Iliopsoas Counterstrain and Mechanical Chronic Low Back Pain

Plain-language summary

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of the Strain-Counterstrain (SCS) technique on alleviating sudden and mechanical chronic low back pain and resolving limited lumbar flexion and extension in individuals with mechanical chronic low back pain (MCLBP), focusing on tender points in the Iliopsoas muscle. Our study is a randomized controlled trial. Based on sample size calculation, 32 voluntary patients with chronic mechanical low back pain will be recruited to the study. They will be then randomized into two groups using the Block Balanced Randomization method. In the control group, consisting of 16 participants, 4 general exercises aimed at relieving back pain will be performed under the physical therapist's supervision. In the treatment group, also comprising 16 participants, after performing the exercises applied to the control group, the SCS technique will be applied to the tender points in the iliopsoas muscle: 90 seconds in a position of comfort, with 30-second intervals, 3 times on the more tender side and 2 times on the less tender side. The assessment of the cases will use the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain intensity at rest and during lumbar flexion movement as primary outcome measurements TiltMeter© Application for joint range of motion (ROM), Modified Schober's Test (MST) for spinal mobility, Thomas test for iliopsoas muscle length, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for stability, and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) for health-related quality of life. Assessments will be conducted before treatment, at the end of the 1st session, and at the end of the treatment (after six sessions). Significant results may reduce the burden on the healthcare system with the ease of application and low-cost advantage of the SCS technique, making treatment processes more efficient.

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