Movement Based Treatment Techniques For Low Back Pain

By Larry Walker


If it moves, then it is alive. This is the principle behind movement based treatment. This form of therapy has its origin in the East and has been perfected in the West. It is used to promote spiritual, emotional, mental and physical well-being. Motion therapy is a popular medical alternative when dealing with lower back pain.

Recorded benefits of movement therapy include enhancement of body posture, improved flexibility and better release of muscle spasm. Scientists have also been studying the impact of motion on general body functions. They seek to find ways of improving these movements and enhancing their effectiveness. There have been modifications to include meditation that has psychological and emotional angle to it.

Personal targets and individual choices determine whether you settle for Eastern or Western techniques. Among the common Eastern motion therapy techniques are Tai Chi and Qigong. Their cautious yet holistic approach makes them attractive to elderly persons. The two are credited with effectiveness in restoring optimum body functions and relaxation. They also uplift your mood and take the mind off pain.

Yoga is the most popular among Eastern motion techniques. It has both physical and psychological components. The emotional benefits include stress reduction, dealing with distress, pain tolerance and a feeling of greater control of self. The support of props has made it easier to increase flexibility and the range of movement. There are professionals who assist you to achieve desired goals without exposing yourself to danger.

Western motion techniques characteristically focus on psychological stability and improvement. Some of the aspects that support healing include body flexibility, better self esteem, motion awareness and improved self image. Habitual motion is transformed into deliberate movement through time, practice and attention. This acts as a distraction to pain since the movements can be applied on all body parts.

The Alexander technique is popular and focuses on correct use of body parts during motion. It aims at creating physical and mental awareness of motion. It also addresses dysfunctional movement patterns and other stress causing motions that would intensify lower back pain. Scientific research has confirmed that it is effective in dealing with lower spinal pain especially during pregnancy and is effective in reducing stress.

Feldenkrais approach is anchored on the principle that every move the body makes has an alternative. The right choice of motion progression will therefore put little stress on the body. This is a re-education based therapy that has a preventive aspect. The idea is to adopt the right movements to relief current pain and avert future pain. This can only be achieved through awareness of the right alternatives.

The Trager strategy pays attention to muscle holding and release especially the role played by emotional and mental patterns. This is why this motion therapy technique has been effective in dealing with back pain. A lot of studies are going on regarding these therapies. Considering that they are cost effective and not based on medicines, a lot of benefits will be accrued from their use.




About the Author:



No comments :

Post a Comment