By Tim Panaccio, CSNPhilly.com - Ryan Parent says he feels “a lot better,” but is still about a week or so away from being cleared to play again.

Speaking publicly for the first time since before the New Year, the Flyers’ defenseman told CSNPhilly.com that he has been going through a comprehensive rehab program to strengthen his ailing back, and that he believes his injury will be solved in-season.

“When you have back issues, it’s something you can take care of,” Parent said after a 25-minute on-ice workout Wednesday at Skate Zone. “If you work it properly, it won’t be a problem again. Our goal is within a week or so. Obviously, we feel comfortable rehab is going to do the job.”

Parent did laps and tight circles at 3/4th speed under the supervision of assistant trainer Sal Raffa.

The Flyers won’t disclose his injury, but it appears to be disk-related.

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RYAN PARENT STORM BIO… Selected by the Storm with the 8th overall choice in the 2003 OHL Priority Selection, Parent went on to become one of the top ‘shutdown’ defenceman in team history… the Sioux Lookout native was the club’s Rookie of the Year in 2003/04 and Top Defenceman in 2005/06… Parent was drafted in the 1st round of the NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators… A two-time World Junior gold medalist with Team Canada.