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Where Does It Hurt?
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Protective Splinting

I have been seeing a physical therapist for a back pain rehabilitation program. The therapist told me I am using my muscles to protect my back, which is keeping me from moving normally. Is this a common problem?

Protective splinting is very common with all kinds of pain, including back pain. This is done by contracting all the muscles surrounding the painful area. This decreases movement at that site. Often the person is also holding the breath. The combination of muscle contraction and holding the breath means the body is not getting enough blood to the hurt area. This slows down the healing process.

Splinting has a good purpose in the beginning. But sometimes the body heals and the muscles are still contracting too hard and too long. This becomes a problem in recovery. Fortunately, the body "remembers" how to move normally, so it doesn't take long to restore this function. The physical therapist is the best one to help with this problem.

Where Does It Hurt?
Look below to find your area of concern - and click where it hurts…

Patient Experience

The pain was so excruciating in my heel I was seriously worried about being able to continue work at the post office. My physician gave me stretches and massage exercises that didn’t help, and he told me I would probably require surgery for my foot in a few weeks. I went to this clinic and after one session my pain disappeared! We found my pain was actually coming from my back, and that surgery would have been a waste of money and time. I feel great now, and even better I didn’t have to do surgery!

Sheila C., Montross

I’ve tried all kinds of shoes; I’ve spent so much money on that stuff. I went to a chiropractor a few times and even did physical therapy once with not much improvement.My back and legs still feel bad. And now I feel like an old lady when I walk. Even my granddaughter holds on tight to me, because she thinks I’m going to fall.Since I’ve been here the sciatica in both legs is completely gone. I can also sit as long as I like, stay independent, and not feel stiff when I get up from a chair!

Ella C., Warsaw

The biggest problem I was having was in the morning. First thing, my back hurt so bad I couldn’t even stand up. I had to sit for 30 minutes before I could even move. I was really scared to move around in the morning, it had a huge negative effect on my life. I use my exercise and lumbar roll now, and I have zero issues in the morning when getting up. I can now walk down the hall and actually get my coffee pain free. My back feels great, and it’s been a tremendous help for me.

Alleyne D., Colonial Beach