Dynamic Physical Therapy
Back Pain & Sciatica in Cottonwood Heights & Salt Lake City, UT
Back Pain and Sciatica Relief with Physical Therapy
Back pain and sciatica can interfere with daily activities, making movement uncomfortable and limiting mobility. Physical therapy offers targeted solutions to alleviate pain, restore function, and prevent future issues. At Dynamic Physical Therapy, our specialists develop personalized treatment plans to help patients regain strength and flexibility while reducing discomfort.
Understanding Back Pain and Sciatica
Back pain affects many adults, with symptoms ranging from mild aches to severe discomfort. Sciatica, a condition caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, can result in:
- Numbness or weakness in the leg or foot
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations
- Sharp pain radiating through the lower back, hip, or thigh
Difficulty with standing, walking, or movement
Rather than relying on temporary solutions, physical therapy focuses on relieving pain while addressing underlying causes for long-term relief.
Customized Treatment for Lasting Relief
Our physical therapists design treatment plans that combine pain management, therapeutic exercises, and functional movement strategies.
1. Pain Management Techniques
- Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension
- Joint mobilizations to restore spinal alignment
- Heat and ice therapy for inflammation control
- Electrical stimulation to modulate pain signals
Teri Goldsmith
Kevin is one of the best physical therapists I have ever had. Dynamic Physical Therapy is very centrally located, and all of the staff are very friendly and accommodating. If the need arises in the future, I will definitely be back!
Collin Eggertz
Matt and the Dynamic Physical Therapy team are incredible and I cannot recommend them enough. My podiatrist recommended I go to Matt to help me with severe plantar fasciitis and posterior tibialis tendonitis. Thanks to Matt’s fantastic care (massage, dry needling, and exercises), I’m back to running comfortably again.
2. Strength and Stability Exercises
- Core strengthening to support the spine
- Glute and hip activation to improve alignment
- Mobility drills to enhance flexibility and reduce nerve irritation
3. Posture and Movement Correction
- Ergonomic education for daily activities
- Gait and balance training to reduce strain on the lower back
- Functional movement patterns to improve stability and coordination
By addressing muscle imbalances, poor posture, and mobility limitations, therapy restores movement patterns that reduce stress on the spine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for back pain and sciatica to improve?
Recovery time depends on the severity of the condition and adherence to treatment. Some cases improve within a few weeks, while chronic conditions require a longer-term approach.
Should I rest or stay active with back pain?
While initial rest can help manage acute pain, movement is essential for recovery. A therapist will guide you on safe exercises to avoid aggravating symptoms while maintaining mobility.
What activities should I avoid?
Avoid prolonged sitting, excessive bending, and activities that worsen pain. Sleeping positions and postural habits may also need adjustments to support recovery.
Meet Your Back Pain & Sciatica Treatment Team
At Dynamic Physical Therapy, we specialize in diagnosing and treating back pain and sciatica through comprehensive, evidence-based approaches. Our treatment plans address both your symptoms and their underlying causes to provide lasting relief and prevent recurrence.
Matthew Nelson PT, DPT, TPS, AFDNS, AIB Cert – VR
Matt brings exceptional expertise in spine care and pain management to the treatment of back pain and sciatica. As a Therapeutic Pain Specialist, he offers advanced interventions for complex and persistent conditions that haven’t responded to standard approaches. Matt’s training in trigger point dry needling provides an effective tool for addressing muscular contributions to back pain and radiating symptoms. His comprehensive approach combines manual therapy, targeted exercises, and patient education to deliver sustainable results.
Jessica Bauerkemper PT, DPT, AIB CERT – VR
Jessica specializes in treating spine conditions through a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and Pilates-based core stabilization. Her approach to back pain and sciatica focuses on restoring proper movement patterns while building the strength needed for long-term spine health. Jessica’s expertise in chronic pain management enables her to address both the physical and functional limitations associated with back disorders, helping patients return to their daily activities with confidence.
Anika Jansen, PT, DPT
Anika implements a comprehensive approach to back pain and sciatica that includes functional dry needling and targeted manual therapy techniques. Her treatment plans address both local spine dysfunction and how it affects overall movement patterns. Anika specializes in helping active individuals overcome back limitations that restrict participation in outdoor activities, developing personalized strategies to safely return to hiking, running, and other recreational pursuits.
Ciena Lavallee PT, DPT, Cert. MDT
Ciena’s certification in The McKenzie Method provides specialized expertise in treating back pain and sciatica through mechanical diagnosis and therapy. Her systematic approach identifies specific movement patterns that influence symptoms, allowing for precisely targeted interventions. Ciena excels at empowering patients with self-management strategies while providing hands-on care to address mechanical dysfunction at the root of back pain and radiating symptoms.
Start Your Recovery Today
If back pain or sciatica is limiting your mobility, physical therapy can help restore function and reduce discomfort. Contact Dynamic Physical Therapy to schedule an assessment and begin your path to relief.