Abstract
A 21-year-old patient with chronic low back pain was seen for outpatient physical therapy treatment for 12 sessions over 7 weeks. 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 the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, manual muscle testing, prone instability test, postural assessment, Thomas test, Modified Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, and the clinical prediction rule for prediction of success with lumbar stabilization in patients with low back pain. Results from the initial evaluation showed poor motor control of the trunk, stiffness in the iliopsoas bilaterally, moderate disability, and other findings consistent with instability of the lumbar spine. The patient’s goals were to reduce her pain, and return to work, lift weights at the gym, and play recreational sports without pain. The main intervention used was a lumbar stabilization program utilizing the transverse abdominus, multifidus, and pelvic floor to assist in stabilizing the lumbar spine. After 12 visits, the patient had decreased pain, decreased disability, decreased stiffness in the iliopsoas, and improved trunk coordination. She improved her ability to work with minimal increase in pain and to perform a modified weight lifting program at the gym.