Spine & Pelvic Conditions Treated with Physical Therapy
The spine and pelvic region are at the core of your body. Consequently, injuries or limitations to either can have a significant impact, starting from the back and radiating out towards your extremities. We’re able to address a myriad of spine and pelvic conditions, many of which are featured below. Keep reading to learn about our core approaches to the spine and pelvic region, or make an appointment to get started directly with a Physical Therapy specialist at your nearby Evolution location.
Common Spine & Pelvic Conditions
The following is a list of common spine and pelvic region conditions that our patients may come to Evolution Physical Therapy for treatment.
Conditions Related to the Spine
- Headaches
- Whiplash Injuries
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
- Herniated Discs (HNP)
- Bulging Discs
- Sprains / Strains
- Spinal Contusions
- Spondylosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spinous Process Fractures
- Transverse Process Fractures
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
- Osteoarthritis
- Radiculopathies / Pinched Nerves
- Sciatica
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Rib Fractures
- Rib Dysfunctions
- Derangement Syndrome
- Dysfunction Syndrome
- Postural Syndrome
- Spinal Fusion
- Laminoplasty
- Laminectomy
- Laminotomy
- Discectomy
- Foraminotomy
- Hypermobility / Instability
- Hypomobility
- Sacro-Iliac Dysfunctions (SI Joint)
- Prenatal (Pregnancy) and Postpartum Pain and Weakness
- Ergonomics
- Compression Fractures
- Acute Back Pain / Acute Neck Pain
- Chronic Back Pain / Chronic Neck Pain
Conditions Related to the Pelvic Region
- Prenatal (Pregnancy) Pain and Weakness
- Postpartum Pain and Weakness
- Incontinence
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Pelvic Joint Dysfunction
- Pelvic Fractures
See Conditions Treated for Other Body Parts
1. Upper Body
Explore issues we treat related to the arm, elbow, wrist, or hand. the arm, elbow, wrist, or hand.
2. Lower Body
Explore issues we treat related to the knee, hip, ankle, foot, and leg.
3. Head & Brain
Explore issues we treat related to head trauma and issues with the cervical and thoracic spine.
Common Approaches to Treating Issues with the Spine, Back, and Pelvis
Those suffering from a spine or pelvic region condition will experience custom treatment plans to enhance their recovery. As part of this, however, you may be treated utilizing the Maitland-Australian Approach and/or McKenzie Method.
The Maitland-Australian Approach
The Maitland Approach is considered the cornerstone of modern-day orthopedic manual therapy for the treatment of both spinal and peripheral conditions, and primarily uses the assessment and treatment of the patient’s signs and symptoms to develop an effective treatment plan. This approach is patient-centric and respects the diagnosis with an understanding of the pathology. Biomechanical knowledge is used when applicable. MAPS develops the Maitland Approach a step further, providing advanced training to qualified clinicians in the Maitland-Australian Approach, which combines the latest evidence-based research in manual therapy/Physical Therapy with the Maitland Approach and associated evaluation and treatment techniques. The Maitland-Australian Approach intentionally gently provokes the patient’s actual symptoms using carefully graded osteokinematic (physiological) and arthrokinematic (accessory) passive mobilization. This approach is recognized worldwide as an efficient, safe, and gentle way to evaluate and treat the orthopedic patient to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, restore movement and maximize function.
The Maitland-Australian Approach is highly efficient and effective in the management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Pioneered in the 1950s by the legendary Australian physiotherapist, Geoffrey Maitland, it has continued to evolve over the years with groundbreaking concepts such as irritability, neurodynamics, combined movements, stabilization training, and advanced clinical reasoning with supporting evidence-based medicine research.
The McKenzie Method
The McKenzie Method is a comprehensive approach to the spine based on sound principles and fundamentals that, when understood and followed accordingly, are very successful. This unique method to assess and treat the spine is widely recommended as the first choice for common back and neck problems worldwide.
The total system of patient care known as the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) is an approach that is trusted and used by practitioners and patients all over the world for common back and neck problems. Over 90% of all lower back pain cases are “mechanical” in origin, meaning that motions and positions affect the pain and a particular applied force causes the pain. A basic philosophy of McKenzie’s theory is that the reverse force can often abolish the pain and restore function, if applied correctly.
Why the McKenzie Method?
Imagine you have the power to control your pain, stiffness, and ability to do your work or daily activities. You will not need to buy or use expensive equipment. You will not have to spend months in therapy. You’ll use your own skills and resources when you gain knowledge and guidance. Instead of the pain controlling you, you will start to control your pain.
Creating Independence
- Backed by years of research, evidence, and clinical practice
- Known to show results in as little as three visits
- Driven by sound clinical reasoning for an individualized plan of care
- Active, not passive, intervention strategies
- Self-directed and managed – we work with you and teach you
- Cost-efficient treatment without expensive tests or procedures
- Lifelong preventative knowledge and skills
How does the McKenzie Method work?
Unique to the McKenzie Method is a comprehensive and logical step-by-step process to evaluate the patient’s problem quickly. This mechanical examination can “classify” most patient conditions by the level of pain or limitation that results from certain movements or positions. A McKenzie assessment can eliminate the need for expensive and/or invasive procedures.
Research has shown the initial McKenzie assessment procedures to be as reliable as costly diagnostic imaging (i.e., x-rays, MRIs) to determine the source of the problem and quickly identify responders and non-responders.
McKenzie treatment prescribes a series of individualized exercises. The emphasis is on active patient involvement which minimizes the number of visits to the clinic.
Ultimately, most patients can successfully treat themselves when provided the necessary knowledge and tools.
By learning how to self-treat the current problem, patients gain hands-on knowledge on how to minimize the risk of recurrence and to rapidly deal with recurrence if necessary. The likelihood of problems persisting can more likely be prevented through self-maintenance.
Prevention is the ultimate goal. You are in control of your pain!
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