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Table 3 Summary of evidence-based physical therapy

From: The OPTIMIZE study: protocol of a pragmatic sequential multiple assessment randomized trial of nonpharmacologic treatment for chronic, nonspecific low back pain

Session

Topics

Content and Patient Activitiesa

1

Assessment, establish exercise plan

Assess strength, flexibility, endurance deficits; develop exercise plan (minimum 20 min/day of home exercise); provide patient education and reassurance

2

SMT assessment, progress exercise

Identify spine mobility deficits; develop SMT plan and provide SMT; review exercise plan and progress (minimum 20 min/day of home exercise)

3

SMT, progress exercise

Provide SMT; review exercise plan and progress; increase daily home exercise to minimum 30 min.

4

SMT, progress exercise, review education

Provide SMT; review exercise plan and progress (minimum 30 min/day of home exercise); review patient education; elicit patient questions and concerns

5

SMT, progress exercise, self-management

Provide SMT; review exercise plan and progress (minimum 30 min/day of home exercise); discuss self-management plan

6

SMT, progress exercise

Provide SMT; review exercise plan and progress; increase daily home exercise to minimum 30 min

7

SMT, progress exercise, self-management

Provide SMT; review exercise plan and progress (minimum 30 min/day of home exercise); review self-management plan

8

Review and self-management

Finalize self-management plan and ongoing exercise program (minimum 30 min of home exercise 4–5 times/week); elicit and address patient questions and concerns

  1. SMT Spinal manipulation therapy
  2. aEach session includes reassessment and review of prior session and patient’s exercise and SMT program