Chronic Back Pain

Encore Rehabilitation Physical Therapists attend McKenzie Method Course

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Encore Rehabilitation Physical Therapists recently attended the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® course, Cervical and Thoracic Spine. This was Part B of a 4-part series to become a McKenzie Method Creditialled Clinician (Cred. MDT). Therapists seeking Creditialled status must complete all four parts of the coursework, demonstrate hands-on application, and pass a comprehensive exam.

We are proud of these Physical Therapists for their dedication to learning how to give the finest care possible to their patients.
Encore Rehabilitation Clinics represented at this course:

Encore Rehabilitation-Athens, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Clanton, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Columbiana, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Daphne, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Decatur, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation at DeKalb Regional Medical Center, Fort Payne, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Dothan, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Enterprise, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Fairhope, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Fayette, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Foley, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Gordo, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Hartselle, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Hayden, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Inverness, Birmingham, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Mobile Midtown, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Pike Road, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Priceville, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation at Rehab Center of South Mississippi, Biloxi, Mississippi
Encore Rehabilitation-Russellville, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Saraland, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation at Summerford Nursing and Rehab Center, Falkville, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Tillman’s Corner, Mobile, Alabama
Encore Rehabilitation-Vernon, Alabama

 

What is the McKenzie Method?

According to the McKenzie Institute International, “the McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) is an internationally acclaimed method of assessment and treatment for spinal and extremity pain developed by New Zealand Physiotherapist Robin McKenzie. It has been widely used all over the world for more than 30 years. MDT clinicians are trained to assess and diagnose all areas of the musculoskeletal system. That means that if a problem exists in or around the spine, joint or muscle, an MDT evaluation may be appropriate. MDT is a philosophy of active patient involvement and education that is trusted and used by clinicians and patients all over the world for back, neck and extremity problems. This approach continues to be one of the most researched physical therapy based methods available.”

To find an Encore Rehabilitation location near you, please visit our website or click here.

 

encorerehab.com

 

 

Physical Therapy Benefits For Back Pain

After an episode of low back pain has lasted between two and six weeks, or if there are frequent recurrences of low back pain, it is reasonable to consider back pain exercises and physical therapy for back treatment. (Some spine specialists consider back exercise and physical therapy sooner, particularly if the pain is severe.) In general, the goals of back pain exercises and physical therapy are to decrease back pain, increase function, and provide education on a maintenance program to prevent further recurrences.

 

Passive Physical Therapy – Modalities

There are many different forms of physical therapy. Acutely, the therapist may focus on decreasing pain with passive physical therapy (modalities). These are considered passive therapies because they are done to the patient. Examples of modalities include:

  • Heat/ice packs
  • TENS units
  • Iontophoresis
  • Ultrasound

 

Active Physical Therapy – Back Pain Exercises

In addition to passive therapies, active physical therapy (exercise) is also necessary to rehabilitate the spine. Generally, a patient’s back exercise program should encompass a combination of the following:

  • Stretching for back pain exercise
  • Strengthening for back pain exercise
  • Low-impact aerobic conditioning

Even patients with a very busy schedule should be able to maintain a moderate back pain exercise regimen that encompasses stretching, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning. These exercises suffice as physical therapy for back pain relief.

  • Stretching for back pain exercises. Almost every individual who has suffered from low back pain should stretch their hamstring muscles once or twice daily. Simple hamstring stretching does not take much time, although it can be difficult to remember, especially if there is little or no pain. Therefore, hamstring stretching exercises are best done at the same time every day so it becomes part of a person’s daily routine.
  • Strengthening for back pain exercise. To strengthen the back muscles, 15-20 minutes of dynamic lumbar stabilization or other prescribed exercises should be done every other day.
  • Low-impact aerobic conditioning. Low impact aerobics (such as walking, bicycling or swimming) should be done for 30-40 minutes three times weekly, on alternate days from the strengthening exercises.

Source: Ullrich, P. F. (1999, 9 8). Physical therapy benefits for back pain. Retrieved from http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/physical-therapy/physical-therapy-benefits-back-pain