Strength combats back pain

Topic 4

Dr. med. Gabriela Kieser, Kieser Training AG, Zurich

Kieser Training is the right partner for anyone see- king to prevent or actively tackle back pain. For more than 30 years we have focussed on the use of strength training to solve strength problems.

Increase strength and pain decreases

In most cases, back pain is caused by weak back mu- scles. Weak back muscles mean less support for the spine. If pain develops, there is an automatic tenden- cy to avoid movements that exacerbate it. However, this lack of use makes the muscles even weaker. Age- related wear and tear, one-sided loads at work or in sport, obesity or a passive lifestyle all exacerbate the situation. In extreme cases, the result may be an ina- bility to do normal everyday tasks. Targeted muscle strengthening can significantly reduce the symptoms or even eliminate them completely. Make a positive decision to improve your quality of life and tackle that strength deficit.

Starting health-oriented strength training

On your first visit to a Kieser Training facility, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire so that we can assess your current condition. If there is no evidence of significant health problems, this is fol- lowed by a careful introduction to strength training. Your instructor will compile a personal programme based on your specific training objectives. You are also entitled to a medical evaluation, regular check sessions and programme modifications. They ensure that your training is successful.

How strong is your back?

Our therapy machines allow us to accurately test the strength of your back. We measure the strength of back extensor muscles at various angles. We also measure spinal mobility and identify any muscular imbalances. We then compare the results with the norms for those with a healthy back and so identify any muscle or functional weakness. The result of the back test is an excellent tool and can help us to prepare your own personal training or therapy programme or make an existing programme more effective. We repeat the test at regular intervals and this provides objective evidence of your progress.

What happens in Medical Strengthening Therapy?

If for any reason you need more intensive monito- ring or have chronic neck or back pain or joint pro- blems in the hip, knee or shoulder, we recommend Medical Strengthening Therapy. Our doctor will examine you before you start therapy and decide on the therapy programme best suited to your needs.

A therapist will accompany you at each therapy session and you remain under the supervision of our doctor. As a rule, strength improves significantly in 3 – 4 months, i.e. 12 – 18 therapy sessions. On comple- tion of therapy, you will be better able to withstand physical loads and your symptoms will have dimi- nished. To ensure that you retain this functional capacity in the long term we recommend that you do regular strength training after you have completed therapy.