Back & spine physical therapy
Northwell Health STARS Rehabilitation offers back and spine care to help patients get back to their normal activities as quickly as possible. Our therapists help patients improve function through comprehensive evidence-based treatments such as the Schroth Method for scoliosis, patient guidance and education.
Goals of back and spine therapy include:
- Improving range of motion
- Decreasing pain
- Enhancing strength development
- Restoring prior functional capabilities
- Posture and lifting education
The role of the back and spine care team changes throughout the patient’s care. In cases of traumatic injury, the back and spine specialists will evaluate the patient when they are in acute care to help the physician team avoid medical complications. Once the patient is stable, they are transferred into acute inpatient rehabilitation. At this stage, the rehabilitation team aims for the patient to recover and live independently outside of the hospital. Care focuses on independence and family training, depending on the severity of the injury. After inpatient rehabilitation, patients may transition to outpatient rehabilitation and/or home care, depending on their recovery.
The program includes an initial evaluation performed by McKenzie Certified (Cert. MDT) physical therapists (the McKenzie philosophy involves a comprehensive approach of assessment, treatment and prevention techniques). This evaluation is followed by a specific and individualized treatment plan with emphasis on active patient involvement. Therapists will ensure that each patient has a thorough understanding of their diagnosis and is instructed on managing their problems independently and minimizing risk of recurrence.
Additional services provided by the rehabilitation network include:
- Professional staff with advanced manual and mechanical training in Maitland techniques
- Evidenced-based treatment protocols
- Aquatic therapy
- Core training/Pilates/Spine stabilization
- Pain-relieving modalities
- Ergonomics education