Five things to know about physical therapy for neck and back pain

Shoveling snow, raking, gardening or even carrying boxes after a round of spring cleaning are all ways that you could develop neck or back pain.  If you’re experiencing pain, it’s important to get care as soon as possible.

Back and neck pain can be debilitating; early access to treatment can improve long-term success and get you back to enjoying the things that matter most. Although movement and exercise might not sound appealing, an individualized physical therapy program could be just what you need.

Learn how specialists with the M Health Fairview Rehabilitation Services Acute Spine Physical Therapy program can get you back to feeling your best.

What is Acute Spine Physical Therapy?

The team of specialists in our Acute Spine Physical Therapy program provides rapid access for acute neck and back pain that has begun within the past three weeks. We’re able to offer an opportunity to meet with patients within the next business day. In addition, we offer both in-person and virtual options for evaluation and follow-up therapy appointments.

Timely assessment by physical therapists trained and certified in MDT (Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy ®) helps improve outcomes and quality of life. At your first session, a physical therapist will evaluate you, implement treatment, and provide a personalized home program based on your unique needs.

Who should utilize Acute Spine Physical Therapy?

Our Acute Spine Physical Therapy program provides express access (by the next business day) to those with nonsurgical neck and/or back pain. Ideally, this program is for those with an onset of symptoms within 21 days prior to beginning therapy or those who are experiencing a flare-up of a chronic low back or neck pain condition.

Note: Potential patients may have radicular symptoms (numbness or tingling in your arms or legs) but those symptoms should be stable and not worsening. This program is NOT recommended for patients with progressive or worsening neurological symptoms including numbness, tingling, or significant loss of strength or feeling in a limb among others.

Why is early access to Acute Spine Physical Therapy important?

A recent study completed at our rehabilitation clinics demonstrated that 79% of patients achieve significant improvement with earlier entry into physical therapy compared to those with delayed entry. This early intervention reduced the risk of future healthcare utilization costs (advanced imaging like an MRI, additional physician visits, major surgery, spinal injections, and opioid medications).

Our team of physical therapists can get patients feeling better on average in four visits or fewer. If pain does not improve, we can help coordinate follow-up care with the referring provider or if you came to therapy directly, your primary care team.

How do I make an appointment?

We have over 10 metro locations that offer Acute Spine Physical Therapy. To learn more about our program, click here.

To get started with our team, please call 612-273-6228. Our scheduling line is available Monday through Friday from 8 to 4 p.m.