Back Pain & Sciatica Physical Therapy in Ann Arbor
Get relief from low back pain and sciatica without relying on pills, injections or surgery. Dr. Joe finds what’s actually irritating your back, calms it down, and rebuilds the strength to lift, run and play without it flaring back up.
Rest and Painkillers Quiet the Alarm. They Don’t Fix the Wiring.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons active adults stop training, and one of the most commonly mismanaged. The usual cycle goes like this: rest until it calms down, get back after it, flare up again. Each round chips away at your confidence to move.
The truth is that most back pain isn’t a sign that something is broken. It’s usually a sensitive back that’s being asked to do more than it’s currently ready for, often because of stiffness in the hips or mid-back, a gap in trunk strength, or a lifting pattern that concentrates load in one spot.
We find that driver and fix it, then load your back back up progressively, in a real gym, until the movements that used to hurt feel normal again.
Back Conditions We Treat
Whether it started with one bad lift or crept up over months, we’ll get to the root of it.
Chronic Low Back Pain
Nagging, recurring pain that flares with sitting, bending or training. We build tolerance back up instead of just calming it down.
Sciatica & Nerve Pain
Pain, tingling or numbness traveling into the buttock or leg. We work to calm the irritated nerve and restore movement.
Herniated & Bulging Discs
A disc finding on an MRI is not a life sentence. Many disc problems improve very well with the right exercise and a smart return to loading.
SI Joint Pain
Pain near the dimples of your low back, often one-sided and aggravated by stairs, running or single-leg work.
Muscle Strains & Sprains
The “tweaked it picking something up” back. We get you moving early and guide you back to full strength.
Lifting & CrossFit Back Injuries
Pain with deadlifts, squats, cleans or kipping. We look at your mechanics and program, not just your back.
Lower Back Pain After Deadlifts or Squats?
You don’t need to quit lifting. Most lifters with back pain need a smarter plan, not a permanent break from the barbell.
Because our clinic is inside Wolverine Strength and Conditioning, we can watch you actually lift, not just guess from a treatment table. Dr. Joe is a USA Weightlifting Level 1 coach, so the plan speaks your language.
We adjust load, range and exercise selection so you keep your fitness while your back calms down.
Hip mobility, bracing and bar path often matter more than your back itself.
A progressive return to heavy pulls and squats, with clear checkpoints along the way.
What to Expect at Your First Back Pain Visit
A full 60 minutes, one-on-one with Dr. Joe. Treatment usually starts the same day.
Your story and goals
When it started, what makes it better or worse, and what you want to get back to, whether that’s a deadlift PR or picking up your kids.
A thorough movement assessment
We test how your spine, hips and nerves move and respond, screen for anything that needs a physician, and pinpoint the driver.
Treatment and a plan
Hands-on care like manual therapy or dry needling to calm things down, plus a few targeted exercises and a clear plan for the weeks ahead.
How We Treat Back Pain & Sciatica
Hands-on care to calm pain fast, paired with the strength work that keeps it from coming back.
Spinal Manipulation & Mobilization
Joint mobilization and manipulation to restore motion in a stiff spine and hips and ease pain.
Learn more →Dry Needling
Targets tight, guarded muscles around the low back and hips that keep the pain cycle going.
Learn more →Strength Training
Progressive trunk, hip and lifting strength so your back can handle what life and training throw at it.
Learn more →Mobility Programming
Hip and thoracic mobility work so your low back stops doing everyone else’s job.
Learn more →Working with Joe was an absolute pleasure. I started going to OLO for shoulder and neck pain and ended up doing a whole additional program for my chronic low back pain. His style is super effective and he is so kind and personable. Each session, he shared tons of knowledge and exercises that were realistic to my energy levels and current life situation as well as ways to upgrade them as time goes on.
Back Pain & Sciatica FAQs
Don’t see yours? Call or text (734) 707-7285 or read our full FAQ.
Do I need an MRI before starting physical therapy?
Usually not. Most back pain and sciatica can be evaluated and treated without imaging, and many disc changes seen on MRI also show up in people with no pain at all. If your exam suggests imaging or a physician visit is needed, Dr. Joe will tell you.
Can physical therapy help a herniated disc?
In many cases, yes. Conservative care like targeted exercise, manual therapy and a gradual return to activity is a common first-line approach for disc-related back and leg pain. We’ll monitor your symptoms closely and coordinate with your physician if things aren’t moving the right direction.
Should I stop lifting or working out?
Rarely completely. We’ll modify what you do so you can keep training while your back recovers, then build you back up to full intensity.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on how long you’ve had symptoms, how irritable they are and your goals. After your first visit, Dr. Joe will give you an honest estimate and a plan. No open-ended visit counts.
Do you take insurance?
OLO is cash-based and out-of-network, which is how every visit stays a full 60 minutes one-on-one. HSA/FSA cards are accepted, and we can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement. See our FAQ for details.
When to see a physician first
Physical therapy is a great first stop for most back pain and sciatica. But some symptoms need a medical evaluation right away. Seek urgent care or call 911 if you have:
- New loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in the groin, inner thighs or “saddle” area
- Leg weakness that is getting worse
- Back pain with fever, chills or unexplained weight loss
- A history of cancer and new, unexplained back pain
- Back pain after a significant fall or accident
Not sure? Call us. If something in your evaluation doesn’t add up, Dr. Joe will tell you and point you to the right provider.
Related conditions we treat
Ready to Get Your Back Back?
Tell us what’s going on. We’ll call or text to get you scheduled, or set up a free consultation if you’d like to talk it through first.
No referral needed to start · HSA/FSA accepted · 60-minute 1-on-1 sessions