Are you living in the Hutt Valley and suffering from persistent lower back pain?
TBI Health understands how persistent lower back pain can affect your daily life and prevent you from doing the things you love. That’s why we’re offering the Hutt Valley District Health Board (HVDHB) Spine Programme — a supportive rehabilitation service for people with low back pain caused by degenerative changes.
Our programme will give you the tools to help you manage your condition. You’ll learn how to stay active and get back to doing the activities you love.
What does the programme consist of?
The Hutt Valley District Health Board Spine Programme is a TBI Health initiative, available to people living in the Hutt Valley (Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt), who are developing spine pain due to degenerative or gradual processes (i.e. not due to an acute injury). Patients receive an initial assessment with one of our physiotherapists and then work through a series of educational modules and exercise sessions to better understand their condition.
The programme is provided by a team of health professionals including:
- Physiotherapists
- Exercise Physiologists
- Psychologists
- Clinical Pharmacists
- Occupational Therapists
- Dietitians
How long does the programme take to complete?
The programme typically runs over eight weeks and includes a physio assessment and weekly exercise sessions. Usually, these sessions take place twice per week. On completion, you will be helped to integrate into support services available within the community.
Who can access the programme and how much does it cost?
This programme is available for patients living in the Hutt Valley (Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt). The programme is fully funded by the Hutt Valley DHB if you have a Community Services Card, Gold Card or need financial assistance.
If you don’t qualify for funding, the cost is $35 for the assessment and $140 for the full 8-week programme.
Education Sessions
Group education sessions include:
- Lifestyle management
- Diet
- Managing activity through pain
- The psychology of Pain
How can I get onto this programme?
Please discuss our HVDHB Spine programme with your Doctor or Health Professional. You can also access the programme directly through emailing helen.bleach@tbihealth.co.nz call 04 570 2639 and speak to one of our team.
Tips on keeping active with persistent back pain
For some tips on staying active while living with persistent back pain, see our relevant blog post.
I am a health professional – how do I get more information or make a referral?
If you are a health professional and would like to discuss our Spine Programme initiative in more detail, please contact the TBI Health Clinic Manager in your region.
Alternatively, please contact Helen Bleach via email at helen.bleach@tbihealth.co.nz or call 04 570 2639 and enquire about our “HVDHB Spine Programme”.