Low back pain is one of the most common conditions treated by physical therapists. Studies have shown that up to 90% of people without low back pain have findings on imaging like MRIs and X-rays (Brinjikji 2014). Because of this poor correlation between certain types of low back pain and imaging there can be more...
Sciatica is a painful condition with symptoms of pain, numbness, and/or pins and needles extending down the leg. The term sciatica is helpful for location of symptoms, but their are multiple causes of sciatica. In our Boulder Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy clinics, determining the cause is the first step in recovery for this...
Chronic low back pain can be a debilitating condition and has the potential to affect anyone. In our Boulder Physical Therapy practice, Yoga can be a cost-effective way to help reduce low back pain. This is not just something that makes intuitive sense but has been demonstrated in rigorous scientific studies that provide hard numbers...
In our Boulder County physical therapy practice, we are observing a resurgence of the use of clinical tests by some area providers to determine mobility and position of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) not only to explain posterior pelvic girdle pain, but also lower back, hip issues and beyond. Approximately 20 years ago, the tides began...
Cupping is an intervention dating back at least 1000 years, but has experienced a resurgence in popularity due in part to the visible red circles found on many high level athletes’ bodies. Although touted to benefit multiple body systems cupping lacks scientific data from methodologically sound research studies, including randomized controlled trials. Within the musculoskeletal...
Our understanding of low back (lumbar) disc injuries and their influence on a patient’s pain and function has grown tremendously over the last couple of decades. Importantly, understanding the high prevalence of lumbar disc pathology on MRI imaging in asymptomatic healthy adults over the age of 30. These studies have given pause to clinicians who...
Chronic low back pain is a common condition described as pain lasting longer than 3 months in duration. At this point in a patient’s recovery, active interventions such as graded aerobic exercise and strength training take on a greater importance in a patient’s recovery. These interventions are most valuable in order to reduce the pain...
Low back pain is a common human experience affecting up to 90% of individuals at some point in their lifetimes. It is one of the most common diagnoses treated in our Boulder Physical Therapy practice and the majority of patients find the greatest long term relief with regaining lost strength in their core and lower...
Low back pain is the leading cause of disability in our country, costing billions of dollars per year, felt by both the healthcare system and taxpayers. Acute low back pain lasting less than 30 days is a very common condition experienced by up to 90% of us during our lifespans. Thankfully, there is a very...
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a relatively common condition affecting older adults. Narrowing of the bony canals surrounding the spinal nerves due to arthritis and/or loss vertebral disc height increases the probability of nerve compression. Patient’s often describe leg pain greater than back pain, as well as, associated numbness, pins and needles, or weakness in their...