Author: Richard H. Adler

All physical therapists, when treating low back injuries, recommend some form of back exercises or therapy. A recent study published in Spine¹ studied two different types of physical therapy modalities.

In a randomized, observer-blind trial, 150 men and women, aged 21 - 64 years, with chronic and sub-chronic low back pain, followed one of three treatment regimes:

1. Intensive, dynamic back-muscle exercise;


2. Conventional physiotherapy, including isometric exercises for the trunk and leg muscles; and


3. Placebo-control treatment involving semi hot packs and light traction.

Eight treatment sessions were given during the course of four weeks, each session lasting one hour. The short-term effect was evaluated at the conclusion of the treatment period and one month later, and the long-term effect at six and twelve months.

The authors evaluated the changes in pain levels and assessment of overall treatment effect, indicated on visual interval scales.

The results were interesting:

1. Conventional physiotherapy was the superior treatment for the male participants;


2. Intensive back exercises appears to be most efficient for the female participants;


3. Patients with moderate or hard physical occupations tended toward a better response with conventional physiotherapy;


4. Intensive back exercises seemed most effective for those with sedentary/light job functions; and


5. Patients with chronic/sub-chronic low back pain were successfully treated with physical therapy and intensive dynamic back exercises, but not with placebo-control treatment.

This article raises some interesting issues surrounding post-traumatic patient support, which are important to the provider and attorney team who can best help the patient/client. We believe the provider/attorney connection is natural and best serves the interests of the patient/client when both health care and legal communities work together. If we can assist any of your patients, simply have them give us a call. Consultations are without cost. If you would like a copy of this particular Spine article, please contact Shelley Koty at (206) 682-0300.

Very truly yours,
ADLER GIERSCH, P.S.

Richard H. Adler
Attorney at Law

¹ Rolsted Hansen, M.D., et al., "Intensive, Dynamic Back-Muscle Exercises, Conventional Physiotherapy, or Placebo-Control Treatment of Low-Back Pain," Spine, May 1993, pp. 98 - 108.