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Back & Neck Physical TherapyIn Fort Collins, Windsor & surrounding cities

Did you know that approximately 80% of adults in the United States have experienced back pain? And around 8% suffer from chronic back pain - that's 16 million adults dealing with debilitating back pain every day.

Lower back pain can be chronic and discouraging, but physical therapy is a great option that has been scientifically proven to reduce even long-term debilitating complaints. Physical therapy low back pain treatments vary from patient to patient, but many of them focus on increasing mobility and strength.

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can be the result of an old injury, something that has built up over time, or an acute injury from bending or lifting the wrong way. Other common causes are weakness in the core strength or muscle weakness after an injury. Car accidents can also cause back pain by straining the muscles or fracturing the bones in the spine. Additionally, as we get older the fluid-filled discs that separate and cushion the joint in the spine lose volume and become thinner, allowing movements of the spine to compress nerves, leading to shooting or radiating pain.

Solutions for Lower Back Pain

Truly effective solutions for lower back pain are hard to come by, but physical therapy is one of the most successful options available. In patients that demonstrate weakness of the spinal stabilizer muscles, we use evidence-based strengthening and stabilizing programs to reduce back pain and improve function. For patients whose pain is caused by degeneration in the spinal discs, mobility exercises, stretches and glides to improve nerve mobility, and mechanical traction to reduce the load on the discs may be indicated. Regardless of what is specifically causing your problem, our physical therapists have back pain treatments and exercises that will work for you.

Find Physical Therapists For Your Lower Back Pain

For individuals seeking therapeutic treatment options for lower back pain in Fort Collins, Windsor & surrounding cities, check out Colorado in Motion! We understand that chronic lower back pain can be incredibly discouraging, but our specialists are ready and waiting to make this the most successful and pain-relieving experience possible. If you have tried everything, consider giving us a chance to eliminate your pain like we have for so many patients before!

Do You Need Physical Therapy for Your Back and Neck Pain?

You will likely benefit from PT if you have:

  • Acute/chronic lower back pain
  • Tension headaches
  • Pain extending to arms and/or legs
  • General arthritic back complaints
  • Work-related back pain
  • Recently had back surgery

Causes of Back Pain

Fitness Level
People who are in poor shape or with weak core muscles are more likely to suffer from back pain as they have less support for their spine.

Occupation
It's no secret that desk jobs aren't great for your back. Your job may be a primary cause of your back pain if you sit too much or strain yourself often.

Body Weight
Obesity is a leading cause of back pain and many patients may be able to reduce or eliminate back pain by reaching a healthier body weight.

Smoking
Smoking has a lot of negative effects on your body. It can cause inflammation and restrict blood flow, both of which heavily contribute to back pain.

Injury
Strain or injury is a common cause of back pain. Sudden movements, falls, or other accidents can lead to an acute episode of back pain.

Genetics
Unfortunately, your genes can be a cause for back pain. Studies on lumbar disc disease have shown that back pain may run in families.

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The Colorado in Motion Difference

Specialty-Level Care

Target your discomfort at the source with a customized treatment plan.

More Board Certified Experts

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Caring Physical Therapists

Gain a team of therapists committed to your recovery.

Back & Neck Physical Therapy Treatment Locations

East Fort Collins

3744 Timberline Road, Ste. 103
Fort Collins, CO 80525
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Old Town Fort Collins (Magnolia)

210 W Magnolia St
Fort Collins, CO 80521-2915
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Old Town North (Hickory)

331 Hickory St.
Building 2 STE 130
Fort Collins, CO 80524
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South Fort Collins (Harmony)

115 E Harmony Rd
Fort Collins, CO 80525-3280
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Windsor

1555 Main Street
STE A-4 & 5
Windsor, CO 80550
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • A physical therapy visit lasts about 40-60 minutes. The actual contents of the visit vary based on your diagnosis/need, but typically what happens is:

    1. You check in with the receptionist, make any appointments necessary, and we discuss your health insurance benefits with you.
    2. You go into the gym. You can change clothes if you need to, then begin therapy.
    3. You perform 6-8 various exercises and stretches. These can include therapeutic band exercises, light body weight exercises, or minimal weights. The stretches will promote strength, stability, improved range of motion, and pain relief.
    4. We can initiate other techniques to include manual work, taping, cupping, and dry needling as needed.
    5. The therapist makes recommendations based on your progress. These can include altering the frequency of visits, making additions/alterations to your home exercise plan, or things to do before your next visit.

  • We recommend budgeting 40-60 minutes for a typical therapy session. The only exception to this will be your first visit, which can take about 20 minutes longer due to the physical therapy evaluation your therapist will provide. We also recommend showing up about 10-15 minutes early to your first visit. This way, you can complete the paperwork before your visit time and streamline the process.

  • If we are asking you to do something that is hurting too much, let us know! Physical therapy should not be severely painful. It is not common to be so sore that patients are in pain or it affects their daily life. If this ever happens during or after an appointment, let us know and we will adapt your program.

  • During your initial evaluation, your therapist may ask you a number of questions to determine what the cause of your pain is. This can include questions about your sleep habits, activity level, and work environment. They will also ask for a medical history, and then typically ask direct questions about where and when you experience pain.

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People in Colorado Trust Colorado in Motion

Hear from patients that reclaimed their lives.

Our son was 9+ weeks premature and required physical therapy to help with his gross motor skills. Jessica Albers was our therapist and she was wonderful. She gave us the tools to help our son develop and he is now a very active little two year old. We would recommend Jessica to any parents with a child that needs help.

5 stars

Aaron Biesemeier

Colorado In Motion Patient

I was in a horrible car accident and had tried many specialized treatments for pain and pain management for more than a year before it was suggested to have Physical Therapy at CIM. David's suggestion to try dry needling for my neck & shoulder areas has made a tremendous improvement. David’s positive attitude and professional advice keep me moving and feeling better after each appointment.

5 stars

Carol

Colorado In Motion Patient

John was very helpful in easing the pain in my shoulder and gave me exercises to do at home in short increments of time that would fit into my schedule, but would still accomplish the goal. The care that John demonstrates is superb. I found the entire staff very caring, knowledgeable, kind and informative. They all care about the client and their well-being and health. I’m glad I was referred to this facility.

5 stars

Carol Metzner

Colorado In Motion Patient

Through a combination of dry needling and exercises, Terry had my lower back pain gone within a few weeks. His approach to care is great — educate the patient, give ’em the necessary tools, and the healing happens.

5 stars

Chris Ketterman

Colorado In Motion Patient

I worked with John Zapanta this fall for joint pain and had terrific results. John’s personality, talent and enthusiasm regarding my recovery made the process more enjoyable than I would have thought possible. I was impressed that he often would follow up with an e-mail with photos of suggested exercises, along with words of encouragement.

5 stars

Cynthia Coogan

Colorado In Motion Patient

I was referred to CIM for some calf and Achilles issues a few months after a bad strain. I had the pleasure of working with Derek Haverley to resolve it. Derek took time explaining to me how dry needling could help the situation, the results were amazing. Derek is very professional, personable and skilled. Without him, I simply would not have achieved important personal fitness goals I had this year!

5 stars

Jill Fox

Colorado In Motion Patient

Terry is phenomenal. I’m a runner that has been working on a variety of issues for quite a while and I very recently saw Terry. I’ve had chronic Plantar Fasciitis and Terry has gotten it taken care of. His use of ASTYM has been great and my return to running has been much faster than I thought it would be. I highly recommend him.

5 stars

Jim Haselmaier

Colorado In Motion Patient

From the very first treatment with Tim I knew I was on the road to recovery. A combination of dry needling, manipulation, home exercises relieved my chronic leg pain caused by a herniated disk. I was in severe pain and limited mobility for more than 3 years. I’ve had 4 treatments and I’m back on my bike. Tim cares and he knows how to get you back into life.

5 stars

Joe

Colorado In Motion Patient

At CIM, I was fortunate to be the client of both Amy and John before and after shoulder surgery, and my son spent a visit with Amy for both acute and chronic ankle injury. Amy’s ability to explore, diagnose, and positively isolate all the issues through progressive examination and testing is excellent. John filled in for some visits without missing a single observation or conclusion. This place seems to have been built with a mission in mind to focus on each person uniquely, and it worked for us.

5 stars

John Jacobi

Colorado In Motion Patient

I am 100% cured. No more numbness in my fingers. I don’t even need to wear my brace at night anymore. Your recommended equipment and posture changes did the trick. Thanks so much!

5 stars

Rob, Fort Collins

Colorado In Motion Patient

Tim has been helping me deal with various running and cycling injuries for a couple of years. They have included hip, back, calf, and knee issues. The at-home exercises he recommended helped so much, and I am now running and cycling pain free. He also recommended a specific strength training program. I am so grateful for his help.

5 stars

Sheri

Colorado In Motion Patient

Thank you so much! I love you guys and the care I received!

5 stars

Zoe

Colorado In Motion Patient

Dear Mike,
I wanted to let you know how much I have benefitted from my physical therapy at Colorado in Motion under the direction of Andrew Drewhoff. At my first appointment in December, I limped badly, was unable to climb stairs except by one-at-a-time and I was unable to sleep because of pain induced when I changed my position. I informed Andrew that I had been successfully treated before at this facility for bursitis, which had caused serious limping and discomfort. But after about 20 minutes of initial evaluation, Andrew informed me that the cause of my pain was unrelated to my legs and was coming from my back. I did have lumbar fusion in 2016 and have experienced on-again, off-again back pain on both sides of my spine in my lower back since then. Andrew prescribed three exercises to be done twice each day and I would see him in a week.

I saw immediate improvement after only two days of doing the exercises, which was a strong incentive for me to continue the exercises faithfully. Because of a household emergency with my plumbing, I missed the next appointment and the Christmas and New Year's holidays prevented me from seeing Andrew again until January 6. I told him that I was much better and had been faithfully doing the exercises. When he compared my range of motion between the two visits, it was amazing. My forward bend went from 80 degrees to 95 degrees; backward bend, 15 degrees to 25 degrees; and both side stretches improved by 15 degrees to 40 degrees. We added two more strength-building exercises, which I have been doing and at my last appointment Feb. 3, we decided that therapy had come to an end. I can now walk up stairs, using both legs; I do not limp at all; I sleep soundling for hours; and I can see some improved strength in my weak right leg. Thanks to Andrew's therapy, I'm feeling 100% better.

These results are just amazing! I have been to other physical therapy facilities in the area and they have either done nothing to help me, or actually created a worse situation than when I came in. I am so pleased with Colorado in Motion. You have a tremendously successful program of healthy healing that really works! I am so pleased that I found you and I brag about your facility every chance that I get.

5 stars

Sandra Zink

Colorado In Motion Patient

Ready to reclaim your life? Colorado in Motion is here to help.

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