Phase I: Non-Rotational/Non-Flexion Phase Days 0-6
(Acute Inflammatory Phase)
Therapeutic Objectives:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Reduce muscle spasm
- Eliminate mechanical stresses being placed on the body by utilizing proper body positioning and or movements with pain free range of motion
- Address lifting techniques
- Increase core stabilization
- Address gluteal weakness/inhibition
Therapeutic Modalities
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Therapeutic Exercises
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Evaluation Procedures
- Evaluate any changes in the patients symptoms
- If there is an increase in symptoms from the current exercises, moving into the next phase to more challenging exercises may be contraindicated
Criteria and methods used for functional progression and return to activity
- When the symptoms of inflammation have evidently reduced, and the patient reports less difficulty with ADL's, movement into the next phase of rehabilitation is necessary.
Protective or Prophylactic Measures for Progression into the next Phase
- Lumbar bracing may be worn to provide comfort if the patient wishes, however it is not a necessity
- Use of pillows/props for positions of comfort