Back Pain Physical Therapy in Flint, MI
Back pain can make sitting, sleeping, driving and even putting on your socks feel like work. Most back pain gets better with the right exercise and hands-on care, and physical therapy is often the best first step. At Horizon Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation on Miller Road, your care is built around a thorough evaluation in a clinic led by Dr. Jerome Adams Jr., PT, DPT, OCS, so we treat the cause of your pain, not just the spot that hurts.
Back problems we treat
Finding it hard to sit, stand, sleep or bend? These are the back problems we treat most often:
Low Back Pain and Strains
Pain that started with lifting, yard work or a sudden twist. Hands-on care and the right exercises calm the pain and get you moving normally again.
Sciatica
Pain, numbness or tingling that travels from your back into the buttock or leg. Targeted exercises and nerve mobility work help take pressure off the irritated nerve.
Herniated or Bulging Disc
Many disc problems improve without surgery. We use movement, strengthening and posture changes to ease pain and protect your back while it heals.
Arthritis and Spinal Stenosis
Stiffness, or pain with standing and walking that eases when you sit or lean forward. Strength, flexibility and walking programs help you stay active.
Falls, Work and Car Accident Injuries
A back injury can change how you move, work and sleep. Once serious injury has been ruled out, we help you rebuild strength and confidence.
Before and After Back Surgery
From disc surgery to spinal fusion, we follow your surgeon’s plan to restore motion, strength and everyday function, one step at a time.
Muscle spasms, a healed spinal fracture, or pain in your middle or upper back? We treat those too. Getting ready for surgery? Read what to expect in rehab after spinal fusion. Pain moving into your hip? See our hip pain physical therapy.
How physical therapy helps back pain
National guidelines for low back pain recommend starting with non-drug treatments like exercise and hands-on therapy. Your plan may include:
- Manual therapy: joint mobilization and soft tissue work to ease pain and restore motion
- Core, hip and back strengthening that fits your fitness level
- Stretching and movement drills to calm an irritated nerve
- Dry needling for tight, painful muscles, when it is a good fit for you
- Coaching on lifting, sitting, sleeping and staying active while you heal
- A short home program so you keep improving between visits
Most people do not need an MRI or X-ray to start physical therapy for back pain. If your evaluation suggests you need imaging or a doctor’s visit, we will tell you and help coordinate it.
Want more ideas you can use at home? Read how to take care of your back with physical therapy.
What to expect at your first visit
- A conversation about your pain: when it started, what makes it better or worse, and what you want to get back to.
- A movement exam that checks your posture, flexibility, strength, balance and nerve function.
- Treatment on day one, whenever possible, so you leave with less pain or a better understanding of it.
- A clear plan: how often to come, what you will work on, and a realistic timeline.
When to see a doctor right away
Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if back pain comes with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, leg weakness that is getting worse, a fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, or a serious fall or accident. These are uncommon, but they need medical attention before physical therapy.
Insurance and referrals
Physical therapy for back pain is covered by most health plans, and we accept many commercial, Medicare and Michigan Medicaid plans. Michigan lets you start physical therapy without a prescription for a limited time, and some plans still require a referral, so call us and we will check your coverage before your first visit.
See the full list of insurance plans we accept.
Why choose Horizon for back pain in Flint
- A clinic led by Dr. Jerome Adams Jr., PT, DPT, OCS, a board-certified orthopaedic clinical specialist (OCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
- One-on-one evaluation and a written plan, not a generic handout
- Hands-on manual therapy, targeted exercise and, when appropriate, dry needling
- Hundreds of five-star reviews from Flint-area patients
- Locally owned on Miller Road in Flint since 2012, convenient to Flint Township, Burton, Swartz Creek, Grand Blanc and Davison
Stop planning your day around your back. Call (810) 620‑8042.
We’ve helped hundreds of patients.
This place for physical therapy is the best place to come. The workers are wonderful, friendly, nice caring people who are willing to help meet your goals. This place is fun and safe. I’ve always enjoyed coming here for physical therapy. Thank you to all the wonderful workers for helping me with my appointments and meeting my goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people feel a difference within the first few visits, and a typical plan runs a few weeks. Your therapist will give you a realistic timeline after your evaluation.
For most back pain, gentle activity helps more than bed rest. We will show you which movements are safe now and how to build up from there.
Yes. Sciatica often improves with specific exercises, nerve mobility work and changes to how you sit and move. If your symptoms are severe or getting worse, we will help you get the right medical follow-up.
Many people with back pain, including many disc problems, improve without surgery. When surgery is the right choice, therapy before and after it helps you recover.
Michigan lets you begin physical therapy without a prescription for a limited time, currently 21 days or 10 visits. Some insurance plans still require a referral, so call and we will check your plan.
Comfortable clothes you can move in, like athletic pants or shorts and a T-shirt.