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| Shoveling Back Pain |
From
the desk of Robert Babb, PT, MBA
We noticed an
increase in low back pain customers over the past 2 weeks, guessing the 25
inches of snow had something to do with it.
From the evidence, we look to the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports
Physical Therapy®, to learn what best interventions (strong evidence they work)
are out there for your back pain.
http://www.jospt.org/doi/pdfplus/10.2519/jospt.2012.42.4.A1
1. Education and counseling makes a
difference:
a.
A good PT does not promote extended
bed-rest, we are enablers not disablers
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| Its good exercise to shovel, just do it right! |
b.
Evidence drive PTs will provide
in-depth, explanations for the specific cause of the patient’s low back pain,
including discussions regarding;
i. The
anatomical/structural strength inherent in the human spine
ii. Explanations
of pain perception and the science behind it
iii. The
prognosis of low back pain, which in most cases is favorable
iv. Strategies
on how to stay enabled, including coping strategies that decrease fear and self
disability
v. Encouragement
of early resumption of normal or vocational activities, enabling even with some
pain.
vi. Education
on pain relief as short term to help function long term
2.
Other areas discussed that have
strong evidence include
a.
Manual Therapy and mobilizations
b.
Trunk strengthening, coordination,
and endurance exercises
i. Postural
muscles are red, build for endurance (vs. White muscle fibers)
c.
Traction
If you are going or considering going to Physical Therapy
for new or chronic back pain, ask yourself:
1.
How do you know you are getting best
practices? Is the PT and practice;
a.
Engaging;
i. Understanding
your specific work and play expectations, limitations?
b.
Respectful of your time?
i. Did
they review your case before your first visit?
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| See PTW first for your back pain, new or old! |
c.
Solution based?
i. Do
they offer solutions, pain relief, prognosis, manuals, and exercise
specifically for you?
Find another physical therapist
provider if they are not.
At PTW, we ask our patients
(customers) to challenge us if we are not challenging them towards restoration
of function, every exercise, every visit, and every minute they spend with us. We challenge ourselves to strive for industry
best care, evidence based care, all to make your time with us worthwhile and
meaningful.
If the shovel got the best of your
back, are you getting the best PT practices to get you back?
Bob is the founder and President
of The Physical Therapy & Wellness Institute. He is a licensed Physical
Therapist with over 33 years of experience in the Physical Therapy field,
starting as a Physical Therapist technician/assistant in the U.S Navy in 1983.
Bob has lectured nationally the business of physical therapy and has authored
numerous industry articles on the subjects of aquatic therapy, orthopedic
skills, and management principles. He is
a graduate of Temple University, and served 6 years in various physical therapy
centers while in the United States Navy. Since 2002, his work at PTW has helped
the team treat over 29,000 new patients, open five locations, and employ over
45 local residents.
