Back pain is extremely common. In fact, over 80% of the Canadian population will experience a back problem at some point in their lives. Many are between 40-60 years of age; however, you can experience it much younger and certainly older than this range.
Most back issues are mechanical in nature (for example, a disc, joint, or bone that is stressed or compromised). Our back supports our body at rest and in motion, so it is important to ensure your back is strong and moving well. Equally important, and often overlooked, is ensuring the muscles in your pelvis (core) and hips are flexible and strong because when these areas are weak and not moving properly it can strain the lower back and therefore fatigues the muscles, joints, and ligaments within the lower spine.
Guelph Rehab Centre offers a comprehensive Back Care Program that is designed specifically for a patient’s diagnosis, stage of recovery, age, lifestyle, and current fitness level. It can involve a collaboration of physiotherapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic.
The Back Care Program is an eight-week, three-stage progressive program that may begin at varying stages as it depends on a patient’s stage of injury and recovery. Results can vary, however, most patients begin to experience benefits such as decreased pain and increased mobility after just a few sessions.
The three stages of Guelph Rehab Centre’s Back Care Program:
- The first three to four weeks of the program focuses on pain reduction and spinal, pelvic, and hip flexibility. This is when a patient presents with a high level of pain and inflammation with limited mobility.
- In weeks four through six the team targets muscle weakness, muscular restriction, and biomechanical imbalances.
- Weeks seven and eight works on advanced core strengthening exercises and spinal stability training.
Throughout the stages, there will be a combination of manual therapy that can include one or more of the following: myofascial release, active release, acupuncture, and joint mobilization. There is also spinal decompression (computerized spinal traction table), shockwave, and/or cold low-level laser therapy. A key component in all stages is educating the patient on proper self-directed exercises and management techniques so patients can maintain the progress made during the program.
Guelph Rehab Centre’s Back Care Program has been very successful for both mechanical and serious causes of back pain. The program can be modified to accommodate a patient’s availability to attend. For more information or to schedule your initial consultation you can visit the website or call the clinic directly at 519-265-7343.