Effectiveness of Routine Physiotherapy with and without Soft Tissue Mobilization in Improving Pain and Functional Mobility in Chronic Low Back Patient

Abstract

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition affecting a significant portion of the global population, impacting their quality of life and functional mobility. Despite various treatment modalities, the quest for the most effective intervention remains a critical area of research. Existing literature suggests varied efficacy of different physiotherapy techniques in managing CLBP. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of routine physiotherapy with and without soft tissue mobilization in improving pain and functional mobility in patients with chronic low back pain. Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted with 128 participants, divided into two groups: Group A (routine physiotherapy with soft tissue mobilization) and Group B (routine physiotherapy without soft tissue mobilization). Baseline and post-treatment measurements included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Participants were assessed at baseline and after a 3-month treatment period. Statistical analysis was performed using independent samples t-tests. Results: At baseline, NPRS and ODI scores showed no significant differences between the groups (NPRS: 7.4 ± 1.2 for Group A and 7.5 ± 1.3 for Group B, p=0.760; ODI: 50.3 ± 5.0 for Group A and 50.8 ± 4.8 for Group B, p=0.690). Post-treatment, Group A demonstrated significantly greater improvement (NPRS: 2.8 ± 1.1 for Group A and 4.6 ± 1.2 for Group B, p<0.001; ODI: 19.7 ± 3.5 for Group A and 29.4 ± 4.0 for Group B, p<0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that routine physiotherapy combined with soft tissue mobilization was more effective in reducing pain and improving functional mobility in CLBP patients compared to routine physiotherapy alone. This suggests that incorporating soft tissue mobilization into standard physiotherapy regimens could be beneficial for CLBP management.