Living with chronic back pain, sciatica, or a herniated disc can make everyday life feel like a challenge. At Freedom Spine & Pain Center, care is led by highly trained physicians Rajesh K. Sharma, MD, who is Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management, and Vrunda H. Pandya, MD, a Board Certified anesthesiologist with advanced fellowship training in regional anesthesia.
Their qualifications allow them to approach pain management with a balance of technical skill and tailored patient support. One of the most effective treatment strategies they offer is the combination of epidural steroid injections and physical therapy, a pairing that can significantly reduce pain and support long-term recovery.
What Are Epidural Steroid Injections?
Epidural injections are a common treatment for inflammation and nerve-related pain originating in the spine. They deliver corticosteroids directly into the epidural space surrounding spinal nerves, helping reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
This treatment is frequently recommended for conditions such as:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Degenerative disc disease
Pain relief from epidurals may be temporary but can provide a crucial window for patients to begin rehabilitative therapy without intense discomfort.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Pain Management
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in helping patients recover from chronic pain by enhancing strength, mobility, and overall function. It helps the body recover more efficiently, making everyday activities easier and less painful. A structured therapy plan often includes stretching and strengthening exercises tailored to the affected areas, along with techniques to improve posture and enhance spinal alignment. Therapists may also incorporate core stabilization routines to support the spine and reduce stress on painful joints. In some cases, hands-on manual therapy is used to address muscle and joint stiffness, improve circulation, and restore range of motion.
Each program is carefully designed to match the patient’s specific diagnosis, physical condition, and treatment goals.
Why Epidurals and Physical Therapy Work Better Together
Pain often limits a patient’s ability to participate fully in physical therapy. That is where an epidural can help—by decreasing inflammation and easing pain, it makes physical movements more tolerable and effective.
This combination offers several benefits:
- Faster progress in rehabilitation
- Greater improvement in mobility and strength
- Reduced reliance on oral pain medications
- Lower risk of recurring injury or pain flare-ups
Patients who pursue both treatments often experience longer-lasting relief than those who rely on injections or therapy alone.
Lasting Pain Relief in San Antonio, Boerne, and Kerrville, TX
When epidural injections are paired with targeted physical therapy, patients often experience significant and lasting relief. This combined approach can help reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and support a faster return to everyday activities.
If pain is holding you back, it’s time to take the next step. Call to schedule your consultation today at 210-920-8945 and start moving toward a healthier, more comfortable future.