How Physical Therapy Helps with Lower Back Pain
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Injury-Specific & Condition-Focused on June 19, 2025
Understanding Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. It can range from a dull ache to sharp, debilitating pain that limits your ability to work, sleep, or enjoy daily activities. Whether caused by injury, poor posture, degenerative conditions, or muscle strain, lower back pain can significantly impact your quality of life.
At Reform Physical Therapy, we treat lower back pain every day—and we’ve seen firsthand how targeted treatment plans can lead to real, lasting relief.
Why Choose Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain?
Physical therapy focuses on addressing the root causes of discomfort rather than masking symptoms. Through a combination of manual therapy, strengthening exercises, posture education, and mobility training, physical therapists help patients reduce pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence. Physical therapy is considered a first-line treatment for lower back pain by organizations like the American Physical Therapy Association.
Here’s why it works:
- Personalized care: Your treatment is tailored to your specific diagnosis, pain level, and lifestyle.
- Strength & stability: Therapy builds core strength and spinal stability, reducing strain on your lower back.
- Education: You’ll learn how to move smarter and avoid movements or habits that worsen your condition.
- Long-term results: Physical therapy empowers you to manage your back health independently.
What to Expect During Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain
When you begin treatment at Reform, your first visit includes a full assessment of your spine, posture, movement patterns, strength, and flexibility. Based on your findings, your physical therapist creates a customized plan.
Your plan may include:
- Therapeutic exercises to improve core stability and flexibility
- Manual therapy (hands-on techniques) to reduce tension and increase mobility
- Postural training to improve alignment and reduce strain
- Education on body mechanics and activity modification
- Home exercise programs to support continued progress between visits
We believe in empowering you with knowledge and giving you the tools to manage your condition—not just in the clinic, but for life.
Conditions Treated with Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain may be related to a number of diagnoses, and physical therapy is proven to help with many of them, including:
- Lumbar strain or sprain
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica or nerve impingement
- Spinal stenosis
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Chronic lower back pain from poor posture or sedentary lifestyle
No matter the cause, our goal is to reduce pain and restore function so you can return to the activities you love.
The Benefits of Early Intervention
Starting physical therapy early can prevent acute lower back pain from becoming chronic. It also reduces the need for imaging, medications, or invasive procedures like injections or surgery. Studies have shown that early physical therapy can reduce the likelihood of chronic pain and high-cost interventions (JAMA Network).
If you’ve been dealing with pain for more than a few days, or it’s interfering with your daily routine, don’t wait. The sooner you begin treatment; the sooner you’ll see results.
Why Reform Physical Therapy?
Reform is a woman-owned, Maine-based clinic with seven locations across Southern Maine. We’ve been voted “Best Physical Therapy Company” in the 207 for three years in a row and were named the 2025 SBA Woman-Owned Business of the Year.
Our therapists are experienced in treating lower back pain and use evidence-based, hands-on care. Each session is one-on-one with a licensed PT—no assistants, no rushed visits, just personalized, professional care.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If you’re ready to take control of your lower back pain, we’re here to help. Reform Physical Therapy offers expert care, supportive education, and a team that’s truly invested in your recovery.
Serving Portland, South Portland, Brunswick, Freeport, Yarmouth, Topsham, and Eliot
Call today or book online to schedule your first visit—no referral required in most cases.