Restoring Mobility and Comfort Through Integrative Physical Therapy
Living Well Center for Integrative Health – Essex Junction, VT
Practitioner: Dr. Kristin Robinson, DPT
Dr. Krisitn Robinson, DPT
As a physical therapist at Living Well Center for Integrative Health, I recently worked with a 48-year-old Essex Junction resident who had been struggling with persistent low back and hip pain for several years. They had tried numerous approaches—home exercises, over-the-counter pain relief, even temporary chiropractic adjustments—but nothing provided lasting relief.
When they came to me, their main goal was simple: to move and live without pain.
Assessment and Approach
During our initial evaluation, I identified mobility restrictions in the hip joint, poor activation of deep stabilizing muscles, and patterns of pelvic imbalance—common contributors to chronic low back pain. Knowing their history and lifestyle, I designed an individualized treatment plan that combined:
Dry needling therapy to release muscle tension and improve blood flow.
Targeted strengthening exercises for core and gluteal stability.
Coordinated chiropractic care with my colleagues at Living Well to restore natural alignment and support joint mobility.
This integrative approach reflects our clinic’s philosophy: addressing the root cause of pain, not just managing symptoms.
Assessment and Approach
During our initial evaluation, I identified mobility restrictions in the hip joint, poor activation of deep stabilizing muscles, and patterns of pelvic imbalance—common contributors to chronic low back pain. Knowing their history and lifestyle, I designed an individualized treatment plan that combined:
Dry needling therapy to release muscle tension and improve blood flow.
Targeted strengthening exercises for core and gluteal stability.
Coordinated chiropractic care with my colleagues at Living Well to restore natural alignment and support joint mobility.
This integrative approach reflects our clinic’s philosophy: addressing the root cause of pain, not just managing symptoms.
Treatment Results
Over several weeks, the patient reported steady improvements in both comfort and function. Their posture improved, hip mobility increased, and they regained the endurance to hike local Vermont trails again—a meaningful milestone in their recovery.
By the end of treatment, they could sit comfortably through a full workday without pain, something they had not been able to do for years. These outcomes reflected not just physical progress, but renewed confidence in their body’s ability to heal and move freely.
Professional Reflection
This case highlights how evidence-based physical therapy and collaborative integrative care can make a profound difference in complex, chronic pain cases. By combining dry needling, functional movement training, and chiropractic coordination, we create lasting change and empower our patients to take an active role in their recovery.
Helping patients return to the activities they love—whether hiking, gardening, or simply sitting comfortably—is the most rewarding part of my practice. Each success reinforces why I continue to pursue advanced training in postural restoration, movement science, and patient-centered rehabilitation.
