Spine Therapy

Spine Therapy at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center utilizes the most current evidence-based spine interventions including manual physical therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education. Physical therapy treatment is specifically tailored to each individual patient with the ultimate goal of decreasing or eliminating pain and improving overall ability to function.

The OSF St. Joseph Medical Center physical therapists have achieved the highest level of therapeutic training in physical therapy for spine care resulting in top quality service and excellent outcomes.

The Difference You Can Expect

• Comprehensive physical examination
• Personalized care specific to your condition
• Faster recovery
• Sooner return to work with fewer restrictions
• Decreasing need for more costly, invasive procedures and/or prolonged medical management

OSF Spine Care Program Outcomes

The sooner a patient begins rehab after injury, illness or surgery the better off the patient's outcomes can be.

• The average number of visits needed is six over three to four weeks.
  
• The majority of cases are managed without seeking further medical care.
  
  

About Back and Neck Pain

Lower back and neck pain have become major health problems of the modern era. Lower back pain can be caused by a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, arthritis, or strains and sprains. Research has shown physical therapy management is critical to achieve an optimal outcome whether symptoms are acute or chronic.

The goal of physical therapy is to promote optimal health and function of the musculoskeletal system in order to maximize function and minimize or eliminate disability.

Treatment

For those experiencing symptoms that come and go, a few visits for manual therapy, exercise, and education normally manage or alleviate symptoms. In some cases, pain and impairments can persist causing the patient's condition to become chronic. For chronic spinal conditions, the physical therapists will utilize interventions specific to the impairments a patient has developed.

Many patients who have chronic lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, or general arthritic complaints can benefit from the comprehensive management approach utilized in the OSF Spine Care Program.

Spine Care Treatment Model

• Evidence-based practice
• Treatment-based classification approach
• Impairment-based treatments
• Manual physical therapy
• Specific exercises
• Spinal stabilization with ultrasound imaging assistance
• Home program with comprehensive education

What is Manual Physical Therapy?

Manual physical therapy is used to decrease pain and improve range-of-motion and flexibility to stiff joints and muscles. Once pain has been reduced and joint mobility improved, the patient can more effectively regain optimal and efficient movement patterns allowing for maximum function.

Mobilization and manipulation are key components of manual physical therapy and consist of skilled, passive movements to joints and associated soft-tissue structures. They involve small amplitude (high or low velocity) movements imparted to the patient by the therapist. Manual physical therapy is typically followed by specific exercises to relieve impairments that contribute to the patient's symptoms.

Contact Information

For more information about OSF St. Joseph Medical Center's Spine Care program, please call (309) 661-6260. The Spine Care program is located at the Center for Health at Fort Jesse located at 2200 Ft. Jesse Road, suite 230 in Normal, IL. For a full listing of OSF Rehab locations and services, please visit our OSF Rehabilitation home page.