Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space in your spine, most often in the low back or neck, that squeezes the nerves and causes pain, numbness, or weakness. It's often worse with standing and walking, and better with sitting or leaning forward.
Spinal Stenosis Care in Bozeman — Restore Walking Without Rushing Into Surgery
Spinal stenosis is one of the most common reasons older adults in the Gallatin Valley seek physical therapy — and one where the right care can dramatically change how you function. A growing body of research shows structured PT produces outcomes comparable to surgery for many people with low-back stenosis, often with fewer complications and at lower cost. The key is care built for stenosis: the right exercises, manual therapy, hip mobility, and a walking progression.
At Root Therapy and Wellness in Bozeman, stenosis care happens in full 1-on-1 sessions, with hands-on treatment every visit and Medicare-friendly billing.
Low-Back vs. Neck Stenosis
Low-back stenosis is the most common, and causes:
- Low back pain with leg pain or heaviness
- Symptoms worse with standing and walking, better with sitting or leaning forward
- Being able to walk less far before you stop
Neck stenosis can cause:
- Neck pain with arm symptoms
- Balance and walking changes
- Hand clumsiness and weak grip
Neck stenosis with balance or coordination changes is more concerning and may need earlier surgical review. We screen for it and coordinate with a specialist when needed.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
- Comprehensive evaluation (60 minutes) — your history, a look at how you walk, a baseline walking distance, a nerve screen, and a check of your posture and hip mobility.
- Diagnosis and plan — clear goals (walking distance, standing tolerance) with a timeline.
- Hands-on treatment that same visit — manual therapy and the right exercises.
- Home program — daily exercises, hip mobility, and a walking progression.
- Re-assessment every few visits, tracking your walking distance.
Take the First Step
Stenosis tends to progress without treatment — and structured rehab often changes that in a big way. Request an appointment today — most patients are seen within the same week.
Our Treatment Approach
- Manual Therapy & Joint Mobilization — Hands-on work to restore movement and ease pain.
- Hip & Core Strengthening — Building hip mobility and core endurance so your low back handles standing and walking better.
- Walking Progression — A step-by-step build back to more walking, with posture cues and a walking aid if you need one.
- Nerve Mobilization — Gentle movements to ease the nerve tension behind your leg symptoms.