Functional Restoration Programme for Chronic Back Pain
Functional Restoration is a common form of treatment in the
United States, Australia and more recently Europe and is a helpful,
holistic approach to patients with persistent lower back problems
(longer than three months) which have not been resolved through
usual treatments.
Following initial assessment, the programme consists of weekly
attendance to the physiotherapy department at Fulwood Hall
Hospital. Each session lasts for 90 minutes and consists of
education and exercise, in line with the three elements of the
programme.
Physiotherapy
A programme to address patient’s specific needs is produced to
include:
- Physiotherapy Directed Exercise Classes
- Goal Setting & Pacing
- Anatomy
- Postural Awareness
- Healthy Eating & Sleeping
- Activities of Daily Living
- Manual Handling
Psychology
This element of treatment identifies potential barriers to
recovery that have long been recognised as playing an important
role in chronic back pain typically;
- Heightened anxiety, increased body awareness, stress and
depression
- The fear of pain and subsequent avoidance, causing bad
posture
By identifying these barriers early in a patient’s management,
research has demonstrated improved restoration.
Pain Management
This element of the programme aims to give patient’s a better
understanding of their pain and its relationship with other
factors, such as depression, anxiety and exercise.
The patient is then helped to develop coping strategies with the
support of medication and pain management specialists as
appropriate.