The therapist will orient the patient to the fitness facility and establish the Aftertrack program at that time. Following the initial visit, the therapist will no longer be involved in the Aftertrack program. The patient will be instructed to consult with the fitness center representative regarding any concerns about facility-related questions. The post-operative educational program is a customized program for the surgical back and neck patient consisting of physical and functional reconditioning and education. This program recognizes the unique needs of this patient group to both recover from the current impairment and to prevent further reinjury.
Patients also undergo a musculoskeletal evaluation performed by a physical therapist.
A home exercise program is developed for each patient consistent with the patient's diagnosis and current status. This program allows patients to continue in a health club setting with aerobic exercise consistent with their exercise program in the Saint Mary's Spine and Rehabilitation Center. The acute care back program provides a unique and cost- effective therapy delivery system. This program is specifically designed for the acute patient with recent onset symptomatology in need of rehabilitation services with medical case management being maintained by the family physician. Primary care physicians may refer patients to the acute care back program with the assurance that their patients will receive prompt attention and timely access to musculoskeletal evaluations performed by registered physical therapists.