Jeffrey A. Bole, Physical Therapist at Willow Lakes and a member of the Lancaster General Spinal Health and Rehabilitation Team, provides back therapy for Sara Martz of Strasburg.

After a decade of discomfort, Mary Jane Werner’s chronic back and leg pain had progressed to the point where basic movements were painful and a cane was needed for support.

 

When her physician suggested spinal rehabilitation therapy to ease her pain, Mary Jane turned to Lancaster
General for help.

 

An 85-year-old Willow Street resident, Mary Jane was able to consult with a spinal rehabilitation therapist
at the nearby Willow Lakes facility.

 

Throughout her treatment, Mary Jane’s therapist worked with her, teaching her how to self-manage her condition and the importance of proper positions to gain the maximum benefit from her exercise routine.

 

Mary Jane started to feel some relief early in her treatment. And by the time her therapy had ended, her back had progressively improved to the point where she could leave the cane behind. She could now make a trip to the grocery store with ease.

 

 

Whether it’s Willow Lakes or one of the other four Lancaster General physical therapy locations, you can be certain of one thing: you will receive consistent care following a plan that is proven most effective for your specific condition.

 

The Lancaster General Spinal Health & Rehabilitation Team has adopted a fresh, efficient and caring way of looking at spinal injury. Its team of spinal therapists, located throughout the county, ensures that you will receive consistent, quality care, regardless of where you go or who manages your therapy.

 

“We’ve created an advanced and systematic approach to spinal rehabilitation,” says Joan Vance, Team Leader at the Lancaster General Health Campus. “We first determine what you are no longer able to do, then match you with a therapy plan designed to help you regain that ability.”

 

“We’ve taken 40 therapists and created a singular approach to how we treat spinal problems, using the most current and effective methods,” says Edward Sanborn, Physical Therapist at the Health Campus.

 

Once a need for spinal rehabilitation has been established, your therapist will classify your needs based on your relevant medical history, symptom severity and clinical signs.

 

 

Lancaster General establishes three stages of symptoms and limitations, then targets a research-based approach shown to be most effective for people with your symptoms.

 

For example, if you are unable to stand for 15 minutes, sit for 30 minutes, or walk ¼ mile, you would likely fall into Stage 1, the most severe cases that require a plan designed to alleviate pain and facilitate progress to the next stage.

 

At Stage 2, you exceed the limitations of Stage 1, but still have pain when performing tasks such as lifting,
vacuuming or mowing. The therapist will follow a plan to eliminate these impairments, build your strength and prevent recurrence.

 

When you reach Stage 3, you can perform most tasks without discomfort and are prepared to return to higher levels of activity. The goal here is to increase function and enable a full return to prior activity levels.

 

Treatment methods can include movement treatment, manipulation of the lumbar region, traction and
stabilization regimens. The spinal rehabilitation therapist determines the most appropriate intervention for you.

 

“Our evaluation piece is designed to put you in the right category when your rehabilitation begins, with a focused approach based on your specific needs,” Joan says. “When it comes to spinal rehab, one size definitely does not fit all.”

 

“Research and evidence show that this approach is best for patients,” adds Adam Hawk, Physical Therapist at Willow Lakes.

 

Each Lancaster General physical therapy site—the Health Campus, Willow Lakes, Norlanco, Kissel Hill and Columbia—has a consultant from the Spine Team on site to provide specific care for back injury rehabilitation.

 

“One person from the Spine Team will always be driving your care and treatment plan, even if you don’t see that therapist every time,” Adam says. “This gives you greater flexibility in your care.”

 

 

The ultimate goal is to help you maintain a healthy spine and avoid injury recurrence.

 

“We give you the tools so you can manage your condition at home and maintain your spinal health,” Ed says.

 

Lancaster General therapists network with spinal therapy programs across the country through the American Physical Therapy Association, continually tracking outcomes and assessing
techniques proven to be the most effective at helping patients recover.

 

“We take a constant analytical approach to spinal rehab,” Joan says. “Let’s get to the source of the problem and use what works, rather than just follow a standard therapy checklist.”

 

Call (800) 341-2121 for more information about the Spinal Health & Rehabilitation Team.