Back Pain & Fitness Testing
Professional fitness testing for chronic back pain management. Establish safe exercise zones, support PT treatment, and build fitness without aggravating pain.
Research shows exercise helps manage chronic back pain. VO₂ max testing supports this:
- Establish safe exercise intensity limits
- Build cardiovascular fitness without pain exacerbation
- Support PT-prescribed exercise program
- Track fitness improvements during recovery
- Maintain activity despite pain limitations
Choose equipment that minimizes back stress:
Wahoo KICKR Bike: Seated, supported position-often best tolerated
WaterRower: Rowing motion may or may not be appropriate (PT guidance needed)
Treadmill: Walking or running depending on pain tolerance
Consult your PT or physician on appropriate modality for your specific back condition.
For ongoing back pain management:
- Know what exercise intensity you can sustain safely
- Avoid deconditioning from activity avoidance
- Build confidence through successful testing
- Support functional restoration programs
After back surgery (fusion, discectomy, etc.):
- Cleared by surgeon before testing
- Baseline fitness assessment post-op
- Gradual return to activity guidance
- Training zones for safe progression
VO₂ max testing supports work conditioning:
- Functional capacity evaluation component
- Return-to-work fitness assessment
- Physical demand matching
- Progress documentation
Fear of movement can limit recovery. VO₂ max testing helps:
- Demonstrate safe exercise capacity
- Build confidence in body's abilities
- Provide objective reassurance
- Support graded exposure to activity
VO₂ Max Test: $250
Complete cardiovascular assessment with back-safe equipment options tailored to your condition.
Medical/PT clearance required. Not diagnostic.
Fit Evaluations
311 Soquel Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Behind Hindquarter restaurant (second entrance off Dakota St.)
Contact:
Phone: 831-400-9227
Email: info@fitevals.com
Professional fitness testing for chronic back pain management and safe exercise guidance.
Safe Exercise with Back Pain
Book your assessment-equipment selected to minimize back stress.
Schedule Your Test⚠️ Medical Clearance
VO₂ max testing for back pain should be coordinated with your healthcare provider. Testing is not diagnostic and does not replace medical evaluation. Clearance from your physician or PT is required before testing.