Abstract
A patient with a left acute thoracolumbar strain due to a work injury was seen for physical therapy treatment for 6 sessions from 7/21/15 to 8/06/15 at an outpatient occupational health physical therapy clinic. Treatment was provided by a student physical therapist under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with attention to treatment based classification guidelines for lower back pain established by the American Physical Therapy Association, and a plan of care was established. Main goals for the patient were to improve strength, range of motion, neuromuscular control and lumbar stabilization impacting functional activities, gait mechanics, and reduction of disability. Main interventions used were spinal mobilization techniques, therapeutic exercises for strength and range of motion, and spinal stabilization exercises with an emphasis on prevention of future recurrence of lower back pain. The patient improved in strength, range of motion, and functional mobility. Pain and disability were reduced. The patient was discharged to home with a home exercise program.