Godelive Denys-Struyf Method Useful for Low Back Pain

Study finds the method gets better results than conventional physical therapy

TUESDAY, July 14 (HealthDay News) -- The muscular and articular Godelive Denys-Struyf method of physical therapy, named after its developer, a Belgian kinesiotherapist, is more effective for the treatment of nonspecific lower back pain than conventional physical therapy, according to a study published in the July 1 issue of Spine.

Maria Jose Diaz Arribas, of the University of Madrid in Spain, and colleagues conducted a study of 137 patients diagnosed with nonspecific lower back pain who underwent treatment from one of 21 physicians and physical therapists. While the control group was treated with 15 sessions of conventional physical therapy, the treatment group received 15 Godelive Denys-Struyf method sessions.

Both groups were assessed at the end of the treatment and after three months, and both had less pain, less functional disability and better quality of life, the researchers found. However, the gains were greater in the intervention group. The intervention group continued to have decreased pain six months after treatment while pain scores for the control group returned to initial values.

"The findings of our study suggest that the use of the Godelive Denys-Struyf method to treat nonspecific lower back pain leads to greater improvements in the mid term (six months after treatment) in patient perceived pain, functional ability, and quality of life than the conventional treatment based on electrotherapy," the authors write. "The results of this study suggest that applying a specific physical evaluation and exercise active programs based on individual muscular deficits is an appropriate treatment for people having subacute or chronic nonspecific pain."

Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
www.healthday.com