Back & Pain Rehabilitation Program
Pain is a very common problem, which may be sudden and severe or long lasting and disabling. Mt Wilga's back and pain program not only aims to restore your normal function, it provides formally structured education to help you manage your pain and reduce your need for ongoing treatment. The program specialises in the treatment of back pain, but can be tailored to treat patients with other pain related conditions.
Your program is managed by a team of health professionals:
- Rehabilitation Physician
- Rehabilitation Nurses
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Dietitian
- Psychologist
- Case managers
- Exercise Physiologist
The team meets regularly to discuss your progress and review your program. You are part of the team and will be encouraged to be involved in all steps of your rehabilitation care.
Spine care class
Spine care class is a comprehensive education program designed to address the many issues related to care of the spine and dealing with back pain.
It is run by a multidisciplinary team who has had considerable experience in the area of spine care including:
- Physiotherapy
- Psychology
- Occupational therapy
- Dietetics
The program contains the following sessions:
- How the back works / Core stability
- Principles of back Care
- Goal setting and pacing
- Exercising for fitness and stretching
- Healthy eating
- Static postures
- Easy moving
- Dynamic postures
- Cognitive behaviour therapy / Pain management
The program provides you with knowledge to effectively manage and control your condition and to implement lifelong changes in how you look after your back whilst you participate in your daily activities.
Physiotherapy
Your Physiotherapy program will be coordinated by physiotherapists with special training and interest in back and other pain related conditions. Your program will include exercises and gentle gym work to help improve your:
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Balance
- Mobility
- Endurance
You will be shown how to exercise safely and correctly to ensure the best outcome is achieved.
Hydrotherapy may be included as part of your physiotherapy program. The warm water supports your body and allows you to exercise more easily. It is also great for reducing pain.
Occupational therapy
Your Occupational Therapy program will assist you to gain your optimal level of independence and help you return to your normal daily routine. Your program will assist you with:
- Improving posture
- Bending and lifting techniques
- Sleeping postures
- Sitting at home, work and in the car
- Setting up your work environment
- Managing your pain
- Any other activities that you are keen to return to
Nursing staff
Nurses will assist and encourage you to achieve your optimal level of independence. They provide 24 hour care and supervision and will help you with your daily ward activities. Your nurses will monitor your pain levels and will assist you with strategies to promote comfort.
Nurses liaise with your therapists to ensure continuity of your rehabilitation care and are always available to answer questions about your rehabilitation program.
Medical services
Your rehabilitation program is directed by a Rehabilitation Physician. He/she has the responsibility of monitoring and evaluating your medical and rehabilitation care. The Rehabilitation Specialist will liaise with your referring doctor, General Practitioner and other specialists to ensure proper continuity of medical care.
Discharge
You will be discharged when you reach your potential or no longer require a multi disciplinary approach to therapy.
If you require further treatment you will be referred to a day program or outpatient services. This will be discussed with you and your family to allow you to plan accordingly.