Tracey Darby Case Study
Tracey a 53 year old female presented with a two year history of frequent episodic back pain. Tracey’s husband took Tracey to see a top private consultant who requested her to have an MRI Scan. The results came back and diagnosed me with DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease). Basically the soft spongy bit between one of my discs had worn away causing friction on the discs.
Over the two years Tracey had seen several different health care providers (Orthopedic surgeon, physical therapist and a massage therapist. Tracey had been treated with home exercises, passive stretching, manipulations and medications. None of these treatments provided more than temporary relief.
Tracey decided to join the gym thinking maybe this was the way forward and came across ‘Danny Kerrigan, Back and active training’.
Exercise Program
- Reduce pain
- Increase strength and flexibility
- Improve posture and gait
- Ability to self-manage future episodes
Strength
Full body resistance circuit training
Goals:
- Increase core muscle strength
- Improve flexibility
Intensity/Duration:
10 reps per exercise / 3 times a week
Time to goal:
2-4 Weeks
Functional
5 min walk
- 1min sit to stand
Goals:
Increase time on the walking
Intensity/Duration:
- Brisk walk 3-5 days a week
- Sit to stand 2-3 days a week
Time to goal:
2-4 weeks
Flexibility
Standard flexibility exercises that do not increase LBP.
Goals:
Increase trunk and hip flexor range of movement
Intensity/Duration:
Per muscle group hold position for 10seconds, 5 times a week
Time to goal:
Ongoing
Follow up
Following 8 weeks of rehabilitation, Tracey’s symptoms were completely abolished. Her lumbar strength had increased with a significant increase in range of movement in the trunk area of the body. If any flares did occur Tracey was confident enough to self treat the back and stretch out the tightness.