Back Pain

All physical therapists are prepared through education and experience to treat people who have low back pain. However, when choosing a Physical Therapist to treat your low back you may want to consider the following:

1. A physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with orthopedic, or musculoskeletal, problems.
2. A physical therapist who is a board-certified clinical specialist or who completed a residency or fellowship in orthopedic physical therapy. This therapist has advanced knowledge, experience, and skills that may apply to your condition. Dr. Greg Schroeder of Back@Work Physical Therapy is Board Certified in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and is an expert in treating back problems.

You can find physical therapists who have these and other credentials by using Find a PT, the online tool built by the American Physical Therapy Association to help you search for physical therapists with specific clinical expertise in your geographic area.

General tips when you’re looking for a physical therapist (or any other health care provider):

Get recommendations from family and friends or from other health care providers.
When you contact a physical therapy clinic for an appointment, ask about the physical therapists’ experience in helping people with low back pain.
During your first visit with the physical therapist, be prepared to describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible, and say what makes your symptoms worse.