The added value of manual therapy for low back problems

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It is not an unknown phenomenon for most people; lower back pain, medically called lumbago. It is a pain that often radiates in the lower parts of the back, approximately between the ribs and the buttocks.

In our country, but actually in the entire Western world, it is one of the most common complaints and eight out of ten people will experience it sooner or later.

What is the therapy for?

Low back pain is usually caused by (chronic) overload of the lower back. This can be caused by, for example, lifting too heavy, incorrect turning movements or constant tension on the back muscles due to incorrect posture. Low back pain can be so painful that movement is hardly possible. In some cases, rest and muscle relaxing painkillers help, but if the pain remains severe for more than five days, manual therapy may provide a solution.

What does manual therapy entail?

Manual therapy can treat musculoskeletal complaints, including pain, by pressing, pushing, moving and in some cases manipulating joints and muscles. During a manipulation, the manual therapist performs a measured and controlled movement, which is often audible, but does not cause pain. However, a somewhat strange feeling may occur.

In manual therapy, the starting point is that complaints, including lower back pain, originate from the spine, because joints do not work properly and thus cause cramped muscles. Stimulating the mobility of the joints leads to an almost immediate improvement and often also to a decrease in pain. Various studies have shown that manual therapy is a very safe treatment with few or no unwanted effects. It can therefore be used in every age category, from babies to the elderly. The therapy appears to be particularly effective for complaints of chronic low back pain. These are complaints that last longer than five days, or that keep coming back. The treatment reduces or disappears within three weeks in 70% cases. After this, normal functioning is usually possible again.

The insurance

Manual therapy, like physiotherapy, is freely accessible. This means that a referral from the GP is not necessary to be treated by Physiotherapy Wilhelminapark. Whether manual therapy is reimbursed by your health insurer depends on how you are insured under supplementary insurance. Please consult your policy first.

Do you recognize yourself in this blog post or do you have questions about it?

Please feel free to contact us, we will be happy to assist you!