Low Back Pain – perhaps the most common is often due, once again to twisted postures as described above and those whose legs are strained due to sporting activities, standing occupations and poor sitting positions involving uneven leg loading, for example:
- Chefs, Teachers, Hairdressers, who stand for long hours, often with weight on one leg
- Anyone who sits on a sofa with their legs tucked up to one side or underneath them
- Anyone who tucks or twists their legs underneath themselves or their office chair
- Runners & Walkers especially when increasing mileage
- Waiting staff, bar staff and kitchen staff who routinely, twist and carry plates, glasses and trays, reaching into high and low level cupboards, dishwashers etc.
- Office staff who are required to perform repetitive bending and twisting motions, with heavy files etc.
- Mechanics, Electricians and Plumbers who find themselves twisted and bent in and under all sorts of small and awkward places
Treatment times and Number of sessions: A 60 minute booking to include assessment and treatment, is recommended for Low-Back pain, as there are often a number of contributory factors, include the legs. It is necessary to palpate and treat the back, hips and thighs for a thorough assessment and initial treatment. Follow up appointments can be reduced to 40 mins if recommended. The number of sessions required will vary according to the cause and for how long the issue has persisted. As a general rule, however, you should consider 1 – 2 sessions for acute sudden pain, 2 – 3 sessions for intermediate, recurrent irritable pain and 5 -6 sessions for chronic long term pain, followed by a maintenance programme of 40 – 60 minutes sessions at 4 – 8 weekly intervals.
What to expect: – You will be required to remove outer clothing, you can keep your underwear on, but it may need to be moved out of the way. The therapist will feel into the muscles of your lower back, hips and thighs. Some areas may be sore to the touch, this is where there are muscular adhesions (scar tissue), which need to be broken down in order to resolve your pain and/or restricted movement. You remain fully conscious at all times and are encouraged to ask questions about your treatment and comment on your level of discomfort throughout. Your comfort and understanding of your treatment plan are vital to the success of the treatment.