#685: Dr. Shirley Sahrmann — A Legendary PT Does a Deep Dive on Tim’s Low-Back Issues, Teaches How to Unlearn Painful Patterns, Talks About Movement as Medicine (or Poison), and More | Science vs

Intro

In this episode of the “Science vs” podcast, host Wendy Zukerman explores the world of physical therapy and low back pain with Dr. Shirley Sahrmann. Dr. Sahrmann, an 85-year-old legend in the field of physical therapy, shares her expertise on movement as medicine, the importance of proper diagnosis, and how to unlearn painful patterns. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the causes of low back pain and learn practical tips for managing and alleviating symptoms.

Main Takeaways

Importance of Movement Diagnosis

• Low back pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis.
• Naming low back pain by the movement that consistently causes symptoms can help identify the real cause of the problem.
• Expertise of a physical therapist is needed to identify the movement that’s causing or exacerbating the problem.

Understanding the Role of Abdominals and Pelvic Alignment

• Overdeveloped abdominals can increase compression on the spine, leading to pain.
• Stiffness of abdominal muscles can be checked by measuring the change in circumference of the rib cage during deep breathing.
• Excessive lower backsway and interior pelvic tilt can aggravate lower back pain.

Addressing Hip Flexors and TFL Muscle

• Stiff hip flexors can cause lower back pain.
• Rotating pelvis due to stiff hip flexors can exacerbate lower back pain.
• Stretching hip flexors and elongating the TFL muscle can alleviate symptoms.

Movement System Syndromes Approach

• Movement system syndromes approach recognizes movement as a critical system.
• Movement can induce pathology, and lack of movement can lead to metabolic syndrome.
• Specific exercises can help minimize impediments to proper movement.

Posture, Shoulders, and Spine

• Proper posture and arm position throughout the day are crucial for preventing shoulder problems.
• Exercises targeting specific muscles can help correct downward sloping shoulders and improve posture.
• Understanding stiffness is key to effective stretching and improving movement.

Summary

Understanding the Causes of Low Back Pain

Dr. Shirley Sahrmann emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis when it comes to low back pain. Instead of considering low back pain as a standalone issue, she highlights the need to identify the specific movements that consistently cause symptoms. By naming low back pain based on these movements, healthcare professionals can pinpoint the real cause of the problem and develop targeted treatment plans.

The Role of Abdominals and Pelvic Alignment

Dr. Sahrmann explains that overdeveloped abdominals can increase compression on the spine, leading to pain. By measuring the change in circumference of the rib cage during deep breathing, stiffness of abdominal muscles can be assessed. Additionally, excessive lower backsway and interior pelvic tilt can aggravate lower back pain. Addressing these issues through proper alignment and exercises can help alleviate symptoms.

Managing Hip Flexors and TFL Muscle

Stiff hip flexors and a tight tensor fascia latae (TFL) muscle can contribute to lower back pain. Dr. Sahrmann recommends stretching the hip flexors and elongating the TFL muscle to alleviate symptoms. By incorporating specific exercises and movements into daily routines, individuals can improve their hip flexibility and reduce pain in the lower back.

Movement System Syndromes Approach

The movement system syndromes approach recognizes movement as a critical system that can induce pathology or contribute to metabolic syndrome when lacking. Dr. Sahrmann emphasizes the importance of specific exercises that target impediments to proper movement. By incorporating these exercises into everyday activities, individuals can make proper movement automatic and improve their overall health outcomes.

Posture, Shoulders, and Spine

Proper posture and arm position throughout the day play a crucial role in preventing shoulder problems. Dr. Sahrmann suggests exercises that target specific muscles to correct downward sloping shoulders and improve overall posture. Understanding the concept of stiffness is key to effective stretching and improving movement patterns.

Conclusion

In this episode of the “Science vs” podcast, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann provides valuable insights into the world of physical therapy and low back pain. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the causes of low back pain and learn practical tips for managing and alleviating symptoms. By prioritizing movement diagnosis, addressing abdominal and pelvic alignment, and incorporating targeted exercises, individuals can improve their overall health outcomes and reduce pain in the lower back.