Abstract
A 73-year-old male patient with right hamstring strain and concomitant low back pain underwent physical therapy for 5 sessions over 6 weeks at an outpatient physical therapy facility. The treatment was conducted by a student physical therapist under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The patient was evaluated at the initial encounter with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Manual Muscle Test, Modified Bent-Knee Test, Bent Knee Stretch Test, Straight Leg Raise, passive accessory intervertebral motions, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, and Patient Specific Functional Scale. A plan of care was established to address moderate right hamstring pain, mild low back pain, mild lower extremity weakness, impaired hamstring flexibility, moderate impaired lower extremity function, and severe restrictions in participation. Main goals included pain reduction, restoration of lower extremity function, and return to cycling and recreational activities. Primary interventions used were soft tissue mobilization, strengthening, trunk stability training, dynamic balance exercises, and gradual functional progression. The patient achieved reduced hamstring pain, reduced lumbar pain. improved lower extremity strength, increased bilateral hamstring flexibility, enhanced lower extremity function, and improved participation in mountain cycling and motorcycle riding. The patient was discharged to self-management with a home exercise program.