When Should You Go to Physical Therapy for Back Pain? This Athlete Has the Answer

Each month, Iron Physical Therapy highlights a special patient to tell their inspiring story. We want to honor the people who go all in - body, mind and spirit. They show us what’s possible - that you can move on from a setback to do amazing things...to challenge your body, to chase your dreams, to address pain in a healthy way to #getbetterbebetter.

Read Mike’s story below and then click here to read more inspiring patient stories.

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As a PT, it is always fun and exciting to learn where my clients come from! I was overjoyed to be able to watch not only our patient of the month’s progress in PT, but also see him and his best friend, Jared (clinic assistant), interact in the office! I can only think that as friends working together, it helped Mike's recovery even more. Here’s Jared’s take on this stand out patient:

Mike is a diverse athlete and gym goer who came to Iron seeking help regaining his active lifestyle after experiencing pain and stiffness in his back and lower body.

Throughout his time with us he has shown avid enthusiasm to get better and makes great strides every session to recovery. From stretching to strength training, he has exhibited his hard working nature and self determination needed to create results for his back pain.

Being his best friend, it is an amazing experience to see Mike come to Iron and work with us to bring back his athletic spark. Whether in the clinic or in his daily life, he is an example of what #getbetterbebetter is all about!

-Dr. Marnie Wortman, DPT & Jared Tanis, Midland Park Clinic Assistant

In Mike’s Own Words…

What Brought You Into Physical Therapy?

My back was really starting to bother me. I was at the point where it hurt to stand up and sit down.

What advice do you have for other athletes who are in pain?

My advice would be to take care of your injuries before they get worse. I wish I had come to PT earlier instead of waiting months.

Physical therapy gives you the tools to live a healthy active life.

What has been you biggest motivation to #getbetterbebetter?

I want to reach my fitness goals and be able to go back to playing sports and working out pain free.

What have you learned at PT that you didn’t know before?

I have learned a lot about core strength and how it relates to your back pain. I feel like I will have a stronger, healthier back going forward by maintaining my core strength.

What are you most excited to get back to doing after physical therapy?

I’m excited to continue stretching and I hope to continue to gain flexibility. I also am excited to start playing basketball weekly with my friends again.