Erik Larson, DPT of Spooner & Hayward Physical Therapy and Rehab Specialists Continues Education to Find a Solution to Chronic Low Back Pain

Spooner, WI (June 17, 2014) – Albert Einstein one said, “Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.” Erik Larson, DPT, Physical Therapist at Spooner & Hayward Physical Therapy and Rehab Specialists (SPTRS) has truly taken this message to heart. To further his professional knowledge and better help our community relieve chronic pain, Erik attended a full-day course on “Effective Pain Management and Assessment for the Low Back.”

Low back pain is one of the most common health complaints in today’s society. It affects 8 out of 10 people at some point in their lives (MedlinePlus). In addition, it is estimated that Americans spend up to $96 million a year on low-back pain-related treatment (study by M. Mehra, K. Hill, D. Nicholl, and J. Schadrack). To help our community find a solution to this widespread problem, Erik traveled to Duluth, MN on Saturday, June 7, 2014 to attend an all-day course on spinal mobilization, presented by published researcher William Oswald, DPT, OCS.

Erik, who received an advanced certificate in the treatment and manipulation of the low back, has enhanced his understanding and ability to better treat conditions such as stenosis, bulging discs, sciatica, chronic pain, and acute strains. “The key to successful rehabilitation of ongoing back pain is early intervention. Too many people let back pain prolong until it becomes a big issue,” stated Larson. “I wanted to take this continuing education to not only become a better therapist, but also to be my hometown’s solution. Like my entire team [at SPTRS], I care about my patients’ outcomes, and I really took this course to better serve them,” he continued.

Following the course, Erik is excited to educate our community members and businesses on how to help relieve lower back pain. “Lower back injuries are one of the largest problem areas when it comes to the workplace. It’s important that employees receive the proper ergonomic education and early treatment intervention when an injury does occur” said Larson. Erik is available to provide free injury screens for lower back pain by appointment at SPTRS. In addition, the entire team at SPTRS has extensive training on injury prevention programs in the workplace, and are available for a consultation by request.

Spooner PTRS is a locally owned-and-operated network of physical therapy clinics with locations in Spooner, Hayward, Turtle Lake, Clear Lake, & Rice Lake, WI and specializes in sports injuries, industrial medicine, injury prevention, orthopedics, vestibular & balance services, postural restoration, and wound care. For more information, visit www.restoringhumanperformance.com or or call 715-635-2518