Inclusion Criteria:

A patient who is suffering from sub acute back pain without radicular symptoms.

Week 1:

The patient’s symptoms of pain managed and biomechanical problems addressed.

Week 2:

The patient is independent in a stretching program

Week 3:

Patient is independent with mild lumbar strengthening program without exacerbation of symptoms.

Week 4:

Patient is independent with home exercise program without exacerbation of symptoms. If there is an exacerbation of symptoms, patient is able to self-treat.

Week 5:

The patient is able to combine the aerobic and strengthening programs without symptoms prior to discharge from physical therapy.

Additional weeks of therapy may be necessary in certain co-existing conditions, especially in case of females. Obesity, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, early menopause/hysterectomy, thoracic kyphosis with diagnosis of osteoporosis/osteopenia, back pain/SI joint pain same side (with or without scoliosis/leg length discrepancy) and smoking.