It is said that the spine itself will collapse solely from the weight of a 20 pound bowling ball being placed on it.  However, the muscles around the spine serve as guy-wires to help support and stabilize it.  In order to optimize the health of the spine, the health of the muscles also needs to be optimized.  The experts that specialize in this optimization are physical therapists. 

Bodies are not built the same.  There are genetic factors and other variables that make everyone unique.  A patient can have poor posture, a faulty movement pattern, suboptimal neuromuscular control, asymmetry in muscle strength, and/or lack endurance in certain muscle groups – all of which can play a contributing role in the development of pain.   

A physical therapist will create an individualized therapy program based on each patient’s particular needs.  Furthermore, one of the goals of physical therapy is to develop a home exercise program to provide tools for the patient to independently improve their condition.

Just as there are many doctors who specialize in different areas of the body, the same can be said for physical therapists.  Dr. Garala has developed a network of trusted physical therapists with vested interest/expertise in spinal conditions.  Please refer to the list below of local therapists, both at IBJI and at other facilities, who can potentially help your condition.  Do not feel obligated to see one of them if a strong and trusted relationship with a physical therapist already exists.