Back Pain Treatment In The News…

You may or may not have seen the recent news conference with the coach of the Golden State Warriors, Steve Kerr about his surgery. If you did catch this conference then you probably know exactly where I am going with this blog.

Everything that I mention from here on out is focused on musculoskeletal type surgery

, although any surgery can also require a similar type of treatment. For example, a c-section is not only an organic surgery, but also VERY musculoskeletal in nature.

Anyone who has had, or will be having surgery soon should read this blog all the way through… and possibly two to three times. The lesson of this blog will have wide ranging effects on the rest of your life.

Let’s be completely transparent, I am a Structural Chiropractor. I work on the structure of the spine in order to PREVENT the need for surgery. I do not perform surgery and I would not say that I am not an alternative to surgery either (in MOST cases). It may be surprising to you that I would say that, but I can confidently say that Physical Therapists, Personal Trainers, and Surgeons are best suited to take care of surgical cases. If I find someone to be in that realm, I refer to a multitude of local EXCELLENT providers, a few of which I will share in this blog.

With that being said, I do have a few suggestions AFTER your surgery, but first I want to make MY assumptions very clear. I am assuming that you have already received a correct diagnosis and have seen multiple providers to obtain a second and in some cases, third opinion. It is your body and you should be very certain that you are making the best choice for your unique situation.

You may be asking yourself, “What the heck is that ONE THING that I must know?”.

Hang in there…

I am sharing this information not only for the benefit of the patients I work with and the community, but I have also personally dealt with the same exact PROBLEM.

What is the PROBLEM?

Rehab.

Again, this is not what I do, but I see the benefits and side effects when it is done correctly vs. incorrectly.

Most people recognize immediate post surgical physical therapy as a MUST. If you didn’t know that, then just know, it is a MUST. Following any surgery, you need to find a great physical therapist. I don’t often plug other providers, but I don’t hesitate to recommend Jessica Ortiz DPT at Eastside PT in Redmond. I have seen her great work over and over again and you will not be disappointed.

While a quality physical therapist is a must, your rehab should not end there.

NO WAY!

You need to continue building on the great foundation that your physical therapist sets for you.  You can do this by working with someone to strengthen (even further) and fine tune your movements.

For that task I recommend that my patients find a personal trainer, and NOT ANY personal trainer either.

I have four that I know do great work in our area. I know there are MANY GREAT trainers in our area, but I can only recommend those that I work with. Whether that is on a personal level or directly with my patients.

Your trainer will work to improve strength, endurance, and mobility of your musculoskeletal system to improve your quality of life now, and 10 years from now. With that being said, I have a few recommendations. I highly recommend, PJ Glassy at X-Gym in Kirkland, Amanda at ProClub in Bellevue, Josh at 24 Hour Fitness in Redmond, and Karen Grady at PIVOT in Bellevue. One of these excellent trainers can help guide you to wellness. Notice that I said “guide you” and not give you.

All of these trainers are great, but you must be committed to your own wellness as much as they are.

These trainers are all very different and if you need help choosing one vs. another, please contact my office for a COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION.

These trainers will improve your life and lengthen it… well, kind of. Statistically speaking, you are more likely to live a longer life if you include moderate to intense physical activity. If they don’t actually lengthen your life, I would still say that your quality of life will improve in one way or another. Whether that means doing fitness competitions or just being able to play with your children is completely up to you.

There you have it! REHAB! Long term REHAB is the one thing you should know about surgery. Don’t take it lightly as you may regret this in the future. You cannot go back in time and you do not get a new body in this lifetime (not yet anyways). I know this VERY well. Get out there and take charge of your health!

If you think anyone can benefit from the information or the resources in this blog, please share! I even include convenient share buttons below. You never know how far reaching a simple share can go and you may greatly improve someone’s future.