in Balance

Become a Statistic

quarter of the U.S. population will experience back problems sometime in their lives, often with no obvious cause. Of those, approximately 80 to 90 percent will re-injure their backs. Because most back problems are a result of cumulative stress, abnormal movement patterns, poor posture and muscle weakness, the risk of re-injury remains high unless the underlying causes of low back problems are addressed.

in Balance: A Back Program to Meet Your Needs

Institute for Athletic Medicine's Back in Balance program specializes in treating acute and chronic low back problems. Appropriate for people of all ages, the program is based on the belief that low back problems are linked to abnormal or unsafe movement patterns, muscle weakness in the "core" of the body, and a lack of physical fitness.

therapists who understand the complexities of the back work with you in individual and group settings to help you learn how to care for your back and minimize your risk of future back problems through core muscle strengthening and physical activity. Through Back in Balance, you'll learn to apply newfound healthy back principles to a lifetime of daily activity and recreation.

Care for Your Back

in Balance is tailored to your needs and abilities, and features several levels of care. Following an initial evaluation, you are placed in the program most appropriate for you, and are advanced to the next level of care when you are ready for more challenging exercises. Each level includes:

Proprioception training, or body self-awareness, to teach you to know your body and how you move

A controlled, repetitive movement rehabilitation plan, to establish safe movement through a progression of simple and complex exercises, and simulated day-to-day activities

Self-guided and supervised exercises to improve your cardiovascular fitness, and muscle strength, flexibility, balance, mobility and coordination

Education, to teach you self-care techniques and skills to improve your understanding of basic body mechanics and prevent further injury

Pre- and post-program testing: back and abdominal muscle strength.

one, Functional Core, emphasizes stretching, trunk strengthening, body mechanics, balance activities, cardiovascular activity in class and home exercises. All program participants receive a stability ball for home use. Level two, Advanced Core, concentrates on abdominal and back strengthening, and is appropriate those who will benefit from challenging exercises, including athletes and those who work in physically demanding environments. Program participants work one-to-one with a physical therapist in Level three, Maximal Core, which features sports- and occupation-specific exercises.

Benefits from Back in Balance?

in Balance is a cost-effective option for anyone who suffers from low back problems. Physical therapists evaluate your current level of function, fitness level and muscle strength, and work with you in supervised one and one-half hour group session one to two times a week. You are responsible for your progression, and your commitment to self-initiated cardiovascular, strengthening and stretching activities outside of Back in Balance. When you are ready for more challenging exercises, you are advanced to the next program level.

Started

in Balance programs are offered at Institute for Athletic Medicine clinics located throughout the metro area. For information about a Back in Balance program near you, call 612-672-7272.

doctor's referral is recommended but self-referrals are welcome. Some insurance plans will provide coverage for Back in Balance. Check with your health care provider.