Is Back Pain Interfering With Your Everyday Life?
Are you experiencing pain or tension in your lower back? Are these symptoms making it difficult for you to go about your daily routine? The Total Motion Physical Therapy team can help you pinpoint the root of your pain so you can find lasting relief.
For some, back pain is a daily occurrence that can profoundly impact their quality of life. It can affect all sorts of daily movements, including standing, sitting, lying down, driving, walking, or running.
You might develop long-term back pain for many reasons, such as poor postural habits or prolonged sitting. These factors strain the back’s structures and increase the risk of overuse injuries that can lead to long-term pain.
While addressing back pain can be overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. Our team can provide you with an individualized program to help you manage your pain and get you back to living the life you enjoy!
Try This
Knee-to-Chest Stretch Steps:
- Lie on your back with both knees bent and feet flat.
- Gently pull one knee toward your chest using both hands.
- Hold for 20 seconds, then switch sides.
- Repeat 3–5 times on each leg.
Tip: Keep your lower back pressed into the floor and avoid straining your neck.
Join Us for a Functional Dry Needling Course
Advancing Care Through Continuing Education in the New River Valley!
On October 18th, our clinic is proud to host a Functional Dry Needling course! As lifelong learners, we’re committed to continuing education so we can provide our community with the most effective, evidence-based treatments in outpatient physical therapy in the New River Valley.
Understanding the Risk Factors Associated with Back Pain
One reason back pain is so prevalent is that so many different factors can contribute to it–which means that the exact mechanisms of back pain can vary by individual. Here are some of the most common factors we see at our clinic:
- Lack of exercise
- Prolonged sitting
- Poor posture
- Core weakness
- Frequent repetitive bending or twisting motions
These factors make it more likely that you’ll suffer an injury, such as straining your back muscles or developing a herniated disc. Often, back pain stems from overuse injuries–that is, injuries that develop gradually over time. Until you correct the factors causing the injury, you’ll continue to experience symptoms.
Older people can also develop back pain due to degenerative conditions in the spine, including osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease. While these conditions have no cure, our team can help you manage their symptoms and alleviate pressure on the spine.
The Importance of Exercise In Managing Back Pain
Many people mistakenly believe rest is the best way to deal with back pain. In reality, a lack of physical activity can actually make your back pain worse!
That’s right: Exercise plays a key role in reducing back pain. A strong core and stable back minimize strain on the vertebrae, discs, and surrounding tissues. Regular physical activity strengthens those key muscles and improves overall mobility, helping to keep your spine healthy.
Different types of exercise help in different ways:
- Core strengthening supports your spine and reduces excess pressure on discs.
- Mobility work increases your range of motion and prevents stiffness.
- Aerobic activities boost circulation and encourage the release of endorphins, which help reduce pain.
- Postural exercises improve spinal alignment and ease muscle strain.
While it can be intimidating to begin exercising when you’re in pain, staying consistent helps your body adapt, reducing your discomfort over time.
However, choosing the right exercises is essential. That’s where our team can help.
See Real Results!
Thousands in the New River Valley Trust Total Motion with Their Recovery
From marathon runners to busy parents, our patients consistently share one thing: confidence in our care. Our team’s advanced training, personalized plans, and dedication to results have helped countless individuals overcome pain, regain strength, and return to doing what they love — faster than they expected.
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“Great environment & caring staff”
Highly recommend Brandon and the team here. Great environment and felt comfortable there. Thanks for the help.
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Bethany D.
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“Best PT Experience”
Very kind staff and helpful. I’ve been to several PT places over the years and they were the best.
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Marcy R.
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“Exceptional, Personalized Care”
Excellent attention to individualized care. Joey went above and beyond to make sure we were back to normal within weeks. Highly recommend!
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Meghan P.
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I’m hoping I won’t need physical therapy again anytime soon, but if I do, I know exactly where I’ll be going. Total Motion has three convenient locations, and the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. The front desk team was always welcoming and made every visit a great experience, and…
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Destiny W.
Comprehensive Solutions for Back Pain
Physical therapy provides a structured approach to treating back pain. Our team will assess your movement patterns, identify weak muscles, and create treatment plans based on individual needs. Common strategies include:
Manual Therapy
Targeted Exercises
Postural Training
Ergonomic Adjustments
General Prevention Tips
Back Pain Relief is In Your Grasp
Anyone who has struggled with back pain can tell you plain and simple: When your back is hurting, there is no way to pretend that it isn’t.
Fortunately, you don’t have to struggle! Our team will work to address the root of your pain so you can find lasting relief. Schedule an initial appointment at Total Motion Physical Therapy to get started.
Meet the Experts Behind Your Care
Our team of fellowship-trained and board-certified specialists brings unmatched experience to your recovery journey. Led by Dr. Ron Masri — the only FAAOMPT therapist in the New River Valley — we are committed to lifelong learning, clinical excellence, and personalized patient care.
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Dr. Nikolas Dimitry
PT, DPT, OCSDr. Nikolas Dimitry is from Chesapeake, Virginia. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech in 2016. He…
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Dr. Heath Hardiman
PT DPT, OCSDr. Heath Hardiman is a native of New Kent, Virginia. Heath received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University…
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Dr. Rony Masri
PT, DPT, OCS, ATC, FAAOMPT, FOUNDERPresident and Founder of Total Motion Physical Therapy Dr. Ron Masri is a successful and highly-skilled physical therapist who has…
Don’t Let Yard Work Be a Pain!
Tips for Avoiding an Injury in the Garden
Have you been putting off yard work? Consider this: It’s a great source of exercise and an excuse to get out in the fresh air. But it is essential for you to be mindful of injuries, particularly before diving into a strenuous outdoor project.
At Total Motion Physical Therapy, we want to help you be safe and healthy as you work in your garden. Here are three of our physical therapists’ favorite tips for avoiding an injury as you take care of outdoor chores:
Warm up before you get started
Switch things up
Be mindful of your movement
Have questions? Our physical therapists can help! Call us to schedule an appointment today.
Recipe of the Month: Breakfast Tacos
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- Sea salt
- ½ teaspoon avocado oil
- 1 cup Pico de Gallo
- ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
- ½ avocado, sliced
- 4 corn or flour tortillas, warmed or charred over a gas flame
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Hot sauce, for serving
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt.
- In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add half the pico de gallo and cook, stirring, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until lightly softened. Add the eggs and scramble until just set. Stir in the cheese and remove from the heat.
- To assemble breakfast tacos, divide the eggs and avocado slices among the tortillas. Top with the remaining pico de gallo and cilantro. Serve with hot sauce.
Try an October “Reset” Before the Winter Holidays
With the weather finally starting to cool off, October is a great time to get back into the habit of physical activity before the holidays kick into gear. Here are some of our favorite ways to get moving in the fall:
- Go for a walk. Now’s the perfect time to take advantage of cooler temperatures. A brisk walk around your neighborhood is also a great way to admire your neighbors’ Halloween decorations.
- Enjoy a game of tag football. Why should the pros have all the fun? Invite your friends over for a friendly skirmish–no tackling required.
- Try a local hiking trail: You aren’t the only one enjoying the cooler weather. Spend a few hours exploring a nearby hiking trail and check out what nature’s doing to prepare for winter.
At Total Motion Physical Therapy, we know things start to get busy at Halloween–but October is the perfect time to squeeze in some fun outdoor activities before things get going!
