If you’re dealing with back pain, the first step towards relief is getting a thorough assessment. At North 49, your initial assessment is designed to get to the root of your pain and to start you on the path to recovery. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during your first visit.
1. History Taking
The first part of your back pain assessment will involve history taking. Your therapist will ask you several questions to understand the nature of your back pain. They’ll want to know if there was a specific incident that triggered the pain, whether the pain has improved or worsened since it began, and what factors seem to make it better or worse. Is the pain constant, or does it come and go? Have you had similar issues in the past? These questions might seem detailed, but they’re essential for your therapist to pinpoint the cause of your discomfort.
Understanding how your back pain is impacting your daily life is another key area your therapist will explore. This helps them appreciate not just the physical aspect of your pain, but also how it’s affecting your overall well-being. By the end of this discussion, your therapist will have a clearer picture of what might be contributing to your back pain and how it’s impacting you.
2. Physical Assessment
Next, your therapist will perform a physical assessment. You might be asked to walk, squat, or get on and off a chair, all while the therapist observes your movement. They’ll also check your posture in both sitting and standing positions.
The assessment will also include tests for your reflexes, strength, and sometimes sensation, to see how the nerves in your back are functioning. Another key part of this exam is assessing your back’s range of motion and how it and your back pain is affected with sustained postures and repeated back movements. If they identify a movement or posture that helps, they’ll likely recommend you incorporate it into your daily routine.
3. Initial Treatment and Developing a Treatment Plan
Once the history and physical assessment are complete, your therapist will discuss their findings with you. This is where they’ll outline a personalized treatment plan designed to address your specific back pain and help you return to your normal activities. The plan might include advice on activities to temporarily avoid or adjust, targeted back exercises, and possibly some hands-on manual therapy.
Your therapist will also give you some initial treatment during this first appointment. This might involve showing you specific exercises, advising you on how to modify your activities to reduce strain on your back, or providing manual therapy to help ease your pain.
By the end of your session, you’ll have a clear plan and some initial strategies to start managing your back pain. At North 49, our goal is to help you Move Better & Live Better. If back pain is holding you back from enjoying life, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you get back to doing what you love.
Feel free to call us at 306-343-7776 or book your Initial Assessment online. We look forward having the opportunity to work with you.