Spine Therapy

The Department of Rehabilitation Services at UConn Health offers a range of services for patients with chronic and acute neck and back pain within its Orthopedic Spine Rehab Program. The team includes advanced-credentialed experts in Spine rehabilitation who work closely with all clinics, but especially providers in the UConn Health Comprehensive Spine Center, Emergency Department, and Urgent Care.

Distinct Programs

Preoperative Pain Science Education
The objective of this class is to explain what you will experience in the days, weeks and months before and after your back surgery. The latest research demonstrates that the more you know about pain and the science behind your pain, the better off you will be following your surgery. The course will help you develop an understanding of how your nerves work and educate you on how the nervous system and how the brain processes information that contributes to your pain experience.

Low Back NOW Program
Low Back NOW is an UConn Health public health initiative aimed at improving care for patients with acute low back pain (> 14 days). The goals of the program is to:

  • Reduce ED readmission for low back pain
  • Increase access to physical therapy services for acute low back pain patients
  • Improve outcomes with low back pain patient population
  • Ensure a smooth and evidence based escalation process into the spine surgeons clinic=

Low Back MOVE Program
The Low Back MOVE program here at UConn Health has been designed specifically for patients who have been experiencing persistent low back pain for 3 months of greater.

The program components consist of:

  1. Comprehensive physical therapy examination
    1. Identification of specific impairments
    2. Acquisition of baseline measurements
    3. Functional testing
    4. Functional outcome measures
    5. Provision of initial HEP
  2. Pain science education
    1. The latest research has shown that the more you understand about pain and how it works, the better you will do
  3. Progressive resistance and strengthening exercise
  4. Flexibility and range of motion exercise
  5. Aerobic exercise
  6. Physiatrist supervision
    1. Instruction in breathing techniques
    2. Regular scheduled check ins with physician

You own both your back and your pain. The doctors, physical therapist, family, and friends are all there to assist you with improving but you need to take charge. With knowledge, guidance, and effort you will be able to complete the Low Back MOVE program and by doing that you will help yourself reach your goals.

Connected Programs and Resources

UConn Health Comprehensive Spine Clinic

American Physical Therapy Association – Move Forward PT.com

Booklets

Adriaan Louw, P.T., Ph.D., CSMT

  • “Why Do I Hurt”
  • “Your Nerves Are Having Back Surgery”

Lormier Moseley, P.T., Ph.D.

  • “Painful Yarns”
  • “Explain Pain”

Online Videos