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Low Back Pain Physical Therapy in Nashville

Clinically reviewed by Brittany Hendrickson, PT, DPT, COMT, CDNT . Last reviewed October 2026.​

Can physical therapy help low back pain?

Clinical practice guidelines recommend exercise, manual therapy, and education as first-line care for most low back pain, ahead of medication, and advise against routine imaging [1][2][3]. At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, a licensed physical therapist finds what is driving your pain and builds a one-on-one plan to get you moving again.

What causes low back pain?

Most low back pain is not a sign of serious damage. It usually comes from a mix of factors: a jump in training load, lifting or bending when fatigued, long stretches of sitting, stiffness in the hips or mid-back, poor sleep, and stress. Disc bulges and joint wear show up on the MRIs of many people who have no pain at all, which is why imaging alone rarely explains your symptoms [4].

What low back conditions do we treat?

  • Acute low back strains and spasms

  • Chronic or recurring low back pain

  • Sciatica and nerve pain that travels into the leg

  • Disc bulges and herniations

  • Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain

  • Back pain from lifting, running, or sitting at a desk

  • Recovery after spine surgery, with your surgeon's clearance

How do we treat low back pain?

Our first visit starts with a detailed conversation about your pain, activity, work, sleep, and goals, followed by testing how you bend, lift, and load your spine. Treatment is built from what we find and usually combines:
​

  • Hands-on manual therapy and joint mobilization

  • Dry needling when it fits your presentation

  • Progressive strength work matched to your sport or job

  • Movement retraining for lifting, running, and bending

  • Clear education so movement stops feeling risky

How long does low back pain recovery take?

Most people need 3 to 6 visits. Many notice meaningful relief in the first 1 to 2 visits, and appointments spread further apart as you improve. Chronic or recurring back pain can take longer, and your plan will reflect that.

When should you see a doctor first?

Physical therapists screen for these at every evaluation. Seek medical care right away if you have:
 

  • New loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin or inner thighs

  • Leg weakness that is getting worse

  • Back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer

  • Back pain after a significant fall or accident

Where can you get low back pain treatment in Nashville?

Available at all three of our clinics:
 

Related reading

Common questions about low back pain

Do I need an MRI for low back pain?

Usually not. Guidelines advise against routine imaging for low back pain unless red flags are present or symptoms are not improving as expected [3]. If imaging would change your care, we will tell you and help coordinate it.

Can physical therapy help sciatica?

Yes. Physical therapy guidelines include low back pain that travels into the leg [2]. Treatment starts with positions and movements that calm the irritated nerve, then builds strength and tolerance for your usual activities.

Should I rest or keep moving with low back pain?

Keep moving. Advice to stay active works slightly better than advice to rest in bed for acute low back pain [5]. We will show you which activities to keep, which to modify for now, and how to build back to full training.

Is a herniated disc permanent?

Not necessarily. Many disc herniations shrink on their own over time [6], and many people with herniations on imaging have no pain [4]. Your symptoms and function guide treatment more than the image does.

Cost and Booking

Do I need a referral?

No. You can schedule directly with us without a physician referral.

What does physical therapy cost?

Each visit is a flat $185. We are a cash-based practice, so there are no copays, deductibles, or insurance limits on your care. We can provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement, and HSA and FSA cards are accepted.

Ready to Get Started?

Book a one-on-one evaluation with a licensed physical therapist.
No referral needed.

References

  1. Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA. Noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017;166(7):514-530.
     

  2. George SZ, Fritz JM, Silfies SP, et al. Interventions for the management of acute and chronic low back pain: revision 2021. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021;51(11):CPG1-CPG60.
     

  3. Chou R, Qaseem A, Owens DK, Shekelle P. Diagnostic imaging for low back pain: advice for high-value health care from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2011;154(3):181-189.
     

  4. Brinjikji W, Luetmer PH, Comstock B, et al. Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2015;36(4):811-816.
     

  5. Dahm KT, Brurberg KG, Jamtvedt G, Hagen KB. Advice to rest in bed versus advice to stay active for acute low-back pain and sciatica. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;(6):CD007612.
     

  6. Chiu CC, Chuang TY, Chang KH, et al. The probability of spontaneous regression of lumbar herniated disc: a systematic review. Clin Rehabil. 2015;29(2):184-195.

Questions about Low Back Pain Treatment?

Get in touch so we can start working together.

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