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For those with back pain: This is not a self help program.

You need to work with a licensed physical therapist or physiotherapist.

Resources

  • TRACKING YOUR PAIN FORM

    Written Instruction and Example Form

  • INTRO TO S.L.A.P.

    Series of 6 Videos Introducing SLAP

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  • THE MEASUREMENT CHART

    The Measurement Chart is a tool to document the findings of your System Limitations Evaluation. It is a great tool to:

    • visualize the impact of mechanics on your spine and
    • indicate what you need to address

    To get a measurement chart for your use:

    Contact us

SUBSCRIPTION SECTION

  • The PT Measurements Video

    50 minutes, demonstrates the recommended measurements.

  • The PTC Course

    Provides information about this approach to pain.
    It includes identifying subgroups of pain, reviewing patterns of pain, recommendations of what to pursue and avoid/modify based on patterns. It also outlines the recommended evaluation and assessment.

    Note: Decreasing the video time from 2 days to 3 ½ hours resulted in noticeable edit points.

  • Short Informational Videos

    More on Describing Your Pain
    More on Treatment: Listen until the end.
    Example: Back Pain when Sitting: Short introduction of a protective and corrective program.
    Roller Coaster Analogy: Short video to encourage initial effort.

  • Rescue Your Back: Digital Book

    A guide to use while you work with a licensed physical therapist.
    Chapter 1 is an introduction to S.L.A.P.
    Chapter 2 outlines subgroups providing the most important information for each group to focus on.
    Chapter 3 is an introduction to Back Pain and Basic Human Mechanics.
    Chapter 4 outlines the evaluation recommended (S.L.A.P.)
    Chapter 5 helps to; track your pain, identify positions of the spine that increase pain, develop a Protective Program which is a plan of how to move through the day and protect your back, and pursue a Quick Relief Strategy to be able to independently decrease your pain.
    Chapters 6 and 7 help with developing the corrective exercise program.

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Recommendations

Step 1

Track your pain, start today.

Follow the instructions on the Pain Tracking Form page.

Step 2

Pursue a physical therapist.

If you want to pursue this evaluation, find a PT who wants to work on this approach with you.
Make an appointment with that PT for the evaluation (System Limitations Evaluation SLE).

Pain History

Bring the information you tracked about your pain. Work together to develop monitors. It can take several sessions to develop accurate monitors.
See monitor description in PT section below and in tracking pain section above.

PT Education

If the PT wants to work with you on this approach they should watch the PT Measurements Video and be eager to take the recommended measurements, as tolerated, at the evaluation.

Measurement chart

Have findings recorded on The Measurement Chart. It is a great tool for you and your health care providers to be able visualize what is happening for you mechanically. This can be very helpful to providers if you have other issues too.

Develop programs

Work with the licensed physical therapist on developing programs for you to work on at home, every day, including a Protective Program and a Corrective Program.
Focus on developing the daily programs first, if able, that way, 1) you are getting something done every day, 2) you will see if you can decrease your pain on your own, and 3) the feedback from your home program will not be confused with feedback from other treatment.
You are working with a licensed physical therapist, they could find needs that supersede the recommendations here.

Re-measuring

Plan periodic appointments to re-measure. The measurable changes in the monitors are just as important as the change in the physical measurements.
You will find areas of progress and areas that are struggling. When you monitor your pain methodically it is easier to determine what impacts pain and therefore can be very helpful in recognizing what to do for the areas that are struggling.

Note: The measurements often reveal limitations that impact other orthopedic pain, neck, knee etc.
Those limitations/pain should be addressed in your home programs too. Most often you will find that it is all related.

Disclaimer:
This is not a self help resource and this does not replace an evaluation by your medical doctor or Licensed Physical Therapist. By using the site, you are agreeing to theTerms of Use andPrivacy Policy.

DURING COVID:
Tracking your pain can help immensely in telemedicine appts with PT’s and MD’s, more… Videos with practical information to help at this time will be added to the Subscription Section.