Spine Rehabilitation

Horizon Rehabilitation Centers outpatient spine physical therapy services are made available with an emphasis on an active approach to rehabilitation. Various “hands-on” techniques and modalities are available for treatment of acute and chronic conditions, and all patients are instructed in exercises for improvement of flexibility and strength. Patients are educated and trained in progressive lumbar and cervicothoracic stabilization. All evaluations and treatments are provided by a licensed physical therapist, and all treatment plans are functional and goal-oriented.

Stabilization and Conditioning Programs


The goal of spine stabilization training is to control back and neck pain while continuing activities of daily living. Stabilization training is a multi-dimensional program of education, flexibility, strength, coordination, and endurance training aimed at preventing repetitive microtrauma to spinal structures. It is an active patient participation program which empowers the individual to manage his/her back problems and prevent further injury.

Manual Therapy Interventions

Manual therapy interventions are utilized primarily to increase mobility in restricted areas of the musculoskeletal system and to reduce pain. These "hands-on" interventions include a variety of soft tissue procedures and joint mobilization techniques. Incorporating specific movement patterns with these manual techniques will enhance maximal movement and function.

"Spine Health - For Kids" Program

The “Spine Health – For Kids” program at  Horizon Rehabilitation Centers addresses both painful and non-painful spine conditions that are common among children and teens. The staff at Horizon Rehabilitation Centers possesses advanced training in the area of spinal rehabilitation, athletic training, and strength and conditioning. The “Spine Health - For Kids” program consists of the following:

• Evaluation:  A thorough history and examination will be performed by a licensed physical therapist. During this examination, the child’s gait, posture, muscle coordination and standing balance, flexibility, and strength will be assessed.

• Education:  The education provided will be specific for each child’s needs. This education may focus on the potential causes of the child’s symptom, ramifications of poor posture, sport conditioning considerations, or a variety of other topics specific to the child’s condition or complaint.

Home Exercise Instruction:  Each child will be given a home exercise program to address the findings during the physical examination. These exercises may consist of flexibility exercises, coordination exercises, and/or strengthening/endurance exercises.The staff at Horizon Rehabilitation Centers are committed to providing comprehensive spine rehabilitation to all ages. Our “Spine Health - For Kids” program is designed to evaluate, educate, and provide a continuum of resources to children and their parents concerning the management of spine conditions.  The following are a few of the common conditions we address in our “Spine Health - For Kids” program.

•  Scheuramann’s Kyphosis

• Torticollis

• Spondylolysis and Spondylolesthesis

• Post Concussion Syndrome

• Scoliosis

• “Growing Pain” complaints