Looking Beyond the Painful Area
When people seek care for pain in one area, they often mention other discomforts they have dismissed, adapted to, or assumed were unrelated.
How movement elsewhere may matter
Past injuries, repetitive strain, and everyday movement habits may influence how the body moves and shares physical demands. With persistent low back pain, it can be useful to examine movement elsewhere—including the neck, hips, knees, and ankles. Similarly, an ankle complaint may warrant assessing how the knee, hip, and back contribute to walking and balance.
These findings are not always connected, but looking at the whole person helps determine which areas deserve attention.
An examination guided by your needs
Dr. DeFries evaluates beyond the painful area to identify restricted movement, muscle weakness, or compensations that may contribute to your difficulties. Not every finding needs treatment. Your history, examination, and goals guide what receives attention and whether another provider’s assessment is needed.
More than a pain score
The goal is to relieve pain while improving your ability to move, work, and participate in everyday life. Progress can include greater comfort, better movement, and increased capacity for activities that matter to you.