How To Avoid Spinal Surgery

The Trifecta Treatment That Prevented Spinal Surgery

Sean is a 40 year old male who suffered from lower back pain and sciatica on and off for almost 10 years. He had physical therapy in the past which helped but it wasn’t until he used these three forms of treatment to get rid of his pain.

Sean made a small movement, slightly bending over while getting out of his car that almost brought him to his knees.  It was a basic motion that made it almost impossible to move. He had sudden low back pain that radiated down the back and side of his leg. He was scared to make any sudden movements thinking it would bring him to his knees and leave him completely immobile. 

Sean saw a sports medicine doctor who ordered an MRI. The MRI revealed a bulging disc and some degenerative changes. The bulging disc pressing on his nerve was causing the referred leg pain. 

It was time for Sean to start physical therapy again because he did not want to have surgery! He worked with Dr. Amanda Zarriello for a couple months to get him back to his prior level of function. He needed to be able to stand for 12 hours at work and return to coaching soccer. In addition to physical therapy he was working with Michelle from Power of Touch for maintenance sports massages that targeted the areas contributing to his pain. Both treatments together helped Sean get back on his feet faster.

It was towards the end of his physical therapy plan of care when Dr. Amanda suggested Sean get involved with the post-rehab program at Olympia Fitness. He started working with Maura Zimmer to continue to progress his strength and mobility. 

The post-rehab program is designed for individuals who have been discharged from physical therapy, no longer suffering with pain, but still need a structured program and guided instruction that addresses their specific impairments. This program is progressed gradually and changes every couple months. It is conducted either one on one or in small groups. This program allows patients to get their bodies even more resilient but most importantly decrease their risk of re-injuring themselves. The Post Rehab Program is a progression of physical therapy where people really learn how to move their bodies the right way!

Sean has been doing this for almost an entire year. He has been religious with his program, while also receiving maintenance sports massages and check ups with Dr. Amanda to make sure he continuously moves forward and avoids surgery forever!

Michelle Gauvin- Sports Massage Therapist: Power of Touch, Sean our super-patient, Dr. Amanda Zarriello, DPT- Restore Physical Therapy, Maura Zimmmer, CSCS- Olympia Fitness and Performance

Many times, people hear the word “bulging disc” or “disc degeneration” and think the only option is surgery. Well surgery will and should always be a last resort! Healing and making changes to your body takes time and patience. However if you are guided by the experts who work collaboratively to meet your goals you can absolutely avoid surgery for a bulging disc or degeneration.

Sean has made significant results. The best part is that he no longer has sciatica and when he does tweak his back he knows how to manage it. He has his GO TO exercises to help him recover. He checks up with Dr. Amanda Zarriello and still gets massages from Michelle. The dedication he has made towards his health has lead him to a faster recover! 

Have you heard people complaining about their back pain for years? Have they said they’ve tried everything and nothing works? If so, The Trifecta Treatment may be the answer for them.

Physical Therapy with a Doctor in PT, Sports Massages, and a Strength and Mobility program completed by a CSCS who specializes in post-rehabilitation is the perfect dose of functional medicine to get you on your way to recovery and living a more meaningful life!

Call us today to hear more about our program and see if it may be a good fit for you!

2020 is the year you take control of your health! #OwnYourOwnRecovery #PreventativeMedicine #TakeActionNow

We are here to guide you along the way!

Dr. Amanda Zarriello,DPT- Restore Physical Therapy- 10 Worthington Road, Cranston RI 0290

401-250-3060