Spinal pain can be much more than an occasional nuisance. When it becomes chronic or limits your mobility, it directly impacts your quality of life.
Can you imagine moving again without fear of pain? At the Instituto de Traumatología Gastaldi Orquin (ITGO) we work every day with patients facing spinal injuries, and we know that physiotherapy is one of the most effective tools for their recovery.
This article not only wants to inform you, but also motivate you to take the step to take care of your spine, and help you find the traumatology treatment in Valencia that you need.
Why is physiotherapy so important for spinal injuries?
The spine is the central axis of our body, responsible for keeping us upright, protecting the spinal cord and allowing movements such as rotations or flexion-extensions.
However, its high biomechanical complexity also makes it susceptible to injury, whether due to bad posture, accidents, ageing or diseases such as herniated discs and osteoarthritis.
When an injury occurs, physiotherapy not only helps to relieve pain, but also works at the root of the problem. Through specific techniques, it strengthens the muscles that support the spine, improves mobility and prevents future relapses.
Most importantly, it offers a personalised treatment, tailored to your needs and physical condition.
Main benefits of physiotherapy for spinal injuries
At the Gastaldi Institute in Valencia we always remind our patients that physiotherapy is much more than just exercises or massages. It is a holistic approach that combines therapeutic techniques to tackle the injury from different angles.
Here are some of its most important benefits:
Pain relief
Pain in the spine, whether in the cervical, dorsal or lumbar region, can be debilitating. Physiotherapy uses techniques such asmanual therapy, mobilisations and electrotherapyto effectively reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Restoring mobility
After a spinal injury, it is common to feel stiffness or limitations when moving. Physiotherapists work with you to improve your range of motion, giving you back the ability to perform everyday activities.
Muscle strengthening
Muscle weakness is one of the main causes of spinal pain. Through specific exercises, physiotherapy strengthens the core muscles, which act asnatural support for the spine, reducing pressure on the discs and vertebrae. Thus, correct musculature of both paravertebral and adjacent muscles greatly helps to improve pain at all levels of the back.
Prevention of relapses
Many spinal injuries have a high risk of recurrence if not treated properly.
Physiotherapy focuses not only on recovery, but also on educating you on how to prevent future problems, whether it’s improving your posture, learning lifting techniques or adopting maintenance exercises.
Reducing medication use
Spinal pain often leads to overuse of painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs. With physiotherapy and exercise, you can reduce your dependence on these drugs, opting for a more natural and effective solution.
What techniques does physiotherapy use for spinal injuries?
At ITGO, we have a specialised physiotherapy programme that combines various techniques to address spinal injuries in a comprehensive manner. These are some of the most commonly used:
- Manual therapy: Includes mobilisations and manipulations to improve spinal alignment and relieve muscle tension.
- Therapeutic exercises: Designed to strengthen stabilising muscles and improve posture.
- Electrotherapy and ultrasound: Technologies that help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Stretching: Essential for improving flexibility and releasing accumulated tension.
- Postural re-education techniques: To correct incorrect postural habits that may be causing or aggravating the problem.
Which spinal injuries benefit most from physiotherapy?
Although virtually any spinal injury can be improved with physiotherapy, these are some of the most common:
- Herniated discs: Physiotherapy helps relieve nerve compression and strengthen the muscles that support the spine.
- Lumbalgia and cervicalgia: Pain in the lower back or neck that benefits from specific exercises and muscle relaxation techniques.
- Scoliosis: Exercise programmes designed to improve posture and reduce the progression of the curvature.
- Vertebral fractures: After initial recovery, physiotherapy is key to regaining strength and mobility.
How do you know if you need physiotherapy?
If you experience recurring spinal pain, stiffness, tingling in your limbs or limitations in your movements, physiotherapy may be able to help.
At ITGO, we perform a personalised assessment to determine the cause of your problem and design a treatment plan that is tailored to you.
Trust ITGO to take care of your spine!
At Instituto de Traumatología Gastaldi, we know how frustrating it can be to live with spinal pain, but we also know the transformative power of a good physiotherapy treatment.
Our team of specialists will be with you every step of the way, helping you to regain your mobility and prevent future injuries.
If you are ready to take the first step towards a pain-free life, don’t hesitate to contact us.
We also invite you to visit our blog, where you will find more tips and information on how to take care of your musculoskeletal health.
Frequently asked questions about physiotherapy for spine injuries
Which spine conditions benefit most from physiotherapy?
Mechanical low back and neck pain, non-severe disc protrusions/herniations, whiplash, facet pain, myofascial syndromes and mild stenosis. It also speeds recovery after thoracic sprains or workload-related strains.
At our traumatology clinic we blend manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and posture education within a comprehensive Valencia traumatology plan.
How does physio reduce pain if I have a disc bulge or herniation?
Dosed mobility, stabilisation and strength improve load tolerance and decrease tissue sensitivity. Manual therapy and neuromodulatory techniques ease flares so you can resume activity confidently.
At Gastaldi in Valencia we progress by symptoms and function, avoid prolonged rest and prioritise an active return.
How many sessions will I need and when should I feel better?
For acute mechanical pain we plan 4–6 weeks, 1–2 sessions/week plus home work. For chronic cases, 6–8 week blocks with goal reviews.
Improvement often appears within 2–3 weeks if you follow the plan. We adjust loads and habits according to your response at our traumatology clinic.
What exercises form the core to “bulletproof” my back?
Thoracic and hip mobility, diaphragmatic breathing, lumbopelvic stabilisation (bridges, dead bug, bird-dog), and progressive glute and lat strength. No rigid lists—we adapt to your pain and goals.
Within our sports medicine in Valencia unit we turn these basics into a full strength plan for your sport or job.
Can physio always avoid spine surgery?
Not always. For most back/neck pain and radicular symptoms without severe deficits it can settle symptoms and avoid the OR. Progressive weakness, cauda equina signs or red flags require surgical referral.
We coordinate with our Valencia traumatology unit so surgery is indicated only when it offers the best benefit–risk ratio.
How important are ergonomics and daily habits?
Essential to consolidate outcomes: micro-breaks, posture variability, standing up every 45–60 minutes and learning hip-hinge strategies for lifting.
At Gastaldi in Valencia we tailor a practical guide for your workstation and home routines aligned with your sessions.
Can I keep gym training or running while doing physio?
Yes, with controlled loading and progressions. We add low-impact cardio and guided strength, and reintroduce running once you tolerate hops and technique work without next-day symptom spikes.
Our sports medicine in Valencia team structures the return to improve without setbacks.
Do you work with insurers and how do I start?
Yes—we coordinate appointments, approvals and follow-up so the pathway is smooth and clear.
Contact Gastaldi in Valencia: at our traumatology clinic we assess you, set goals and provide your exercise plan and reviews.