Many people experience low back pain at some point in their lives. Even if it has been present for a long period of time, there are excellent treatments that work to greatly diminish or eliminate low back pain. It's important to have a PT who carefully evaluates what is causing the pain. Treating the offended structure with various techniques of manual therapy followed by core stabilization exercises is often very effective. One study showed the benefits of low back surgery for sciatica disappeared after 6 months; patients did better with physical therapy.
Hip Replacement
Much hip pain is referred from the back, but certainly not all. Before undergoing a hip replacement, a trial treatment of manual therapy is certainly a valid consideration. The hip also responds well to mobilizations, stretches, strengthening and working on any muscle imbalances in the legs, low back and pelvis.
Knee Replacement
Gait analysis and identifying muscle imbalances in the leg gives valuable information in determining a treatment protocol that works with the knee. The knee benefits from stretching, strengthening, electrical stimulation, balance work, and mobilizations. Before undergoing a total knee replacement, a trial of PT is often recommended. The low back can refer pain to the knee and sometimes mobilizations will effectively eliminate the pain making surgery unnecessary.
Having suffered with knee problems and compelled to walk with the aid of a cane for more than twenty years, I needed help. An orthopedic surgeon told me I needed to have both knees replaced. I did not want to undergo surgery. When playing bridge I always carried a high cushion in order that I could get up from a low card table chair. A fellow bridge player seeing my situation suggested that I see a sports medicine physician. I took her advice and was seen by a physician that referred me to a physical therapist.
Physical Therapy
I went to Sylvia Rosburg of RESTORE PHYSICAL THERAPY. Sylvia was successful in diagnosing the cause of my knee problem as being the result of a serious injury to my right hip which occurred many years ago. After being treated by Sylvia for a few months I was walking without the aid of a cane and free from knee pain for the first time in many years.
Neck Pain
Back Pain
Manual Therapy
Manual Therapy provides the most effective results as the body responds well to the gentle hands-on techniques and simple exercises to restore strength and mobility. This assists the body in maintaining the gains made each visit.