Is your back or neck pain really becoming an issue and stopping you doing the things you love?
Matthew, a myPhysioSA Spinal Physiotherapist, explains the best option for a solution in Adelaide.
Welcome to a life beyond pain! Back and neck pain problems are common. Current estimates show that between 70-90% of people will suffer from lower back pain in some form during their life, whilst the chance that you will have neck pain is nearly 50%. Therefore, it is pertinent that management of spinal related pain allows people to maximise long-term function and quality of life. In other words, pain does not have to be the focus.
You could argue that traditionally, management for back and neck pain has focused on a ‘silo’ model of care; that is, where by treatment is carried out by an individual health care or medical professional with minimal collaboration between professions. I would suggest there is mixed success within this model of service delivery, and whilst many people do get better, there is a percentage that do not.
So what happens when pain becomes the primary focus and impacts on daily life? It begs the question; is it perhaps easier to manage persistent pain by preventing it in the first place?
There is rapidly growing evidence pointing towards an integrated approach when managing neck and back pain, especially when concerning persistent or chronic pain. It is on this premise that myPhysioSA has joined with the International Spine Centre to form a collaborative approach to managing spine related pain. Within the centre, an integrated approach looks at finding the best treatment approach for the individual, by using a combination of strategies involving medicine, interventional treatment, movement & the mind.
So how does it work in a practical sense?
The International Spine Centre is truly multidisciplinary. It challenges the traditional approach of managing back and neck pain to create a new and unique experience for patients. myPhysioSA is involved from a movement perspective, providing treatment strategies to get people moving again. We work in in close collaboration with neurosurgeon Dr YH Yau, spinal special interest GP’s and clinical psychologists to develop the optimal treatment approach for each patient.
Every patient referral received through The International Spine Centre is triaged through the Rapid Assessment Service. Patients are booked directly with Dr Yau or with one of the Special Interest GP’s or they can be booked directly with one of our Physiotherapists. In this way, patients receive fast and efficient review of their symptoms and function, and can expedite review with Dr Yau when needed.
The patient experience is tailored to the patient. Review with the movement team will identify patient goals, and then in collaboration with the patient set up an active treatment plan. Assessment also includes movement analysis with the Vi-Move system, which is designed to accurately record posture and spinal movement. Patients who need ongoing treatment and rehab also have access to a specialised gym facility on site.
Let’s look at a quick case study of 29 year old man who was referred with a 2 month history of low back pain following an acute injury. Following assessment by Dr YH Yau, he underwent surgery on his lower back. Post op he had complete resolution of his symptoms, and was referred through to the myPhysioSA team for assessment. In this case, he commenced a rehab plan that focused on his goals to restore movement, look after his children and return to work. On consultation with Dr Yau at his 6 week post op review, he commenced a functional strength and conditioning program with our Exercise Physiologist and was provided clearance to return to work. He has now successfully returned to work and is able to complete all his daily activities without any limitation.
As is with this case study, the patient experience is tailored to the patient. Review with the movement team will identify patient goals, and then in collaboration with the patient set up an active treatment plan. Assessment also includes movement analysis with the Vi-Move system, which is designed to accurately record posture and spinal movement. Patients who need ongoing treatment and rehab also have access to a specialised gym facility on site.
The partnership between The International Spine Centre & myPhysioSA provides a truly integrated model of care for patients, one where we can help patients achieve a life beyond pain.
Matthew Ash, myPhysioSA Senior Physiotherapist
