Back & Spine · Trenton, MI
Back Pain
Physical therapy for back pain at Total Body Rehab — evaluation-driven, one-on-one care in Trenton, serving all of Downriver.
Back pain will affect roughly four out of five adults at some point, and it's the single most common condition we treat. Muscle strain, disc irritation, joint stiffness, and deconditioning all contribute — usually in combination.
The best evidence is unambiguous: staying active with guided, progressive treatment beats bed rest, passive waiting, and long-term medication for nearly everyone.
Common signs & symptoms
- Aching, stiffness, or sharp pain in the lower or mid back
- Pain that flares with sitting, bending, or lifting
- Morning stiffness that loosens with movement
- Pain spreading into the buttock or thigh
- Recurring episodes that get closer together
How physical therapy helps
Your evaluation identifies which movements and positions provoke and relieve your pain — that pattern guides everything. Treatment typically combines hands-on therapy for stiff segments and guarded muscles, McKenzie-based directional exercises, and progressive core and hip strengthening so your spine is supported for the long term. You'll leave understanding your back, not just feeling better.
Treatments we use
- McKenzie Method
- Manual therapy & mobilization
- Dry needling
- Core & hip strengthening
- Cupping
- Lifting mechanics training
Frequently asked questions
Should I rest until my back pain goes away?
No — extended rest consistently makes back pain worse. Relative rest for a day or two is fine; after that, guided movement is the treatment. We'll show you exactly what's safe to do.
Do I need an MRI before starting PT?
Usually not. Most back pain doesn't require imaging, and incidental MRI findings are common even in pain-free people. Your physician will order imaging if red flags warrant it — otherwise, evaluation and treatment can start right away.
How do I stop my back pain from coming back?
Recurrence is the real enemy. The answer is capacity: a strong, mobile trunk and hips plus smart movement habits. The final phase of our plan is built entirely around that.
This page is general education, not a diagnosis. For advice about your specific situation, schedule an evaluation or talk with your physician.