Abstract
A 39-year-old female with a diagnosis of lumbar strain was referred to outpatient physical therapy by her physician. She received six one-hour visits over six weeks. Treatment was provided by a physical therapy student under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with assessments of pain levels, active range of motion, functional tests of squatting and lifting boxes, and self-reported outcome measures with the modified Oswestry Disability Index and Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire. A plan of care was established to address increased pain levels, limited thoracolumbar flexion and extension, activity disabilities, presence of fear avoidance beliefs, and the patient’s ability to perform her work duties. The main goals for the patient were to decrease pain levels, increase range of motion, and return to work without restrictions. The main interventions used were mobilization exercises, lower extremity and core strengthening, motor-skill training, and task-specific exercises. The patient achieved the following goals of reduced pain, increased thoracolumbar flexion and extension AROM, and initiation of lifting items off the ground. The patient was referred back to her physician for the approval of additional therapy visits.