The other day I was introduced to the Y Balance Test by SpondySolution co-creator Todd Bitzer. Todd is a board certified physical therapist and is always learning about his field and how he can implement new strategies into his therapy practice.
The Y Balance Test is a simple test that helps to determine an individuals risk for injury. It also helps to determine an individuals funtional symmentry. In otherwords, how well your right and left side work when compared to each other.
Those who have poor scores, or let's say have a right side that is significantly stronger and more mobile when compared to the left (or vice versa), are placed into a higer risk category and provided exercises to help correct the problem.
After taking and learning how to implement this test for future clients, it got me to thinking not only how important screening is, but how few people actually go through the process to assess a plan of attack for their spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis.
The Y Balance Test is a simple test that helps to determine an individuals risk for injury. It also helps to determine an individuals funtional symmentry. In otherwords, how well your right and left side work when compared to each other.
Those who have poor scores, or let's say have a right side that is significantly stronger and more mobile when compared to the left (or vice versa), are placed into a higer risk category and provided exercises to help correct the problem.
After taking and learning how to implement this test for future clients, it got me to thinking not only how important screening is, but how few people actually go through the process to assess a plan of attack for their spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis.
These two screening tools are two of many that can be used to help you determine the root of your possible pain. We all know the pain is produced by your spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis, but let's go a step further, could there be a source for the actual spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis?
Could you have some tightness or weakness that is putting additonal stress on your spine which applies constant stress inducing inflammation and pain?
Do you have extremely tight hip flexors on your right side forcing you to compensate?
Did a past injury produce scar tissue in your shoulder that caused you to favor your left side more thus altering your movement mechanics and putting more stress on your spine?
Do you sit so much that you have developed limited mobility in your thoracic spine?
These are all questions to ask yourself in your search for relief. Getting a screen is something worth considering in your search for being pain free. Randomly performing spondylolisthesis execises with no set order, length of time or progression is like throwing darts blind-folded in your search for pain relief.
Could you have some tightness or weakness that is putting additonal stress on your spine which applies constant stress inducing inflammation and pain?
Do you have extremely tight hip flexors on your right side forcing you to compensate?
Did a past injury produce scar tissue in your shoulder that caused you to favor your left side more thus altering your movement mechanics and putting more stress on your spine?
Do you sit so much that you have developed limited mobility in your thoracic spine?
These are all questions to ask yourself in your search for relief. Getting a screen is something worth considering in your search for being pain free. Randomly performing spondylolisthesis execises with no set order, length of time or progression is like throwing darts blind-folded in your search for pain relief.
Put it this way:
If you had a bad temperature that lasted a few days would you search the internet for what you could do to get better? Or would you go to see a medical professional to figure out the root of the cause?
Perhaps you have the flu, or maybe pneumonia, but it would not be smart to let the temperature keep getting worse as you take guesses at how to fix it.
Your approach to finding a solution to your spondy should be the same way.
How To Get A Screen
When searching for a way to get a screen look for a certified physical therapist or strength coach in your area. The key is to find a screen that LOOKS AT YOUR ENTIRE BODY. Not just a screen for the area of your symptoms.
For example, as crazy as it sounds, I have seen instances where immobile ankles were the cause of back pain.
Screening the entire body might reveal an area that you would never have thought to be weak or tight. If you are in physical therapy and have yet to get a screen, ask your professional if they could perform one.
You can also visit the website links provided at the beginning of the post and locate certified professionals in your area that could perform the Y Balance or Functional Movement Screen on you.
In your search, make sure the person giving you the screen is certified and has proper creditials. This will only ensure the safety and accuracy of the test.
Getting a screen is a big step in finding what could be causing your spondy to flair up. Once you have the results, the next is to attack the weak areas with proper exercise and stretching.
If you had a bad temperature that lasted a few days would you search the internet for what you could do to get better? Or would you go to see a medical professional to figure out the root of the cause?
Perhaps you have the flu, or maybe pneumonia, but it would not be smart to let the temperature keep getting worse as you take guesses at how to fix it.
Your approach to finding a solution to your spondy should be the same way.
How To Get A Screen
When searching for a way to get a screen look for a certified physical therapist or strength coach in your area. The key is to find a screen that LOOKS AT YOUR ENTIRE BODY. Not just a screen for the area of your symptoms.
For example, as crazy as it sounds, I have seen instances where immobile ankles were the cause of back pain.
Screening the entire body might reveal an area that you would never have thought to be weak or tight. If you are in physical therapy and have yet to get a screen, ask your professional if they could perform one.
You can also visit the website links provided at the beginning of the post and locate certified professionals in your area that could perform the Y Balance or Functional Movement Screen on you.
In your search, make sure the person giving you the screen is certified and has proper creditials. This will only ensure the safety and accuracy of the test.
Getting a screen is a big step in finding what could be causing your spondy to flair up. Once you have the results, the next is to attack the weak areas with proper exercise and stretching.
