http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/29/phys-ed-if-you-are-fit-you-can-take-it-easy/
Whenever someone comes into my clinic with back pain, I always have the same conversation. I tell them that I will work hard to help them decrease their pain and help restore their function. But I also tell them that I can't guarantee that I will cure their back pain for ever. Rather, I say that I will teach them ways to manage their backs for a lifetime. I feel it is an important distinction to make so that people develop realistic expectations about their condition. I also don't believe that there is a singular cure for back pain. There are just too many variables. I certainly know that many conditions that cause back pain are very treatable in a variety of ways. But whether a person is seeking help from an orthopedic doctor, a massage therapist, an acupuncturist, a chiropractor, or a physical therapist, I believe they should have realistic course of action laid out for them. If somebody tells you, "I guarantee to eliminate your back pain forever," I would be skeptical and probably seek another opinion.
As a physical therapist, I rely on using active modalities (exercise) to address many physical ailments, including back pain. This always involves developing a home exercise program for my patients. Inevitably I am asked, "Do I have to do these exercises every day for the rest of my life in order to prevent the pain from recurring?" The answer is no. First of all, if I tell somebody who is generally sedentary that they now have to do daily exercises forever, they will probably head for the door. Instead, I let them know that once they begin to demonstrate strength gains from their routine, they can begin to dial back the frequency. I tell them that I will give them a "box of tools" (i.e., stretching, strengthening, balancing, ergonomics, etc.) that they will be able to go to when they feel that their back (or other body part) may be starting to act up again.
I posted this article from the Times which cites some studies that should be encouraging for everybody, pain or no pain. Just like my patients, I think that people want to know that they can derive health benefits without having to put too much time and effort into exercise. The answer is yes, you can. The initial stages of getting into shape are generally the most arduous and painful, which is why most people throw in the towel on their fitness resolutions. But if you can just get to the top of that mountain, then the rewards can be great. And they can be maintained with much less time and energy! That is the key. I've known this through practice and personal experience, but I think these studies clarify this point.
The bottom line is this. To build any machine takes time and effort, but to maintain it requires much less of each. Our bodies are the world's most complex machines and this same principal applies. If you can just get past the initial difficult stages, the rest should be smooth sailing. Your body (and mind) will be very appreciative!
Whenever someone comes into my clinic with back pain, I always have the same conversation. I tell them that I will work hard to help them decrease their pain and help restore their function. But I also tell them that I can't guarantee that I will cure their back pain for ever. Rather, I say that I will teach them ways to manage their backs for a lifetime. I feel it is an important distinction to make so that people develop realistic expectations about their condition. I also don't believe that there is a singular cure for back pain. There are just too many variables. I certainly know that many conditions that cause back pain are very treatable in a variety of ways. But whether a person is seeking help from an orthopedic doctor, a massage therapist, an acupuncturist, a chiropractor, or a physical therapist, I believe they should have realistic course of action laid out for them. If somebody tells you, "I guarantee to eliminate your back pain forever," I would be skeptical and probably seek another opinion.
As a physical therapist, I rely on using active modalities (exercise) to address many physical ailments, including back pain. This always involves developing a home exercise program for my patients. Inevitably I am asked, "Do I have to do these exercises every day for the rest of my life in order to prevent the pain from recurring?" The answer is no. First of all, if I tell somebody who is generally sedentary that they now have to do daily exercises forever, they will probably head for the door. Instead, I let them know that once they begin to demonstrate strength gains from their routine, they can begin to dial back the frequency. I tell them that I will give them a "box of tools" (i.e., stretching, strengthening, balancing, ergonomics, etc.) that they will be able to go to when they feel that their back (or other body part) may be starting to act up again.
I posted this article from the Times which cites some studies that should be encouraging for everybody, pain or no pain. Just like my patients, I think that people want to know that they can derive health benefits without having to put too much time and effort into exercise. The answer is yes, you can. The initial stages of getting into shape are generally the most arduous and painful, which is why most people throw in the towel on their fitness resolutions. But if you can just get to the top of that mountain, then the rewards can be great. And they can be maintained with much less time and energy! That is the key. I've known this through practice and personal experience, but I think these studies clarify this point.
The bottom line is this. To build any machine takes time and effort, but to maintain it requires much less of each. Our bodies are the world's most complex machines and this same principal applies. If you can just get past the initial difficult stages, the rest should be smooth sailing. Your body (and mind) will be very appreciative!
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