Myofascial trigger-point compression therapy as an adjunct to exercise program is superior in alleviating chronic low back pain compared to exercise program alone- A retrospective non-randomized study.

Abstract Introduction: Current guidelines for the treatment of low back pain (LBP) endorse physical exercise programs and a range of non-pharmacological complementary therapies. Myofascial trigger points (MTP) compression therapy is a well-established form of manual therapy, which aims to induce temporary ischemia and over-stimulation of mechanoreceptors over a desired area in order to restore tissue normal functional conditions required for healing response. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of MTP compression therapy as an adjunct to active exercise program in alleviating chronic non-specific low back pain.Methods: One-hundred and three patients with chronic non-specific LBP were retrospectively reviewed, 45 of them were treated with MTP compression therapy as an adjunct to physical exercise program and 58 were treated with exercise program alone. Pain and functional scores were compared before initiating treatment and at 3-month follow-up. Results: Pain reduction at 3-month follow-up was 5.6 points (0-10 numerical scale) in the combined treatment group compared to 3.6 points in the exercise program alone group (p<0.01). Oswestry Disability Index improved by 36 and 22 points respectively (p<0.01) and SF-12 life quality score improved by 41 and 29 points respectively (p<0.01). Conclusions: Myofascial trigger points compression therapy as an adjunct to active exercise program provides superior pain and disability relief compared to active exercise program alone for patients with chronic LBP.