Even with the successful treatment of Lower Back Pain, the research shows it tends to recur. While undergoing treatment the patient is full of enthusiasm and adheres well to advice and programs. They see the benefits at the end of the treatment, feel empowered and notice the improvement and are very knowledgeable about their problem. However after treatment has finished, when asked if they would continue to carry out the prescribed exercises at home, many were so much better they didn’t feel the need and because of a lack of time couldn’t see themselves carrying on with their exercises. So what does this tell us?

lower Back Pain

Should our therapists relinquish any responsibility for patient outcomes after they have been discharged and expect re-occurrences? Clearly this a choice for each and every patient and what we do at Lifestyle Therapies is offer a range of take home therapies, self management programs and ongoing exercise programs such as Pilates. This provides the patient with a range of post treatment support that will reduce the chances of the injury recurring. Post treatment support includes:
– Pilates classes – both larger mat classes and small group equipment classes
– Home programs – printed with diagrams
– Advice and education – with regard to prevention
– A range of educational materials including Pilates and stretching DVD’s and a range of books.
– Self massage tools including Muscle Mate
– Ergonomic changes and advice
– Ongoing preventative physiotherapy treatment
– Self-management tools including Q magnets and ice packs.

Reference:
Capitalising on effective treatment strategies for low back pain – How do we bridge the self-management gap? Manual Therapy 15 (2010) 133-134 An Moore, Gwen Jull

Read more…

Well, all the Pilates classes are full for the beginning of 2010 and we even had to start an extra class as many patients have set their New Year goals to get in shape and take the time to really look after themselves.

For anyone that has done Pilates at Lifestyle Therapies since 2001 we are offering a free Diagnostic Ultrasound Session. You can learn more about Real Time Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging and how it can give you a brand new insight into your core that you have never seen.

Principal Physiotherapist Dianne Hermans, performing a diagnostic ultrasound assessment

We wish you every success in your health goals in 2010.

Read more…

This is a funny video, but it does highlight the fact that Pilates, like any exercise when not performed with correct form can be dangerous. That’s why we provide highly trained physiotherapists to supervise our Pilates classes so you are in safe hands.