sport's injuries
To identify the true source or origin of pain/dysfunction, we first must assess movement patterns associated with the painful or dysfunctional movements. We can then work backwards from there to identify root causes. In my experience, I find it best to look at the full body, starting with how we meet and interact with the ground. My process of assessment includes the following categories:
As you can imagine, this takes a keen eye, experience, and TIME. This is why I prefer a one-on-one patient:therapist setting where I do not have to bounce between multiple patients at thesame time, trying to keep all this individualized information organized. While considering the above data, we can then discuss an appropriate plan of care that works for BOTH of us. I will explain WHY these suggestions are being made using EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE and standards.
Typically, a plan of care will first work to bring pain under control and resolve any of the found deficiencies from our assessment. It is important to constantly be reassessing some of the above metrics in order to ensure we are moving in the right direction and adjust our treatment plan accordingly. We will then start to layer in some of the more complex movements associated with your problem set. Beyond this stage, everyone is a little different with where we go next. We may discuss alternative programming strategies to better utilize recovery methods, adjust forms for more efficient performance or push the limits in a controlled environment, under supervision to allow you to reach your maximum potential.
lower back pain
Dealing with lower back pain can be a devastating and isolating experience. I have seen thousands of clients work with chiropractors, physical therapists, pain specialists, orthopedists, acupuncturists, massage therapists and more with little to no lasting relief. The common
denominator with these clients is no one has discovered the true underlying cause/causes and multipliers of back pain. Most providers have limited time, ability, or experience to truly figure out what it will take to rid you of your lower back pain. I will take the time to genuinely listen to your story and figure out WITH YOU what may be the driving force behind your pain.
Other than a complete physical assessment, I will also consider some of the following:
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When I see you for lower back pain, I am not treating your back. I am treating YOU. Together, we will develop a toolbox that is specific to you. Something you can utilize for the rest of your life, not only for lower back pain, but in many other aspects. As much as I enjoy spending time
with you, I never want to see you again after discharge. Remember, lower back pain is usually not our fault but it IS our responsibility. Make the effort now to understand your body and create the toolbox needed for a lifetime of pain-free enjoyment. The longer you wait, the harder it gets, I can promise you that.
Chronic Pain
The most effective way of managing chronic pain is to build a toolbox of techniques that you can call upon depending on your individual needs. Chronic pain often, but not always, begins when there is some sort of tissue injury, or physiologic insult, that, because it is around for a prolonged period, creates a neurologic or sensory pathway change (neuroplasticity) inside your brain.
When we first meet, I will complete a thorough physical examination, often evaluating the entire body or kinematic chain. Once we obtain those data points, we will move on to exploring the other, non-physical, potentiators of pain. The goal of this first session is for BOTH OF US to determine the most appropriate plan of care to meet YOUR needs/goals. After agreeing to a suitable plan of care, we will start building out your toolbox.
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Some of the concepts we may incorporate into your toolbox are things like:
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I encourage you to read through my Chronic Pain blog post for a more detailed explanation of some of the underlying concepts our bodies deal with when suffering from Chronic Pain!