Bateman Physical Therapy
Tel: 925-596-9830 Fax: 925-215-2290
Are You Dealing With Low Back Pain?
Low back pain can affect nearly every part of the day, from getting out of bed and putting on shoes to sitting at work, walking, lifting, or sleeping comfortably. Symptoms may feel like an ache, stiffness, sharp pain, or a sense that your back is not ready to move normally. They may also change from one day to the next.
The good news is that many people can improve with a gradual, active approach. Our back pain treatment focuses on understanding your specific symptoms and helping you return to movement without relying on fear or guesswork.
Common Symptoms of Low Back Pain
Common symptoms include:
• Aching, soreness, or stiffness across the low back
• Pain with bending, lifting, twisting, or changing positions
• Reduced tolerance for sitting or standing
• Pain that extends into the buttock or upper leg
• Difficulty walking or standing upright comfortably
• Guarded movement or fear of triggering another episode
• Trouble with sleep, household tasks, work, or recreation
Symptoms that travel farther into the leg may be associated with sciatica or another source of nerve irritation and deserve an individualized assessment.
What Causes Low Back Pain?
Low back pain can develop after a sudden strain, a change in activity, repetitive work, prolonged positioning, or a period of reduced conditioning. Muscles, joints, discs, nerves, and surrounding tissues can all contribute. Age-related findings are also common, but changes seen on imaging do not always explain the intensity of a person's symptoms.
For many people, several factors overlap. Reduced hip or spinal mobility, weakness, sleep, stress, workload, and sensitivity after a painful episode may all influence recovery. A physical therapy evaluation helps identify which factors are most relevant to you.
How Physical Therapy Helps Low Back Pain
Physical therapy uses movement and exercise to help you rebuild capacity. Your plan may include mobility work, trunk and hip strengthening, walking, balance physical therapy when steadiness is also a concern, and practice with lifting or other meaningful tasks. Hip pain and mobility limitations may also be addressed when they affect how you move.
We will help you understand which movements are useful, how to modify activity during a flare-up, and how to progress without doing too much too soon. Hands-on treatment may be included when appropriate, but the long-term focus is helping you develop the strength and confidence to manage daily life.
What to Expect at Physical Therapy
At the first visit, we will discuss when your pain began, what makes it better or worse, relevant medical history, and what you want to regain. Your therapist will assess movement, strength, walking, balance, and specific activities such as bending, reaching, lifting, or standing from a chair.
Treatment is then matched to your findings and goals. You may receive guided exercise, education, hands-on care when appropriate, and a home program that fits your schedule. We will monitor your response and adjust the plan as you improve. Read more about our physical therapy services.
Getting Back to What Matters to You
Your goal may be sitting through a workday or car ride, walking around the neighborhood, completing household tasks, or sleeping more comfortably. You may want to return to gardening, travel, golf, pickleball, or regular exercise.
We use these activities to guide treatment. Progress is measured by what you can do with greater comfort, control, and confidence, not only by a pain score.
Why Choose Bateman Physical Therapy?
Bateman Physical Therapy provides individualized care rather than placing every patient into the same back-pain program. We consider your health, activity level, concerns, and personal goals when selecting and progressing treatment.
Our San Ramon clinic has extensive experience helping older adults stay mobile and independent. Explore the other conditions we treat to see how we address orthopedic, balance, neurological, and post-surgical needs.