Basic Concepts of Spinal Management with Exercise
Introduction
In your Applied Kinesiology 2 course (PTA 133L), you practiced methods for measuring ROM and strength in the spine. Core stabilization concepts were introduced during Week 1 in PTA 133 as you learned about the structure and function of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Your study of kinesiology has reinforced the meaning of basic, intermediate, and advanced stretching and strengthening techniques as it relates to normal muscle function. By now, you have spent some time working on your observation and assessment skills in determining factors which may influence postural tendencies.
In PTA 104 and PTA 104L, we expand on the skilled exercise interventions by carefully selecting and applying therapeutic exercise in order to facilitate optimal tissue healing and return to function. Exercise prescription in orthopedic conditions is specific to a pathological condition resulting in an impairment based movement syndrome. Exercises applied inappropriately or indiscriminately can result in further damage to vulnerable or healing structures. PTAs are trained to recognize when exercise progression is appropriate, when to modify and exercise or movement-based approach and when to refer back to the PT should symptoms indicate a regression or change in condition.
The objectives for all content included in Chapter 16 of Kisner and Colby is included in this interactive lecture.
Objectives
- Identify muscles on stretch during a flexibility exercise
- Describe instructions and techniques to activate core spinal muscles
- Select the most appropriate position to rest the lumbar spine for a given case scenario
- Calculate ideal mechanical traction force for decreasing spinal symptoms in a given case scenario
- Explain ways to progress difficulty of stabilization exercises
- Select the most appropriate exercise for a given spinal disorder
- Describe points of emphasis for patient education in acute, subacute, and chronic stages of recovery from spinal injury
- Select the optimal frequency of aerobic exercise for end-stage spinal rehabilitation and injury prevention
- Compare and contrast the effects of various aerobic exercises on the spine
- Recommend a work site modification for spinal injury prevention for a given case example
