Physical Therapy relieves Baby Boomers Back Pain by Grace Walker Doctor of Physical Therapy, Walker Physical Therapy, Orange, Orange County, Calif.

Because of increasingly demanding jobs, hectic daily schedules, participating in recreational activities, and caring for children, grandchildren, and elderly parents, back pain is becoming a common thread among baby boomers. However, this generation is less resigned to simply accept the changes brought about by aging, says Grace Walker, DPT OTD.Director of Walker Physical Therapy.

Baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964 and who now make up one fourth of the U.S. population, are leading more active lifestyles than previous generations. "Baby boomers are as active as they were when they were younger, but now they're living with chronic low back pain or osteoarthritis," says Grace. "These conditions as well as others can benefit greatly from physical therapy intervention."

and is not a substitute for a visit to a physical therapist or other health care professional.

"Frequently, patients may unknowingly exacerbate their pain by exercising improperly or by having poor posture," Walker says. Physical therapists can help to identify and correct those behaviors. Physical therapists work on increasing muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance, restoring and improving range of motion in joints, and decreasing muscle and joint pain. Secrets of back pain relief can be found at http.//walkerpt.com.

Physical therapy interventions may include therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and functional training, as well as exercises for strength, flexibility, and range of motion, and devices designed to rest or support the joint, such as lumbar supports or pillows. "The goal of a physical therapist is to get you back to doing what you enjoy on a daily basis with as little discomfort as possible."

For those patients who either are just starting an exercise regime, or for injured weekend warriors just getting back in the game, Walker recommends starting off slowly and not doing too much too fast. She notes that physical therapists devise step-wise plans in order for patients to gain strength and mobility.

Walker also suggests investing in an ergonomically correct chair for work, taking frequent breaks from computers, and participating in stress-relieving activities, such as yoga or meditation, to offset back pain.

Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.

Post-Operative Treatment at Walker Physical Therapy by Grace Walker Physical Therapist, Walker Physical Therapy, Orange, California 92868

Post-Operative Treatment at Walker Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy is a key aspect of recovery after surgery.
“By increasing the muscle function and range of motion of patients that have undergone recent surgery procedures, we can promote a healthier recovery and minimize potential problems down the road. When we treat a body part it is important that we assess and evaluate the surrounding body parts to ensure maximum function and recovery.” –Doctor of Physical Therapy Grace Walker
Walker Most Common Post-Op PT Treatments
■ Spine Surgery
■ Elbow Surgery
■ Wrist/CT Surgery
■ TMJ/Jaw Surgery
■ TKR &THR
■ Foot and Ankle Surgery
■ Shoulder/RC Surgery
■ Knee Ligament Repair
Post-Operative Program Consists of:
1. Core Strengthening which targets deep trunk muscles to aid in stability.
2. Resistance exercise to increase functional movement.
3. Cardiovascular training to rebuilds stamina which has been shown to reduce pain incidence.
4. Mobility and Flexibility to overcome tension with gentle stretching and soft tissue mobilization.
Success Story: “On September 19, 2006 I had lumbar fusion surgery. I was having trouble walking and a bad balance problem. I needed to return to work the week of Thanksgiving (kind of hard to work when you have difficulty walking). I came in and the team had me walking on my own within a week. I was able to go back to work. With exercises and stretching I feel about 90% better, post surgery. I can’t thank all of you enough for all you’ve done for me. This is a great place. Everyone was helpful and understood my situation. All of you have been the best, and I would recommend Walker Physical Therapy to everyone.”
- D. Drehsen