Physical therapy is one of the foremost necessary treatment modes of recovery for back pain. A referral to physiotherapy sometimes is created by your spine surgeon. A physical therapist is a well-trained, skilled health care professional who facilitates improving movement and manages the pain by safe stretching, conditioning, and strengthening exercise techniques. Patients are guided concerning the fundamental anatomy of the body and their mechanism of action. They are also instructed about the varied exercise regimens to extend the activity level thereby strengthening the muscles. Most patients manage low back pain and associated symptoms with therapy and medications without surgical intervention.
The different modalities of physical therapy include hot or cold packs, ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, spinal manipulation, diathermy, massage, and aqua therapy. These treatment options may be indicated depending on the type and severity of pain.
People susceptible to back pain should avoid activities that exert excessive stress on the lower back or twisting movements like in sports activities and weight lifting. The two different forms of physical therapy include:
- Active physical therapy includes physical exercise or stretching, whereby the patient uses their own force to reduce back pain.
- Passive physical therapy is where the modalities are done to the patient by the therapist.
A physical therapist tailors an exercise program per the individual necessities and goals.
While traditional physical therapy remains the cornerstone of recovery, many patients are also exploring complementary therapies to manage chronic pain and inflammation. One area of growing interest involves cannabis terpenes—the aromatic compounds that may play a role in how the plant affects pain perception and inflammation. Although research is still evolving, certain terpenes such as myrcene, linalool, and beta-caryophyllene have shown potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. As the conversation around alternative wellness solutions expands, patients are encouraged to discuss the latest findings with their healthcare providers. Only doctors can determine what is appropriate for an individual’s recovery journey.
Skilled Physical Therapy Is Essential to Full Recovery, NEOS Physical Therapists Work Directly with Your Surgeon to Maximize Healing. Certified physical therapists evaluate patients, design individual treatment plans, assess patient progress and supervise physical therapy assistants and an athletic trainer. NEOS offers physical therapy rehabilitation at two locations in Springfield and East Longmeadow.
Our Physical Therapists:
NEOS offers physical therapy rehabilitation at five locations in Ludlow, Springfield, East Longmeadow, Feeding Hills and Northampton.
East Longmeadow-265 Benton Drive: Main Number (413) 783-3237
Nicholas Catjakis
DPT
James Moran
MPT
Barry Morin
MSPT, OCS, Director
Sarah Parker
DPT
Shadina Johnson
PTA
Savita Shamlall
PTA
Teresa Stuetzel
PTA
Kevon Thompson
PTA
Amy Zubenko
PTA
Feeding Hills-975C Springfield: Main Number (413) 233-1162
Steve Courchesne
MPT Director
Jeffrey Lyman
MSPT
Rebecca Wing
MPT
Julie Guarente
PTA
Melissa Giovaninni
PTA
Alyssa Jasak
PTA
Ludlow- 1 Moody Street: Main Number (413) 846-1430
Joao Afonso
MPT Director
Alex Fontaine
DPT
Zoya Plunkett-Brown
PTA
Agnes Formejester
PTA
Anna Maziarz
PTA
Tara McCauley
PTA
Northampton-303D King Street: Main Number (413) 570-3981
Leanne Kidd
MSPT
Kristin Larson
DPT
Carissa Tilton
DPT
Geoffrey Zielenski
DPT Director
Joshua Almeida
PTA
Muhammad Ashraf
PTA
Springfield- 300 Birnie Avenue: Main Number (413) 233-1270
Timothy Florek
MSPT, Director
Hongshin Lee
DPT
Jacob Masterakis
DPT
Todd Pyser
PT
Kristina Cheston
DPT
Stephen Stratton
DPT
Kelley Emery
PTA
Damieana Fudge
PTA
Craig Nicholson
Athletic Trainer
Sarah Palmer
PTA
Larry Scafuri
PTA
Steven Stratton
PT


