Spinal stenosis:
Spinal stenosis treatment to help you walk and stand longer in Polk County
If your legs get heavy, numb or achy after a few minutes of walking or standing, and sitting down or leaning on a shopping cart brings relief, spinal stenosis may be the reason. Physical therapy is a first-line treatment. At Core Rehabilitation's three clinics in Polk County, Florida (Lake Wales, Haines City and Winter Haven), a licensed physical therapist builds a plan to help you walk farther and stand longer. You don't need a referral to start.
Serving Lake Wales · Haines City · Winter Haven
What's actually going on: Spinal stenosis: the short version
Spinal stenosis means the spaces in your spine that hold the nerves have narrowed. It usually builds slowly as discs thin, the small spinal joints enlarge and ligaments thicken with age, and it's most common after 50. It happens most often in the low back (lumbar spinal stenosis) and sometimes in the neck (cervical spinal stenosis).
In the low back, the classic pattern is called neurogenic claudication: pain, heaviness, tingling or weakness in the buttocks and legs that comes on with walking or standing and eases when you sit or bend forward. Bending forward opens the space around the nerves. That's why leaning on a cart, or riding a bike, often feels easier than standing up straight.
Many people over 60 show some narrowing on an MRI without any pain, so the scan alone doesn't decide treatment; how you move and feel does. Leg pain with walking can also come from narrowed leg arteries, a different problem that needs a doctor, so your therapist screens for it. Stenosis also differs from a herniated disc, which is more common in younger adults.
When back and leg symptoms need a doctor first
Most stenosis symptoms are safe to assess with a physical therapist, but a few signs need a doctor first. If any of these apply, see a doctor or go to urgent care before you book physical therapy.
New trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, or numbness around the groin or inner thighs. Go to the emergency room.
Leg weakness that's getting worse, such as a foot that drags or slaps when you walk.
Clumsy hands, trouble with buttons or handwriting, or unsteady walking along with neck pain.
Back pain with a fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer.
If none of these apply, physical therapy is a safe and reasonable place to start.
How we help: How physical therapy treats spinal stenosis
Physical therapy for spinal stenosis starts with an evaluation. Your therapist checks how far you can walk and how long you can stand, and which positions ease your symptoms. They test leg strength, feeling and balance, and check your hips, since stiff hips make the low back work harder.
Treatment combines forward-bending (flexion-based) exercises and positions that open the space around the nerves with strengthening for your core, hips and legs, so standing and walking take less effort. Stretching for tight hip flexors and hamstrings and hands-on care for stiff joints round it out.
Your therapist may use lumbar traction or heat to ease symptoms. Walking tolerance is built with a stationary bike, a treadmill or a paced walking plan, and balance training is added when unsteady legs raise your risk of a fall. You also learn how to stand, walk and do chores in positions that ease the pressure.
In a 2015 trial in the Annals of Internal Medicine, people with lumbar spinal stenosis who did physical therapy had similar 2-year results to people who had decompression surgery.
"Will exercise make my stenosis worse?"
The right exercise usually helps. Bending backward and long stretches of standing upright tend to aggravate stenosis, while bending forward, cycling and strength work tend to ease it. Your therapist sorts out which positions suit your back.
"Is surgery the only real fix?"
No. Most people start with physical therapy and other non-surgical care. Surgery is an option when leg weakness grows, or when pain still limits daily life after a fair trial of care.
How long it lasts: Is spinal stenosis permanent?
The narrowing itself doesn't go away, but symptoms often improve, and many people stay steady for years. Stronger legs and hips, better walking stamina and the right positions can mean walking farther with less pain. Flare-ups can happen, so your therapist gives you a plan for them.
If your walking keeps getting shorter despite steady treatment, your therapist will tell you, and a spine specialist can look at next steps.
What to expect: How long does it take to feel better?
It depends on how much the narrowing limits you and how long it's been building. Results differ from person to person. After your evaluation, your therapist will tell you what's realistic for you.
Your first visit is a conversation about how far you can walk, how long you can stand and what you want to get back to. Then comes testing. It usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes. A licensed physical therapist does your first evaluation and writes your plan of care. Between therapist visits, a physical therapist assistant may treat you under that plan. Here's what your first visit involves →
Early on, the focus is easing leg symptoms with positions that open the spine, and setting a walking distance you can manage without a flare.
As you progress, strength work and a little more walking each week build toward the shopping trips, church services or rounds of golf you want back.
Before you come in, wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring any MRI or X-ray reports and a list of your medicines. You don't need a scan to start.
Who treats it: Who treats spinal stenosis: a physical therapist, a spine doctor or your doctor?
For most people with stenosis symptoms, a physical therapist is a good first stop. In Florida you can book directly, without a referral.
See your doctor or a spine specialist first, or as well, if leg weakness is getting worse, if your hands are getting clumsy along with neck pain, or if your walking stays very limited after a fair trial of treatment.
They can order imaging, offer injections or talk about surgery. If you have surgery, such as a laminectomy, we help with your rehab afterwards.
Where to get treated: Spinal stenosis treatment at our Haines City, Lake Wales and Winter Haven clinics
Winter Haven: 3017 Cypress Gardens Rd, about a mile from LEGOLAND Florida. Mon–Fri 9–12 and 1–5. 863-268-6523.
Lake Wales: 2031 State Rd 60 East, at SR 60 and Buck Moore Rd. Mon–Fri 8–12 and 1–5. 863-678-0705.
Haines City: 50 Maxcy Plaza Circle, just off US 27. Mon–Fri 8–12 and 1–5. 863-421-2000.
Every clinic treats spinal stenosis in the low back and neck, and Spanish-speaking staff are available. Most new patients get a first appointment within a few days to three weeks.
Common questions about spinal stenosis
Can spinal stenosis get better with physical therapy?
Often, yes. Physical therapy can ease leg and back symptoms and help you walk farther, even though the narrowing stays. In a 2015 trial, physical therapy gave similar 2-year results to surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis.
What exercises should I avoid with spinal stenosis?
Exercises that arch your back backward and long periods of standing or walking upright can flare symptoms. Forward-bending positions, cycling and core and hip strengthening usually feel better. Your therapist tailors the list to you.
How can I walk better with spinal stenosis?
Walk in short, regular bouts and rest by sitting or leaning forward before symptoms build. A cane, walker or shopping cart lets you lean slightly forward. Over time, your therapist helps you add distance.
Do I need an MRI before physical therapy for spinal stenosis?
No. You can start physical therapy without a scan. Your doctor may order an MRI if symptoms are severe or getting worse, or if surgery is being considered.
Do I need a referral for spinal stenosis treatment?
No. In Florida you can start physical therapy without a physician's referral. If you need treatment beyond 30 days for a problem no doctor has assessed, a doctor must review and sign your plan of care.
Where can I get spinal stenosis treatment in Haines City?
At Core Rehabilitation, 50 Maxcy Plaza Circle, Haines City (863-421-2000). We also treat spinal stenosis at our Lake Wales and Winter Haven clinics.
Does Medicare cover physical therapy for spinal stenosis?
Yes, when it's medically necessary. We're in network with Medicare and more than 200 other plans at all three clinics. Check your insurance before you book.
Request an appointment
Tell us a little about you and your preferred location, and our team will reach out to schedule your visit. Prefer to talk? Call the clinic nearest you.
Lake Wales · 863-678-0705
Haines City · 863-421-2000
Winter Haven · 863-268-6523