Early Physical therapy for back pain. Yes it really helps!!!!

Well, not that I needed more literature to bring to you about PT and back pain, but here is another article that supports early physical therapy for back pain really helps.
This was a thesis project that was completed in Sweden, so the terms may be a little different, but the results speak loudly.   Her thesis was written to look at immediate treatment by a physiotherapist (PT) with or without referral from a physician compared to being on a waiting list for 4 weeks. 

"We saw that both groups improved after the treatment ended. The group that had been given early access to an examination and individualised treatment maintained their improvement after six months, while the group that had been held on a waiting list were more likely to suffer with recurring back pain," says Nordeman, who draws the conclusion that early examination and treatment by a physiotherapist as soon as a patient asks for care could be important for reducing low back pain in the long term.

Early treatment for low back pain is important as this can help alleviate pain sooner and for a longer duration of time.   Low back pain affects 80% or more of the population.  Many time low back pain is recurrent and this typically stems from multiple injuries to the same area.  

Even though this was a thesis study, the results are similar to what physical therapists have been saying for a long time.   Back pain is a common problem in society.  Check with us to see if you need to see your physician prior to coming to therapy.   Ohio law does not require a prescription to be evaluated by a physical therapist, but your insurance company may.  Let us check for you.  See a physical therapist to help with your back pain!

Golf Fitness Update

So over a month ago (more like 2 months ago), I started working harder on my golf fitness.   I have been placing my emphasis on improving hip motion, middle back motion and improving my hip rotation strength, core strength and shoulder blade or scapular strength.   I was able to finally get to the golf course last week, hitting balls on Sunday at the range, and playing 9 holes on Thursday.    Needless to say, I need to work on my short game!!!!   I actually felt pretty good on the course.   My emphasis on posture has improved the consistency of my swing and ball contact.   I notice no real change in distance, but accuracy has improved.   I also had no back pain after playing. 
The golf swing is a dynamic human movement.   Repeated golf swings can take it toll on the body.   Most golf injuries in the professional golfer come from overuse.   Most injuries for the rest of us are in the form of poor mechanics.  Body mechanics, swing mechanics and no regular customized exercise program are three of the biggest causes of injuries.  
Poor body mechanics includes hip limitations, mostly rotation, thoracic or middle back rotation and extension limitation, poor core stability, and shoulder motion limitations.  
There are 3 components  that are necessary to have an improved golf swing. 
1.  Strength, and specifically core strength is necessary to keep your body from having extra movements during the golf swing and maintain spine angle during the swing.  If you lack core strength, you will have difficulty with consistent contact.  This would include early extension, sway and slide.  
2.  Flexibility is important for the golf swing.  Soft tissue restrictions in your hips, spine and shoulders can alter the swing plane immeasurably. If you are unable to rotate properly on the back swing or the follow-through, your body will compensate for the loss somewhere else, causing stress and strain on joints that cannot handle those loads. 
3.  Balance, is directly related to deficiencies in both stability and mobility. Poor strength and/or flexiblity, will affect weight shift, which may cause golfers to fall forward or rock back on their heels. This leads to poor position of the club head at impact and you spray the ball all over the course. 

All of these components can be addressed in physical therapy.    This entire chain can be affected because of poor mobility or stability in certain areas.   How can physical therapy can help?   Physical therapy will help find the different areas at fault.  Then, starting a treatment program to address these areas will help improve you golf swing mechanics.   Better mechanics means a more consistent swing.   A more consistent swing, means better direction and more greens hit.  Then, work on your short game and putting to improve your scores.   (I cannot help you with that)   As a matter of fact, that's what I need to work on myself.  Golf pro, here I come!  Here's to lots of fairways and greens!!