Physical therapy is an important part of nonsurgical and postsurgical treatment for spinal stenosis. Physical therapy can reduce pain, improve function, and build muscle strength. Your physical therapist may teach you exercises to strengthen your abdominal muscles, which will help support your spine. You may also learn exercises to help maintain flexibility and reduce inflammation.

Other types of treatment, such as alternative and complementary medicine therapies, are used by some people to relieve pain from spinal stenosis. These therapies, which may help increase blood flow in an affected area, include acupuncture, ultrasound, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. There are no studies that prove these therapies are effective in controlling symptoms of spinal stenosis.³