Cardio-Respiratory Conditioning

Cardio-respiratory training includes any aerobic exercise, and generally improves oxygenation to all tissues. Any patient can benefit from such conditioning, though some nuances in symptomatic presentation can help determine the best option. 

• Patients with symptoms when sitting may benefit from upright activities, such as elliptical machines or walking. 
• Patients with symptoms while standing may benefit from seated activities, such as bicycling. 
• Patients with symptoms during weight-bearing periods should consider aquatic therapies. 

Kevin and Adam are familiar with a large network of spine specialty physical therapists. We prefer to send you to physical therapists with specific emphasis on spine and in your immediate area. Our “partner” physical therapists understand Dr. Paul’s protocols and surgeries. If you live outside our area or out of state, we will work with your local therapists on a case by case basis.

For our more athletic patients we have a number of videos and protocols to regain your full function. You MUST be cleared by Dr. Paul, Kevin or Adam before pursuing any of these workout routines. Not everyone is suited for these. We often require your therapist to transition you to workouts like these before having you work independently. Most of these videos provide a foundational basis for athletic activity.

Core Training

Core training has been a crucial component of spinal therapy for decades, and relies on strengthening the core muscles of the trunk to provide the strength and stability the vertebral column is unable to provide. This form of treatment does well to provide measurable improvements in function, and a reduction in associated pain. 

Aquatic Exercise

Water is a wonderful medium for reducing stress on the body during exercise. The body’s natural buoyancy prevents joints from taking the full weight of the body, and water provides a passive resistance to movement. This is an especially good option for patients who cannot tolerate weight-bearing exercise, but plenty of alternatives exist for those that can. 

Neuromuscular Reeducation and Movement Training

In Neuromuscular reeducation, movements are broken down into their most basic components for patients to practice the optimal sequencing of motion events to complete tasks.

Areas of focus can include:

• Multi-joint movements
• Non-linear motions
• Weight bearing positions
• Proprioceptive challenges
• Progressive resistance
• Variable speeds and durations

Reactivation

Reactivation involves the gradual reintroduction of activities to build confidence over time. Systemic and local deconditioning are common in spinal conditions due to lack of use, and it becomes increasingly difficult to resume normal activities. Reactivation utilizes both mental and physical stimulation to return a patient’s abilities to former levels.