Living Better with Low Back Pain: Dr. Steve Karas

On today’s episode of the AAOMPT podcast, Jimmy McKay sits down with Dr. Steve Karas, a seasoned clinician, educator, and researcher with nearly 30 years of experience in physical therapy.

Dr. Karas teaches and conducts research at Chatham University while practicing in clinics owned by his former students. He’s also the author of the upcoming book, Living Better with Low Back Pain, which challenges the traditional narrative of 'curing' low back pain, urging clinicians and patients alike to focus on sustainable management strategies.

Dr. Karas shares valuable insights into how physical therapists can empower patients by shifting from a 'cure' mindset to one of realistic management, especially with chronic pain conditions. Through this interview, we delve into:

The evolution of low back pain treatment and why Dr. Karas believes it's time to reframe the conversation.

Strategies for helping patients manage chronic pain more effectively, and the crucial role of manual therapy in long-term pain management.

Balancing the demands of teaching, research, and clinical work while staying current in the evolving field of chronic pain management.

How AAOMPT has influenced Dr. Karas' career and helped him grow as a clinician, educator, and researcher.

The future of chronic pain management in physical therapy and new developments in the field.