About

Evaluation and Treatment of the Lumbar

Spine and Sacro-illial Joint

Ford Physical Therapy Seminars

May 13 - 14 May 20 - 21

Birmingham, Alabama | Montgomery, Alabama

The medical community relies heavily on the use of highly technical and costly tests, such as x-rays and MRIs, to evaluate low back pain. The focus continues to be on the condition of the vertebral discs and radicular pain in the lower extremities. Many times physical therapists evaluate patients before seeing the results from these tests and, with direct access approaching, may treat patients without having the tests performed. Also many insurance companies are requiring patients to have physical therapy before they will pay for MRI’s. Reports from x-rays and MRI’s rarely address facet joint or sacro-illial joint problems and they never address joint movement dysfunction. In this environment, it is increasingly important for the physical therapist to be competent in the evaluation and treatment of low back pain. This course is designed for that purpose.

A systematic and integrative method of evaluating and treating low back pain will be presented. After reviewing lumbar and pelvic anatomy, normal join mechanics of the lumbar spine and sacrum will be covered. With an understanding of normal joint mechanics, techniques to evaluate joint movement dysfunctions (abnormal joint mechanics) of the lumbar facet joints and sacro-illial joints will be discussed and demonstrated. The importance of an accurate diagnosis as the key to successful treatment will be stressed. Treatment approaches given will be specific to the diagnosis and include muscle energy techniques, passive movements, myofascial/soft-tissue techniques, and prescriptive exercise. Evaluation and treatment techniques will be demonstrated and participants will be given time to practice during lab and session. Other topics covered include: home exercise program, contra-indications, precautions, differential diagnosis.

About the Course

Questions? Call 334.220.9550

About