Monday 18 April 2016

Movement Based Treatment Methods For Low Back Pain

By Larry Walker


That which can move is said to be alive. Movement based treatment is anchored on this, among other principles. There are varied techniques some originating from the east while others come from the west. Over centuries, motion has served as an effective alternative to medicine with notable benefits to people struggling with back pains. This form of therapy also comes with spiritual, mental, physical and emotional benefits.

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.

There are eastern and western motion practices depending on personal preferences and intended results. Tai Chi and Qigong fall into one cluster of eastern movements. They are preferred by the elderly because of their precarious nature. They have been credited with improving relaxation and restoration of body functions. Their ability to significantly reduce the intensity of pain has increased their uptake. This reduction also comes with mood improvement.

Yoga is also an east based movement therapy option that has psychological and physical components. The emotional aspect of yoga which allows the patient to cope with the distress, decrease stress, regain control of self and be tolerant to pain is what has increased it popularity. The motions focus on the back and can be supported by props to increase flexibility and range. You might require the guidance of a professional to achieve the extreme moves.

Western motion therapies focus on the ability of the movements to affect your psychological well-being. Healing is initiated through self-image, awareness, flexibility and self-esteem. Attention, time and practice will change the habitual approach to movement and therefore take focus away from the pain. It is a way of dealing with chronic pain and can apply to any part of the body.

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 therapy is based on the understanding that there is an alternative for every body move. As such, the body can be trained to make the right motion choices to avoid stressing some parts. This is referred to as re-education. Beyond making correction on motion mistakes made in the past, this form of therapy prevents future pain that may result from wrong choices.

According to Trager therapists, there are mental and emotional patterns that guide holding and release of muscles. This is a basis for using motion therapy to control the holding and releases. As scientists continue to study different therapy options, the alternatives will benefit adherents based on faithful implementation. Therapy is preferred because it is cost effective and does not involve the use of medicines that result in harmful side effects.




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