Healthy Back Flexion Program – Knowing Your Back’s Directional Preference

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We are excited to announce our Healthy Back On-line exercise program.

Maureen Dwight

See the Launch Video here) We started this program as we recognized that many people were participating in on-line exercise programs however most of these programs are not specific for people who have injuries or have had back pain.  What makes our program unique is that it’s based on knowing your back’s directional preference and selecting exercises specific to your type of low back pain.    We use a Directional Preference System for low back pain to match your exercises to what your back needs.  This allows you to select an exercise class that is right for your back.

Click here for more information on registering in our back exercise classes.

Directional Preference and Back Pain Recovery

As we continue our War on low back pain and the back Attack/Acute pain finally subsides, most people begin to have periods where they have no pain.  At this stage in your recovery, you will find that some movements feel OK, or even make your back feel better, whereas other activities irritate.

When this happens, it is an indicator that you are ready to exercise.  What’s most important is to exercise using a program which respects your back’s Directional Preference.  This means your program should include exercises your back “prefers” and limit exercises which irritate.

The avoidance of irritation, combined with the benefits of exercising based on preferences, will help you to move forward to become stronger and return to a full and active lifestyle.

Knowing Your Back’s Directional Preference

Initially, most people will need their therapist or physician to help them understand the underlying pattern connecting these right and wrong movements. At first it may seem a bit random until the trained practitioner identifies the directionality.   However, once you understand the directionality, this knowledge will help you make better decisions on what to do or not do as you are recovering.  It will help you to choose exercises, safe cardio workouts and engage in everyday movements safely.

Directional Preference Designations

Most backs exhibit one of three Directional Preferences:

  1. Flexion preference – your back prefers forward bending
  2. Extension preference – your back prefers backward bending
  3. Neutral preference – your back is best if you keep it in neutral. It irritates if you go into more flexion or more extension.

Our First on-line Classes are for Flexion Preference

We are launching our exercise series with videos and classes for the Flexion Preference back however we expect to add Extension and Neutral preferences in the near future.

As you are participating in this program as a client of The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic, your therapist will be able to help you to determine which class you should participate in.  Reach out to your therapist directly if you have any question on your directional preference.

Your assessment combined with the following elements of your history help us to know that you likely have a flexion preference back.

  1. Your back feels better when you sit.
  2. Your back feels worse when you walk
  3. Your back feels better when you bend forward or with pelvic tilt type of exercises
  4. Your back feels worse with back bending or cobra type of exercises

Why use Directional Preference Rather than Diagnosis?

Our therapists, and many physicians, use the designation of Directional Preference to choose exercise programs.  This well-established format is used world-wide.  It is successful at helping people become more active because it respects the fact that even two people with the same diagnosis can have completely different directional preferences!

For  example, although most people with spinal stenosis will prefer flexion, there is a small group of people who will do better with extension.

A diagnosis of discogenic back pain gives limited insight into the type of exercise you need.  Some backs will need flexion whereas others will do better with extension.

These variabilities are why it is essential to know your Directional Preference to engage in safe exercise at this time in your recovery.

Key to your Success

The key to your success in this series is to:

  1. Respect your Directional Preference and use it throughout the series
  2. Commit to understanding the technique for each exercise.  Use the reference videos, or your therapist, to ensure you are getting the most out of the program.
  3. Apply the tips and activation strategies that work for your body to prevent/limit pain from exercise.  Recognize that not every tip works for every person.  This is why we provide you with several options on how to get the correct muscles working.  Once you learn what works for you, apply this throughout the exercise program.

This service pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about therapy, health and related sub­jects. It is not meant to replace advice and/or treatment from your health care professional.