Physical Therapy

How a Physical Therapist can Help With Exercise

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:18:36 -0800

Introduction to exercise and pain relief

Ten to twenty years ago a person experiencing back pain would most commonly be advised bed rest and immobilization of the back. Research within the past 10 years has shown that inactivity weakens the muscles that support the spine and, if continued too long, can prolong recovery or even make certain conditions worse.

Back Exercise for Pain Relief

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:18:36 -0800

One of the keys to recovering from an episode of back pain or surgery, and to help avoid future recurrences of back pain, is to pursue appropriate rehabilitation and exercise. A comprehensive exercise regimen should include a combination of stretching, strengthening and aerobic conditioning of the back and body. This requires a basic understanding of the types of muscles that need to be conditioned.
There are three types of muscles that support the spine:

Comprehensive approach to treatment by a physiatrist

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:18:35 -0800

Goals of physiatry treatment

Physiatrists strive to treat the whole patient – not just the specific injury or condition –which improves overall recovery and prevents recurrence. The goal of treatment is always to restore normal function and improve quality of life for patients from a physical, emotional, psychosocial and vocational perspective.

Core Body Strength Exercises

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:18:34 -0800

These back exercises using exercise balls are designed to strengthen the muscles that support the spine from the low back to the upper back, in front and in back. Specific muscles targeted by these exercises include the abdominal, chest and back muscles.

Exercise ball precautions

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:18:35 -0800

As with many types of back exercises, there are some people who are not good candidates for working with an exercise ball. The ball introduces a significant amount of instability and randomness into what may be familiar floor exercises. While this can be good for working different muscles, it may not be advised in a number of situations, including:

During the acute (beginning) phase of a low back pain episode
Patients with specific unstable spine injuries or spinal disease that can be exacerbated by the movements
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Exercise Ball Therapy for Lower Back Pain Relief

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:18:35 -0800

Exercise ball introduction

The exercise ball - also called a Swiss ball or physio ball - is a conservative treatment option for back pain sufferers and is designed to help prevent further episodes of low back pain as part of a rehabilitation program. The exercise ball is effective in rehabilitation of the back because it helps strengthen and develop the core body muscles that help to stabilize the spine.

Exercise Ball Uses

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:18:35 -0800

The numerous applications of the exercise ball follow a range of difficulty levels, and the benefits for back pain patients can be felt at each level. From merely sitting on the exercise ball to doing structured aerobic exercise routines, the basic support needed by the back and stomach muscles are the same.

For a person with low back pain, the exercise ball can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

Find neutral spine position
Learn proper posture
Increase lumbar (low back) mobility
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Guidelines for recovering from low back pain

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:18:36 -0800

In addition to stretching, strengthening and aerobic exercises, there are several lifestyle guidelines that can help in the healing and rehabilitation process.

Physical Therapy

How a Physical Therapist can Help With Exercise

Back Exercise for Pain Relief

Comprehensive approach to treatment by a physiatrist

Goals of physiatry treatment

Core Body Strength Exercises

Exercise ball precautions

Exercise Ball Therapy for Lower Back Pain Relief

Exercise ball introduction

Exercise Ball Uses

Guidelines for recovering from low back pain

Manual physical therapy for pain relief

Hands-on physical therapy

Myofascial Therapy for the Treatment of Acute and Chronic Pain

Myofascial therapy relieves soft tissue restrictions that cause pain