Skip to content

Physical Therapy and Improved Health

By: Dr. Nima Salari
Often patients ask me whether physical therapy is necessary before or after surgery. Although some conditions that cause severe debilitating pain may not respond to therapy right away, patients find a degree of relief in most cases. We typically do not exercise enough and when we do, many of us use poor form or do not do the correct exercises.
A good therapy program will include stretching especially around the area of the lower back and hips where we develop reduced range of motion over time. The stretching and subsequent exercise often help increase blood flow through the areas that hurt. This helps diminish inflammation and heats the area adding to the relief. Directed therapy also helps to strengthen the muscles of the back. The core muscles surrounding the spine are dynamic stabilizers. The stronger they are, the more they help to stabilize the spine and in turn keep pain at bay. As we improve with physical therapy, we are more likely to adopt other healthy habits including our diet.
 
About Dr. Nima Salari
Dr. Nima Salari is a fellowship trained Orthopedic Spine Surgeon with specialized training in the operative and non-operative treatment of pathologic conditions affecting the spine, including degenerative disc disease, scoliosis and other deformities, infections, and tumors. He has an interest in minimally invasive, tissue sparing approaches and image guided technologies in the management of spinal disorders.
After spending his high school years in Germany, he enrolled in the Bioengineering program at the University of Pittsburgh. A University Scholar and on the Dean’s List, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with honors in 2003. He then received his M.D. degree from Temple University, and earned membership in the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Society in 2006. Named Chief Resident, Dr. Salari completed his Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2012. He then went on to complete a spine surgery fellowship at Stanford University.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Salari has been involved in various orthopedic research projects involving the musculoskeletal system. He is a member of many professional organizations, including the North American Spine Society, and the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In his free time, Dr. Salari enjoys travel, various sports activities, spending time with his family.
 

Schedule Now