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Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain of 2026
Waking up with back pain is an unwelcome but unfortunate reality that affects a significant portion of the population. Back pain can be amplified or even caused by an unsupportive or worn-out mattress. Adding a mattress topper to your bed is an easy way to make it more comfortable, supportive, and durable. It’s also an affordable way to get a different firmness level without having to buy an entirely new mattress.
Each topper on this list scored highly during our sleep lab testing and worked well for members of our team that experience back pain. For more options, our picks for this year’s overall best mattress toppers include some models dedicated to back and hip pain. You may also want to consider our picks for the best memory foam topper, which are designed to conform to the body and prevent pressure point discomfort.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
:Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper
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Best for Spinal Alignment
:Saatva High-Density Foam Mattress Topper
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Best Value
:Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper
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Best for Side Sleepers
:Nolah AirFoam Luxe Mattress Topper
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Best Pressure Relief
:Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
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Best for Couples
:Helix Dual Comfort Mattress Topper
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Best Cooling
:Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
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Best for Seniors
:Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper
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Best Firm
:Nectar Firmer Mattress Topper
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Best Overall: Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper
Best Overall
8.8/10Test Lab Score
Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper
Spinal alignment and relief from back pain often go hand in hand, so a topper that promotes even alignment might be a worthwhile investment if you’re constantly dealing with aches and soreness in your shoulders, lumbar region, and hips. Helix’s ErgoAlign features a zoned design with added support and pushback for your midsection, so heavier areas of your body shouldn’t sink too deeply into the topper. The result is a balanced medium (5) design with plush cushioning and extra reinforcement where you need it most.
How It Performs
Our testers were impressed with the ErgoAlign in terms of pain and pressure relief, support, and overall comfort. The multi-zone construction works as intended to keep your entire body on an even plane, which in turn promotes healthy alignment and alleviates pain that can occur in your upper and lower back.
Motion isolation is a major strength of the ErgoAlign Mattress Topper. Both foam layers work together to absorb movement and prevent motion from transferring across you and your partner’s sleep surface. And at 3 inches, the topper is thick enough to significantly adjust the feel of your mattress.
Construction Breakdown
The topper’s two-layer design features copper-infused memory foam over high-density base foam. The top layer feels cushy and adaptive, while the bottom layer is meant to stabilize the topper and prevent you from sinking too deeply. Since the memory foam is zoned, you’re less likely to feel uncomfortable sinkage around your midsection. A cover made of cooling GlacioTex fabric encases the foam layers. Thick, elastic corner straps secure the topper to your mattress and prevent shifting and bunching while you sleep.
The ErgoAlign Mattress Topper is available in sizes that correspond with standard mattress dimensions. Helix offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S., as well as a 100-night trial for the topper. Your purchase also includes a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Best for Spinal Alignment: Saatva High-Density Foam Mattress Topper
Best for Spinal Alignment
8.5/10Test Lab Score
Saatva High-Density Foam Mattress Topper
A sleep surface that lacks proper support can lead to back pain, so using a high-quality topper can buy you some time while you seek out a new mattress. The Saatva High-Density Foam Mattress Topper is a great option if you need extra cushioning to sleep comfortably, but dislike the close hug of memory foam. A 1.5-inch profile prevents the topper from compressing too much beneath your weight, but the medium (5) feel can improve the comfort level of your sleep surface — especially if your mattress has become excessively firm over time.
How It Performs
During hands-on tests, the topper fared well among our side and back sleepers. Our side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds and back sleepers up to 230 pounds were particularly impressed. Since the topper is constructed from high-density polyfoam, we noticed close, even contouring and minimal sinkage. The foam also isolates motion quite well, so the topper could be a useful investment for couples who experience movement-related sleep disruptions because their mattress is overly responsive.
Construction Breakdown
The topper’s core contains 1.5 inches of high-density polyfoam. This fairly low profile means the topper is best suited to mattresses with slight to moderate wear and tear, and that the foam shouldn’t sink too much beneath your weight. A cover made of GOTS-certified organic cotton encases the foam. Each corner is equipped with a thick elastic strap you can tuck under your mattress to stabilize the topper and prevent shifting when you change sleep positions or toss and turn.
Given the High-Density Foam Topper’s expected lifespan, its above-average sticker price may translate into a solid long-term investment. Saatva also offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your purchase includes a generous sleep trial that runs for 180 nights, giving you plenty of time to decide whether the topper is right for you. If you decide to keep it, a 1-year warranty covers material and structural defects.
Best Value: Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper
Best Value
9.3/10Test Lab Score
Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper
The most comfortable topper for any given sleeper with back pain should cushion sensitive areas and reduce discomfort while maintaining even support. The Silk & Snow Organic Mattress Topper is available in medium (5) and firm (7) designs. Between the two options, our tests show the topper can accommodate sleepers across a wide range of body types and sleep positions.
How It Performs
Our side sleepers weighing up to 130 pounds and back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds preferred the balanced cushioning of the medium feel. While the latex won’t contour as closely as foam, you’ll notice some moderate conforming as the topper adapts to your body. Most of our testers weighing more than 230 pounds preferred the extra support of the firm feel. The same was true for our back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds.
Since Dunlop latex is naturally dense and responsive, the topper fared well during our ease of movement tests. Most of us encountered minimal resistance moving across the toppers, and no one sank excessively — even when testing the medium feel. Temperature control is another strong point. The latex retains little heat and the breathable cotton cover promotes airflow, so you shouldn’t sleep too hot.
Construction Breakdown
The topper’s core consists of Dunlop latex measuring 2 inches thick. Dunlop lacks the strong bounce of Talalay latex, but is still fairly responsive compared to foam and other topper materials. A cotton cover encases the latex. The cotton has earned certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard, and the latex is certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard, so this topper is a good option if you prefer to purchase sustainably made products.
Silk & Snow offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. and Canada. The trial period runs for 100 nights, during which you can return the Organic Mattress Topper for a full refund if it doesn’t meet your needs. Should you decide to keep the topper, you’ll receive a 3-year warranty for the latex and a 1-year warranty for the cover.
Best for Side Sleepers: Nolah AirFoam Luxe Mattress Topper
Best for Side Sleepers
8.7/10Test Lab Score
Nolah AirFoam Luxe Mattress Topper
Much like mattresses themselves, you should consider your sleep position when choosing a new mattress topper. Most side sleepers receive the cushioning and support they need from toppers with adaptive foam cores that cushion the shoulders and hips without sinking too much beneath their weight. The Nolah AirFoam Luxe Mattress Topper checks all of these boxes and sleeps cool to boot. You can also choose from two profiles based on your specific firmness preferences and the level of wear and tear on your mattress.
How It Performs
Our hands-on tests show each of the topper’s two profiles is best suited to different sleeper types. The 2-inch model is medium (5) and conforms to a moderate extent, making it a solid match for side and back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. If you weigh less than 130 pounds and sleep on your side or back — or simply prefer a deeper contour — the medium soft (4) 3-inch topper should meet your needs.
During temperature control tests, our thermal sensors detected minimal heat buildup on the AirFoam and none of our testers felt overly warm lying on the topper. We’ve attributed this to the foam’s open-cell composition and the cooling abilities of the GlacioTex cover. Motion isolation is another major strength we observed. While AirFoam is more responsive than memory foam, the material should absorb movement well and reduce motion transfer for couples.
Construction Breakdown
The topper contains 2 to 3 inches of solid AirFoam, a proprietary open-cell material with air pockets to promote circulation and resist heat retention. The foam is somewhat responsive to movement, but also conforms to your figure. A cover made of cooling GlacioTex fabric encases the mattress. Each corner is equipped with a thick elastic strap for securing the topper to your mattress — this prevents shifting and bunching when you change sleep positions.
The AirFoam Luxe Mattress Topper carries an above-average sticker price, but Nolah offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. and each order includes a 30-night sleep trial. Your purchase is also covered under a 10-year warranty against material defects.
Best Pressure Relief: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
Best Pressure Relief
8.6/10Test Lab Score
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
The TEMPUR-Adapt Topper uses the same dense, high-quality memory foam found in Tempur-Pedic’s bestselling mattresses. Measuring 3 inches thick, the topper conforms closely to hug your body, promote even alignment, and reduce pressure along your spine — all while making your mattress feel noticeably plusher than before.
How It Performs
Using our 10-point firmness scale, we’ve rated the topper as medium, or 5 out of 10. You’ll feel the foam contouring as soon as your body settles, creating a close mold around your unique curves and contours — this helps ensure your neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips are all aligned with your spine. Among our team members, side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds gave the TEMPUR-Adapt Topper its highest ratings.
If you share your bed with a partner and your mattress is a bit too disruptive, the topper can boost the motion isolation of your sleep surface. The foam absorbs movement and prevents motion transfer across the mattress when you and your partner change sleep positions or get up during the night. Although an all-foam mattress is more effective in this respect, the topper will improve the motion isolation to a degree.
Construction Breakdown
The topper’s core consists of a 3-inch solid block of TEMPUR memory foam. This material is renowned for its dense composition and close, even contouring. Since the topper is on the thicker side, your mattress will feel much softer on its surface. A stretch-knit cover encases the foam. Elastic corner straps sewn to the cover help secure the topper and prevent it from shifting when you move in bed. For an additional charge, you can upgrade to a temperature-regulating cover engineered to feel cool to the touch at all times.
The TEMPUR-Adapt Topper is on the expensive side, so the sticker price might be a dealbreaker for budget shoppers, but Tempur-Pedic offers free ground shipping for all orders in the contiguous U.S. Although Tempur-Pedic does not allow you to return the topper once it’s been used, your purchase is covered under a 10-year warranty against various manufacturing defects.
Best for Couples: Helix Dual Comfort Mattress Topper
Best for Couples
8.4/10Test Lab Score
Helix Dual Comfort Mattress Topper
If you and your partner disagree on which firmness feels best, you’re great candidates for the Helix Dual Comfort Mattress Topper. One side feels cushy and plush, while the other is firmer and more supportive. This dual-surface design is ideal if you and your partner use different sleep positions or if you don’t fall within the same weight group.
How It Performs
The Dual Comfort Mattress Topper’s design sets it apart from much of the competition. Our testers took turns lying on each side of the topper, making note of which surface best accommodated them. Most side sleepers on our team weighing up to 230 pounds and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds preferred the deep contour of the medium soft (4). The medium firm (6) side was better suited to back and stomach sleepers of at least 130 pounds, as well as side sleepers over 230 pounds.
Both sides isolate movement equally well, minimizing motion transfer and sleep disruptions for you and your partner when the other person changes positions or gets in and out of bed. We were also impressed with the Dual Comfort’s temperature-regulating abilities. The foam layers trap some heat, but the cooling cover helps offset this issue to a noticeable degree.
Construction Breakdown
The Dual Comfort Mattress Topper’s comfort system features copper-infused memory foam on one side and dense polyfoam on the other. A shared support core of high-density base foam rests beneath both layers. The cover is made of GlacioTex, a proprietary fabric engineered to capture and release heat on contact. Thick corner straps secure the topper to your mattress.
Standard ground shipping is free of charge for customers in the contiguous U.S. Helix backs each purchase with a 100-night sleep trial and 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Best Cooling: Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
Best Cooling
8.8/10Test Lab Score
Tuft & Needle Mattress Topper
It can be challenging to find a soft mattress topper that alleviates pain and pressure buildup without absorbing too much body heat. However, the T&N Mattress Topper from Tuft & Needle is a notable exception. Using proprietary open-cell polyfoam that feels cushy and adaptive without the bothersome warmth, this topper is a safe bet for hot sleepers with back pain.
How It Performs
The topper excelled during most of our team’s hands-on testing, but pressure relief and temperature control were the standout performance categories. This topper is medium soft (4), so there’s noticeable contouring from the foam core, and this quality can help ensure even alignment and reduce pressure buildup. At the same time, the open-cell foam is breathable and won’t trap heat as it molds to your body.
The T&N Mattress Topper’s highest ratings came from side sleepers on our team. Those weighing up to 230 pounds were particularly impressed with the close contouring and overall breathability. Back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also had positive things to say about the topper, but those who weigh more may need a slightly firmer surface layer on their mattress.
Construction Breakdown
The topper’s core consists of solid polyfoam measuring 2 inches thick. An open-cell composition means the foam has small air pockets, allowing for circulation throughout the core and minimal heat buildup on the surface. A polyester cover encases the foam. Since the topper is not equipped with corner straps, you’ll need to slip it under your sheets for stability while you sleep. All six standard mattress sizes are available.
The T&N Mattress Topper has an approachable sticker price, and Tuft & Needle offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order comes with a sleep trial spanning 100 nights in length. If you decide to keep the topper after the return period expires, your purchase is further covered under a 3-year warranty.
Best for Seniors: Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper
Best for Seniors
9.1/10Test Lab Score
Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper
The Birch Organic Mattress Topper is constructed with high-end materials that give the topper above-average durability. If you’re in the market for a luxury topper and dislike the deep hug of foam, this model may be right up your alley. A handful of green certifications also make the topper an appealing option for eco-conscious shoppers.
How It Performs
The topper earned favorable ratings from our team’s back and stomach sleepers across all weight groups, but those weighing 130 to 230 pounds were particularly impressed. Some of our side sleepers also felt comfortable, but the latex may not conform closely enough to alleviate pressure in the shoulders and hips. This is especially true if you sleep on your side and weigh less than 130 pounds.
The Organic Mattress Topper excelled throughout our temperature control tests. We’ve attributed this strong performance to its breathable cover, moisture-wicking wool layers, and ventilated latex core. The topper may also be a good investment if your mattress has softened with age and become difficult to move on because the latex offers noticeable springiness.
Construction Breakdown
The topper’s core contains 2 inches of Talalay latex. This material is exceptionally responsive, even compared to other types of latex, so you shouldn’t experience too much sinkage when getting in and out of bed or changing sleep positions. Organic cotton and organic wool batting rest atop the latex for extra cushioning. The wool also has moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry on humid nights.
Measuring slightly more than 2 inches thick, the topper should provide a good comfort adjustment for any mattress with light to moderate wear and tear. An organic cotton cover completes the eco-friendly design. The topper has earned green certifications from well-respected organizations such as the Global Organic Textile Standard, eco-INSTITUT, and Wool Integrity NZ.
Birch offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. The company’s sleep trial allows you to test out the Organic Mattress Topper for 100 nights. If it meets your needs, you’ll also receive a warranty covering structural defects for up to 10 years.
Best Firm: Nectar Firmer Mattress Topper
Best Firm
8.8/10Test Lab Score
Nectar Firmer Mattress Topper
For many shoppers, the point of buying a new topper is to extend the lifespan of their mattress without dropping too much money. The Nectar Firmer Mattress Topper can significantly change how supportive your sleep surface feels with 2 inches of dense, solid memory foam. An approachable sticker price also makes the topper a good option for those with a limited budget.
How It Performs
Due to its firmer feel, the topper fared best with testers on our team who weigh at least 130 pounds. Side sleepers of 130 pounds or more and back sleepers up to 230 pounds were particularly impressed with the gentle conforming and solid support. The light, even contouring helps promote even alignment and alleviate pain and pressure in the shoulders, lower back, and hips.
We also found that the foam absorbs movement well, so the topper is a solid match for couples with responsive sleep surfaces that cause sleep disruptions when one person changes positions or gets in and out of bed. Temperature control is so-so – the cooling gel infusion offsets heat retention to a noticeable extent, but you may still feel some warmth on the surface.
Construction Breakdown
The topper’s core consists of 2 inches of solid memory foam. This foam is dense to make the topper feel firmer, and infused with cooling gel intended to dissipate heat away from the surface. A knit polyester cover adds an extra element of breathability. The topper does not feature any corner straps, so you should tuck it under your fitted sheet to secure it to your mattress.
In addition to below-average pricing, the Nectar Firmer Mattress Topper qualifies for free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a 30-night sleep trial. If you’re satisfied with your purchase after the return period expires, the topper is also covered under a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Can a Mattress Topper Help With Back Pain?
Because mattress toppers come in a range of firmness levels, allowing you to change how soft or firm your bed feels, adding one to your bed is an easy and inexpensive way to address back pain and increase comfort.
If your bed lacks adequate support for back pain, you can opt for a topper with a strong structure and plenty of pushback. Some models have zoned support systems designed to enhance spinal alignment. If you experience pressure point pain, use a topper made from materials like foam or latex, which conform to the body’s shape to absorb impact and disperse weight.
If you experience regular or serious back pain, you should consult your physician for proper treatment.
What Kind of Mattress Topper Is Best for Back Pain?
The best kind of topper for back pain depends on what kind of relief your body needs. Toppers are made from a range of materials, which each have their own pros and cons.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is excellent at cushioning the body and relieving pain. It compresses and adapts under pressure and is slow to regain its original form. This allows it to hug your body and disperse your weight, which prevents pressure buildup under your heavier areas, like the hips. Memory foam can trap heat, but it is widely available and typically affordable, making it an effective choice for people with back pain.
Polyfoam
Polyfoam has many of the same characteristics as memory foam, but it’s not quite as dense and doesn’t have as much elasticity, which typically results in slightly less contouring and compression than memory foam. Polyfoam toppers sleep warmer than latex or coils, but they may be a bit cooler than memory foam models.
Latex
Latex is made from rubber tree sap and is quickly becoming a preferred choice for bedding products like mattress toppers. Both formulations of latex, Dunlop and Talalay, are buoyant and responsive, making it a good choice for back pain relief. Choose a Dunlop topper if you want structure and even support, and Talalay if you need more cushioning and pressure relief.
Because it’s a natural substance, latex is typically more expensive than other topper materials.
Microcoil
Microcoil toppers are meant to mimic the structure, support, and pushback of hybrid and innerspring beds. These toppers are responsive and often a good choice for people with back pain who need edge support and increased spinal alignment.
Hot sleepers will appreciate how well microcoil toppers regulate temperature, as do those who favor the feel of sleeping “on” rather than “in” their mattress.
What to Consider in a Mattress Topper for Back Pain
Material isn’t the only factor to consider when shopping for a mattress topper. You need to keep a few more characteristics and qualities in mind when choosing the right one.
Sleeping Position and Firmness
Your sleeping position and body weight are the most important things to consider when shopping for either a mattress or a topper, especially if you have back pain. Back, stomach, and side sleepers each require different firmness levels to ensure that they get the right amount of support and spinal alignment. If your topper is too soft, your body can sink into your mattress and cause your spine to bend. If it’s too firm, you may experience aches and pains related to pressure points.
Conforming and Pressure Relief
People with back or joint pain can find comfort from a mattress topper that relieves discomfort by conforming to the body’s shape, which ensures that your hips, shoulders, or lower back don’t have to support the majority of your weight.
Toppers with zoned support systems are also an excellent choice for pressure relief. They are separated into distinct zones with different levels of pushback, which gives strong support where you need it and increased cushioning where you don’t.
Thickness
Mattress toppers tend to measure between 1 and 4 inches thick, though this varies by model. Thin toppers add a bit of cushioning but don’t have enough material to make a significant impact on how your mattress feels. If you’re looking for strong back pain relief, a model that’s at least 2 inches thick should make a significant difference.
Durability
A worn-out mattress is the culprit behind many peoples’ lower back pain and a worn-out mattress topper can create similar issues. Purchasing a topper made from high-end materials may cost more initially, but doing so can ensure that your topper will have a lengthy lifespan.
Cooling Properties
For those that sleep hot, a mattress topper made with cooling technology can improve your overall comfort and experience. Latex and microcoils are both inherently cool because their structure leaves plenty of space for air to flow through. Foams tend to retain more heat, but perforated foams and gel infusions are often added to increase temperature regulation.
Price
The average mattress topper costs between $150 and $400, though many models are available under $100. The price of a mattress topper depends largely on materials, size, and thickness. Quality also impacts cost, though spending a bit more on high-end materials can result in a longer-lasting topper.
Watch Video: How to Buy a Mattress Topper — 5 Things to Know
Watch the video below to learn more about our tips for buying a mattress topper.
Dive Deeper: In-Depth Bedding Guides
Though back pain is a very common reason you may be looking for a new mattress, our testing team has also identified top-performing mattresses for many other conditions that can keep you from getting quality sleep.
Data-Driven Results You Can Trust
Our sleep product experts have been testing mattresses, toppers, and other sleep products in our Seattle-based sleep lab for nearly a decade. We’ve personally tried and examined hundreds of mattress toppers, so we understand which models are worth your money and which ones aren’t. Our testing methodology includes putting each model through tests that include temperature regulation, pressure relief, responsiveness, and durability, among others.
For this review, we took particular care to include models that we think will work well for people with back pain. We chose toppers that focus on spinal alignment, pressure relief, and durability, which are all critical factors for people who experience back pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mattress topper good for back pain?
A mattress topper can be good for back pain if it helps to improve your spinal alignment or relieve pressure point discomfort that stems from inadequate cushioning. Adding a topper is also a great choice if your current mattress isn’t the right firmness level for your weight and sleeper type.
What type of mattress topper is best for back pain?
The best type of mattress topper for back pain is one that cushions your back and body while keeping your spine aligned. Latex, polyfoam, memory foam, and microcoil toppers can all achieve this goal, so you should choose one that addresses the root cause of your discomfort, whether that’s lack of spinal support or pressure point pain.
Is a firm or soft mattress topper better for back pain?
If you want to address back pain with a mattress topper, you should pick a firmness level that’s appropriate for your weight and sleeping position. Side sleepers need softer sleep surfaces to prevent pressure point pain, while stomach sleepers require models firm enough to keep their midsections from sinking into their mattresses. Back sleepers usually prefer mid-firmness models that balance structure and conforming.
What is the difference between a mattress topper and pad?
Mattress pads are usually thinner than mattress toppers and are designed to protect your mattress while providing a bit of cushioning, while toppers are meant to make more of an impact on your mattress’ overall feel.
How thick should a mattress topper for back pain be?
A mattress topper for back pain should be thick enough to alter how your mattress feels. A model between 2 and 4 inches thick can usually achieve this. A very thin model may not make enough of a difference and you may bottom out and sink into your bed.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to AskAnExpert@sleepfoundation.org with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Logan is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a deep understanding of what it means to struggle with sleep. Her years of experience researching and testing sleep products – including mattresses, natural sleep aids, and bedding – are critical to her role helping lead the editorial team. When she’s not testing mattresses or researching CBT-I, she enjoys spending time in the sunshine with her husband and her dogs Pepper and Winston.
Dr. Iyo is a Doctor of Physical Therapy at an orthopedic clinic in Seattle. She specializes in hands-on therapy and tailored exercise programs.
Learn more about our medical advisory board