The Spine & Pelvis
Nearly 90 percent of people experience painful spine symptoms at least once. The lumbar spine includes five thick vertebrae and is one of the most complex systems in the body, involving nerves, vertebral bones, intervertebral discs, facet joints, muscles, ligaments, and blood vessels.
The lumbar spine supports the upper body, protects the spinal cord, enables trunk movement, and controls the legs. Because it performs so many tasks, it is susceptible to injury. Common causes of back pain include degenerative changes, repetitive microtrauma, acute trauma, arthritis, poor posture, muscle imbalances, poor pelvic stability, joint stiffness, pregnancy, and childbirth.
Symptoms & Conditions
Low back pain and pelvic conditions we treat include:
- Abnormal Curvature (scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis)
- Arthritis of the spine
- Bulging Disc
- Disc Degeneration
- Herniated Disc
- Ligament Sprains
- Muscle Strains
- Post-Surgical Spine Rehabilitation
- Radiculopathy or Radiculitis
- Sciatica
- Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
- Spinal Fusion Rehab
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis and Spondylolysis
Comprehensive Evaluation & Treatment
At OrthoRehab Specialists, your first step is a thorough evaluation that includes:
- Patient History: We review onset of symptoms, previous injuries, work demands, and lifestyle factors to understand your condition.
- Strength Testing: We assess core, hip, and back muscle strength to identify weaknesses.
- Postural Alignment: We analyze standing, sitting, and walking posture to detect deviations that contribute to spine or pelvic pain.
- Motion Testing: We measure range of motion in flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending to identify joint restrictions or hypermobility.
Depending on your diagnosis, we begin with symptom management such as manual therapy, targeted modalities, and pain-relief techniques. We then progress to therapeutic exercise and postural training. Our goal is to strengthen the structures that support your spine and pelvis, restore function, and prevent recurrence.
Edge-to-Edge Care in Edina & the Twin Cities
Our spine and pelvis rehabilitation services are available at both our Edina and Twin Cities locations. Each clinic features private treatment rooms, a functional training area, and equipment for comprehensive back and pelvic therapy.
- Edina Clinic – Conveniently located near Highway 100 and Highway 62. Serves Edina, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, and the west metro.
- Twin Cities Clinic – Located downtown for easy access from Minneapolis, St. Paul, and nearby suburbs.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Prepare for your initial spinal or pelvic evaluation by bringing:
- Insurance Card & Photo ID: We verify benefits and coverage. If self-pay, we discuss cash rates and payment options.
- Comfortable Clothing: Wear shorts or athletic pants and a fitted top to allow range of motion testing and palpation.
- Relevant Medical Records: Bring recent imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT) or surgical reports. If unavailable, we can request them electronically.
- List of Medications & Medical History: Include prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, allergies, and chronic conditions.
- Assistive Devices & Supports: If you use a cane, walker, brace, or orthotic, bring it for gait and functional assessment.
- Questions & Goals: Write down any specific concerns, activities you wish to resume, or functional goals such as returning to work or sports.
Initial Evaluation Steps
- Patient Interview: We discuss symptom history, aggravating and relieving factors, and how your condition affects daily tasks and recreation.
- Physical Assessment: We measure spinal and pelvic range of motion, assess core and hip muscle strength, and evaluate flexibility of the hamstrings, hip flexors, and lumbar extensors.
- Functional Movement Screening: We analyze activities such as squatting, bending, lifting, and gait to identify movement patterns that contribute to symptoms.
- Orthopedic Tests: We perform tests such as straight-leg raise, slump test, and sacroiliac joint provocation tests to evaluate nerve tension, disc involvement, and pelvic joint function.
- Objective Measurements: When relevant, we measure limb length, pelvic symmetry, and perform balance tests to establish baselines for progress tracking.
- Goal Setting & Treatment Plan: After reviewing assessment findings, we set short-term and long-term goals and outline a personalized plan including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, postural training, and a home exercise program.
Follow-Up & Progress Monitoring
At follow-up visits, your therapist implements and advances your treatment plan. We track objective measures such as range of motion improvements, strength gains, balance metrics, and pain scales to ensure you progress safely and efficiently. As you meet milestones, we gradually reduce clinic visits and emphasize your home program to maintain gains and prevent regression.
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours notice. Late cancellations within 24 hours and no-shows may incur a fee. If you have a legitimate emergency, notify us promptly to arrange an alternative appointment without penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a doctor’s referral for spine or pelvis therapy?
No. Minnesota’s direct access law allows you to schedule an evaluation without a referral. If your insurance requires authorization, we will notify you and assist with any necessary paperwork.
How long is the initial evaluation?
The first session lasts about 60 minutes, which includes intake forms, a detailed interview, physical assessments, and goal setting. Please arrive 10 minutes early to complete any paperwork.
Will my insurance cover spine or pelvis therapy?
We accept most major plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Medica, UCare, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and PreferredOne. When scheduling, our team verifies your benefits and explains copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and visit limits. For uninsured patients, we offer transparent cash rates and flexible payment plans.
What should I wear to my evaluation?
Wear comfortable athletic attire such as shorts or athletic pants and a fitted top that allows full range of motion. Athletic shoes with support are recommended for any balance or gait assessments. Remove jewelry that may interfere with palpation.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of visits varies based on condition severity, goals, and progress rate. On average, patients attend therapy two to three times per week for four to eight weeks. We continuously reassess and adjust the plan and frequency. Our ultimate goal is to empower you to maintain improvements independently through a home exercise program.
Why Choose Our Spine & Pelvis Care?
- Therapist-Owned & Operated Clinics: Clinical decisions focus on patient outcomes rather than corporate targets. Our owners are licensed physical therapists who maintain high standards of care.
- Hands-On, Personalized Treatment: You work directly with the same therapist each visit, ensuring continuity, trust, and consistent feedback.
- Evidence-Based Practice: We follow the latest research and APTA guidelines to deliver safe, effective care tailored to your needs.
- Collaborative Referrals: Over 600 Twin Cities physicians, surgeons, and sports medicine specialists trust our team for post-operative rehab, chronic pain management, and prehabilitation.
- Comprehensive Services: From manual therapy and therapeutic exercise to dry needling, Pilates, and blood flow restriction training, we offer a full spectrum of treatments for spine and pelvic conditions.
- Patient Education & Empowerment: We teach proper biomechanics, posture strategies, and home self-care to promote lasting results.
- Convenient Locations & Flexible Scheduling: Our Edina and Twin Cities clinics offer early morning, evening, and weekend appointments to fit your busy life.
To learn more about our clinical philosophy and specialized services, visit our Why OrthoRehab Specialists page or explore detailed treatment options on our Physical Therapy Services page.
Get Started Today – Restore Spine & Pelvic Health
If you are ready to overcome back or pelvic pain and regain function, our team is here to guide you. To verify your insurance benefits or ask any questions, call our business office at 612-355-2254. When you are ready, choose your preferred booking method above and set up your initial evaluation. We look forward to partnering with you on your path to a healthier, more active life.
