Abstract
A 64-year-old male patient 1 day status post elective instrumentation, correction, and fusion of the thoracolumbar spine from T4 to the ilium, was seen for physical therapy treatment for 15 sessions over a period of 9 days at an acute care hospital under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Manual Muscle Testing, Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care, Five Times Sit to Stand Test, and 10 Meter Walk Test. A plan of care was established to address severe back pain, lower extremity muscle weakness, limited functional mobility, and activity intolerance. Main goals were to decrease pain, improve functional strength and functional mobility, increase gait speed, and increase tolerance to physical activity. Main interventions used were functional mobility training, gait training, therapeutic exercise, patient education, and TLSO bracing. The patient achieved the following goals of decreased pain and increased functional strength and functional mobility. The patient was discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility to continue his rehabilitation.