People who suffer from chronic or recurring back injuries can often be helped by an individualized yet comprehensive education program. The Back Care Counseling Program at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a service of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, is an informational program that explores the anatomy and function of the spine with a focus on how the spine works during everyday activities. Saint Peter’s physical therapists demonstrate and teach good and bad body mechanics They also review the patient’s daily activities and discuss and teach alternate methods of movement designed to protect the back.
A Back Care Counseling session with a Saint Peter’s physical therapist will last one to two hours and generally does not require any follow-up sessions. In some circumstances, a second session is recommended to follow up with any of the therapist’s concerns or at the request of the patient.
What happens during a session?
During your session, a general evaluation will be performed by a licensed and certified Saint Peter’s physical therapist. Discussions on proper posture, correct body mechanics, and back protection techniques follow the evaluation and are tailored to individual needs. An exercise program designed to stretch and strengthen your core is then provided and performed with instruction from the therapist.
The Back Care Counseling Program is different from traditional physical therapy for pain management in that its focus is on education, therapeutic exercises and progression to self-management of your symptoms. Our physical therapists understands the importance of independence, control, prevention and wellness on the road to on road to recovery.
Contact our department at 732 745-8570 with any questions or if you are interested in scheduling an appointment for Back Care Counseling services.
A prescription from a physician is required, and depending on your insurance, a referral may also be necessary.
Appointments are available Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30am to 6:00pm. Other days and times may be available upon request.