more comfortable you are, the better. Shorts, yoga pants, or athletic/loose fitting pants and a tee shirt are all good options.
I came in a little more than three weeks ago because I could not move my shoulder at the direction of Dr. Barenstein. Then about 2 weeks ago I had my shoulder “manipulated”, all through this painful ordeal Ria and Thomas were my physical therapists. These two did an absolutely marvelous job, so good in fact that they worked themselves out of a job in just 10 days after the manipulation by helping me regain almost all of the mobility and teaching me the exercises that I need to do!
J.M.
Shea Physical Therapy Patient
Thank you for the excellent rehab experience yet again!
Your front office always had ladies at the window: friendly and willing to stop what they were doing to help when someone walked up.
My therapist Joyce and Diane were wonderful, easy to work with, and helpful if I had questions. With their watchful eye, concerned interest, and guidance I was able to achieve my goals. I proudly wear my graduation t-shirt that Joyce gave me on the inside track at Corpus Christi Athletic Club as I continue my own exercises.
B.L.
Shea Physical Therapy Patient
I have reached the end of my therapy and want to show my appreciation to your staff. They are a great group of people. I have been to other places for physical therapy but your people have shown a personal side to the people they work with. They make you feel like a friend or family member and show a personal interest in your recovery. I would highly recommend Shea Physical Therapy to anyone needing physical therapy. Thanks again! Keep up the good work!
J.K.
Shea Physical Therapy Patient
My doctor insisted that I come to Shea Physical Therapy and now I understand why. My wife’s massage therapist says you are the best. If all your therapists are the same caliber as Diane, I can understand why you have the reputation as “the best in South Texas”. Thanks for offering such an outstanding service.
P.A.
Shea Physical Therapy Patient
I recently had therapy sessions for my shoulder at your facility. Not only is your staff extremely knowledgeable regarding all aspects of therapeutic treatment but also maintains a cheerful and positive atmosphere while teaching patients the exercises that benefit them. It is good to see professionals consider the whole person who is being treated. Congratulations to you and your staff.
H.R.
Shea Physical Therapy Patient
For those of you who waited, worked, tolerated and had patience with me, thank you and bless all of you. This is one of those times when saying “Thank You” does not seem like enough.
Office staff, therapy professionals, technicians – so much appreciation, and gratitude for all of you.
N.I.
Shea Physical Therapy Patient
I want to thank Shea Therapy for all the care you have given me on my road to recovery. Your expertise and professionalism is impressive! I want to especially thank those who worked directly with me. Thank you Lucy and Hilda for always putting me in my favorite room. Thank you Diane, my direct PT, along with Shana, PTA and Alex. Thank you ladies in the front office who were always so cheery and helpful.
T.K.
Shea Physical Therapy Patient
Just a little note of gratitude for the care I received at your facility. My experience was just as rewarding and beneficial as the first time (approximately 30 years ago). I can’t thank you enough, beginning with the ladies at the front desk, Hilda & Lucy and you, Dan.
M.N.
Shea Physical Therapy Patient
I can’t thank you enough for taking the time and risk to see me even as we all struggled to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. I am pleased to report you the success of your efforts as I am relatively PAIN FREE these days. I remained skeptical of the treatment outcome in the middle of August. However, I continued the prescribed physical therapy regimen and precisely as predicted, six to seven weeks later I am practically PAIN FREE! Still recovering but 100% improved – THANKS to you! My sincerest appreciation for your time and efforts,
R.K.
Shea Physical Therapy Patient
Thank you for everything you have done for me. Sorry for being so much trouble. You all are amazing. I thank God for placing me with such caring, loving people.
