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A Full-Circle Approach to Resolving Back
Pain
At
ABC PT we
align the
sacroiliac joint by using a muscle energy technique (MET) or
modified versions of that technique. This technique is extremely
accurate and much less painful than other methods like chiropractic.
After alignment is attained, we fixate this joint with a sacroiliac
belt. This belt cinches around the pelvic girdle and creates a
compressive force; giving more stability to this mobile joint.
Alignment also includes the Lumbar facet joints.
It is vital that the patient know what is wrong
with their back and how the sacroiliac joint can manifest their various and
changing symptoms. They need to understand the structure and biomechanics of the
sacroiliac joint complex. This knowledge allows the patient to better utilize
the strategies, mechanics and self-alignment techniques to attain permanent
sacroiliac joint stability. The patients that master this knowledge and
understand the entire "big picture" of this plan of care are successful at
resolving their low back pain and keeping it away for good.
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The patient will learn techniques
designed to safely realign the sacroiliac joint complex. They will learn how to detect that movement has
occurred and know how to correct the problem. When successful, pain and other
symptoms usually resolve immediately. Early on, this joint moves out of position
often and it is vital that the patient continue to keep this sacroiliac joint
complex aligned at home as this encourages quicker healing and fixation.
Re-alignment is the ultimate pain killer as it takes away the source of pain.
Narcotics simply mask symptoms, but do not address the cause.
Stabilization
Sacroiliac joint stabilization begins
with issuance of a sacroiliac joint belt.
Again, the sacroiliac joint belt
is devised to create compressive forces on the sacroiliac joint
without restricting its normal motions. This joint is involved in
gait and transitional motions, such as bending, stooping, sitting,
standing and getting in and out the car to name a few. This belt
acts like a cast and should be worn tightly as much as possible.
Seat Cushion
A wedged seat cushion with a sacral cut-out is issued to those
who do a lot of sitting or driving during their day or have a lot of
sacroiliac joint ligament laxity. The sacral cut-out allows the
sacrum to "float", avoiding pressures that can disrupt alignment and
cause symptoms to return.
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Positioning
Positioning
is the first aspect of stabilization
that patients are instructed to learn. One basic position is to "sit
up straight." Slumping allows the sacrum to come in contact with the
sitting surface. The pressure caused from this will force the sacrum
into a torsion position, thus dislocating the sacroiliac joint or
the sacrum itself. An easy way to avoid slumping is to use a towel
roll as a lumbar support. The back muscles are responsible for
keeping the arch in the low back, bringing the pelvis forward or
"sitting up straight." Strengthening will allow the patient to not
have to rely on the lumbar support. A strong back is actually one
that can keep a good sit posture without fatigue for over an hour.
Biomechanics
Biomechanics
can be the most difficult task to learn
for some and for others they catch on rather quickly, but this is
truly the most important factor involved to maintain sacroiliac
joint stability. Patients will learn proper mechanics that are
needed to maintain sacroiliac joint stability during activities we
do on a daily basis, as well as, job specific tasks. Poor mechanics
result in certain "dislocation" or mal-alignment of the sacroiliac
joint complex. Patients learn how to bend, stoop, sit, stand and
lift by transferring all movements to the hip joint. This is the
most stable joint in the body and is where the body can generate the
most force. It is truly the "power center" of the human body.
Mastering the techniques within this philosophy of care (POC) will
give a patient about a 90-95% chance of maintaining sacroiliac joint
alignment.
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Exercises
There are many exercises that trainers, physical therapists,
chiropractors and other health care professionals will give patients
with low back pain that are absolutely detrimental to the integrity
and stability of the sacroiliac joint complex. In other words, these
exercises will most likely "dislocate" their sacroiliac joint every
time they perform them. It is vital that all exercises be evaluated
and only certain specific exercises should be employed. The patient
will learn why some exercises are detrimental and learn about the
biomechanics behind the recommendations. The exercise regimen is
specific and should be performed with care, as not to disrupt the
sacroiliac joint.
Home
Exercise Program
On day one of your visit, you will be guided through
biomechanical strategies, which we will reinforce until
you have mastered all the criteria. A home exercise program, which
includes a few basic stretches, will be administered on the second
day of your therapy. All stretches are 1 minute long and
progressive, with a medium stretch intensity. Pictures are always
provided so you can reference at home.
Success is directly related to compliance, effort
and believing in this plan of care. Some people have a hard time believing the
simplicity of their low back pain. They are quick to believe it’s some pinched
nerve or a "slipped disk". Those that understand and are compliant with this
plan of care, resolve their low back pain issue for life. Those that do not,
have continued flare-ups and try another plan. This plan of care is designed to
stop recurrent low back pain as it embraces a full circle approach to treating
low back pain. We correct the problem, show the patient how to self-correct/
align their sacroiliac joint and teach them proper biomechanics to prevent the
reoccurrence of further dislocations. We change the way they move for life, by
learning the proper biomechanics at the subconscious level.
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