Have Your Client Keep A Diary

Have Your Client Keep A Diary

 

Many times, clients you are training for their lower back pain seem to take one step forward and two steps back, or may make very slow progress combined with many setbacks.  Upon asking them "what happened," they say that they "have no idea."  You should not stop with that, though.  Most of the time, clients don't realize that even the slightest change in activity level or any additional activity performed may be the cause of their setback.  You should not be satisfied with their answer.  You need to probe further.  Have them walk you through their day, asking them throughout if what they are describing is their normal routine or not.  In this situation, I usually recommend my client keep a daily diary of activities and responses.  I tell them to write down what they do and how they feel afterwards.  If they feel lower back pain, they should stop and think about what activities preceded it.  However, explain to them that it is very important not to anticipate the pain.  They should not be so fearful that pain will result from an activity that they become 'bed-bound.'  You will want them to maintain as much of their regular routine as possible.  The diary will help you, as their educator, to alter the mechanics of the activities in order for them to be performed pain-free.  Sometimes, the slightest change in body mechanics, posture, body position or lifting technique will completely eliminate their pain.  The diary will give you a baseline focus for your sessions.  It will help you to not only make continuous assessments, but will also allow you to provide the appropriate corrective exercises.