Back Conditioning Program
In response to a problem afflicting so many people, Sentara offers a comprehensive back conditioning program. It includes customized evaluation, conditioning and education to help patients achieve maximum improvement.
Conditions helped by our back program include:
- Low back pain
- Muscle strain
- Post-surgical conditions
- Post-traumatic injury
- Degenerative joint disease
- Spondylosis/Spondylolisthesis
- Disc disease
- Arthritis
Treatment begins with an extensive evaluation:
- Range of motion testing
- Strength assessment
- Postural evaluation
- Gait analysis
- Neurological screening
- Palpation
- Body mechanics
- Work-related tasks
Conditioning is customized for each patient:
- Lumbar stabilization
- Stretching
- Aerobic conditioning
- Strengthening exercises
- Progressive lifting
- Modified work simulation
- Proper body mechanics
Education in healthy back care helps patients avoid re-injury with:
- Proper body mechanics
- Strengthening and stretching exercises
- Proper posture
- Safe lifting techniques
Results, physician communication and after-care:
- Patients and therapists work as a team, striving to achieve improved strength, greater flexibility and better body function.
- Referring physicians receive progress reports on flexibility, strengthening, lifting and aerobic capabilities.
- Each patient graduates with a personal exercise program to continue building strength and aerobic fitness.
Many patients transition to the Sentara Center for Health & Fitness or other wellness facility to continue supervised exercise therapy with therapists and trainers who have special expertise in back care. Patients need a physician’s prescription to receive most therapy services.