Do I Need Physical Therapy for Back Pain? 7 Signs It’s Time to Book (Richmond, VA)

Back pain is common—and it’s not always obvious whether you should rest, try gentle movement, or book an evaluation. This guide is here to help you decide when physical therapy is the right next step.

If you’re in Richmond (RVA) and want a clear plan, a 1:1 PT evaluation can help you understand what’s driving your symptoms and what to do next.

First: a quick safety note

If you have new bowel/bladder changes, saddle numbness, fever, unexplained weight loss, major trauma, or rapidly worsening weakness, seek urgent medical care.

7 signs it’s time to book physical therapy for back pain

Your pain has lasted more than 2–3 weeks (or keeps coming back).
Pain travels into your buttock/leg or you have tingling/numbness.
You feel weaker, less stable, or you’re avoiding movement out of fear.
Daily tasks (sitting, standing, lifting, sleeping) are limited.
You’ve tried rest, stretching, or self-care and it’s not improving.
You’re getting repeated flare-ups with workouts, yoga, or running.
You want a clear diagnosis and a step-by-step plan to return to activity.

What happens in a PT evaluation

A good evaluation looks at your story, your movement, strength, and how your symptoms behave. The goal is to identify what’s contributing to your pain and build a plan you can actually follow.

At Second Arrow, PT visits are one-on-one (no assistants), and we focus on education + a practical home plan so you know exactly what to do between sessions.

When yoga helps—and when PT should come first

Yoga can be great for stress, mobility, and building confidence in movement. But if certain poses consistently flare symptoms, or you’re unsure what’s safe, PT first can help you modify intelligently and keep you progressing.

FAQ

Do I need a referral? (No! You can be seen immediately.)
What should I wear? Comfortable clothes you can move in.
How many visits will I need? Depends on the nature of your injury or discomfort. We will create a plan and you are able to bank visits that never expire.

Ready for a plan?

If you’d like help figuring out what’s driving your back pain and what to do next, book a PT evaluation. Same-day or next-day appointments are often available.

If you’re not sure where to start, reach out and we’ll point you in the right direction.