Abstract
A 68-year-old male patient with chronic lower back pain and radicular symptoms was seen for student physical therapy treatment for 15 sessions in 8 weeks at an outpatient physical therapy setting under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, a neurological screening examination, Prone Knee Bend Test, Oswestry Disability Index, and Patient Specific Functional Scale, and a plan of care was established to address severe pain, moderately impaired sensation, severe functional limitations and severe restrictions to recreational activities and social outings. The primary goal for the patient was to increase standing and walking capacity to return to participation in social outings and recreational activities.
Primary interventions included lumbar stabilization and nerve gliding exercises and manual therapy techniques such as non-thrust joint mobilizations and spinal mobilization with leg movement. The patient responded well to physical therapy interventions, improving pain intensity, sensation, function, walking, and standing capacity. The patient met his goals, including regularly gardening and attending concerts. The patient was discharged to continue living at home with a home exercise program, and a recommendation to seek care should symptoms re-emerge.