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From the Healing Bridge Physical Therapy
Summer 2001 Newsletter

by Nancy Hartung, LPTA

One of our primary goals at Healing Bridge Physical Therapy is to provide education for your recovery process and pain management. We also hope you'll come to appreciate the importance of wellness and prevention. Each appointment is viewed as an opportunity to reinforce and build your foundation of healing, wellness and self-care.

One of the ways we do this is through our BACK BASICS class, a one-time 2-1/2 hour class taught for patients with back injuries. This class provides practical tools for daily management of healing and prevention of symptoms. It's designed to reinforce what you already know, while giving you a more comprehensive application of the concepts involved in back care.

We'll begin with an refresher on anatomy so you can clearly understand how you hurt your back. This also shows you how to avoid future injury. We'll show you how to safely perform everyday tasks, helping to prevent re-injury. You'll also learn about neutral posture and low back stabilization. We'll review your back exercises, checking for gentle mobility and strengthening. Then we'll cover pacing, pain management and relaxation techniques. A gentle relaxation exercise provides a soothing conclusion to the class. Join us for this fun, relaxing and enlightening class!

The Back's "Basic 7"

Use a wide base of support - keep your feet apart.

Have good postural alignment.

UNLOCK YOUR KNEES. Bend your knees while lifting.

Use effective abdominal bracing - tighten your tummy a little to use your natural corset when performing tasks.

Face the activity to avoid twisting.

Stay close to the task or keep the object close to you. (This way the "load" is taken over your center instead of through your back.)

Move slow and easy. Don't jerk or try to use momentum to perform a lift.

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