JBMT
VOLUME 24, ISSUE 3, P123-130, JULY 01, 2020
Mohamad Sanei
Abstract
Background
Manual therapy is a non-surgical approach for management of musculoskeletal symptoms. This study investigated safety and efficacy of a Persian manual therapy method (Fateh technique) for management of chronic low-back pain (LBP) and radiculopathy.
Methods
In this controlled trial, 52 eligible patients with chronic LBP and lumbar radiculopathy were randomly assigned into two intervention groups; one received a 16-min soft tissue manipulation for four weekly sessions and did two daily home active exercises. The other group only did the two daily exercises for four weeks. Roland-Morris disability score, Visual Analogue Scale scores of LBP, radiculopathy and paresthesia, and finger-to-floor test result were assessed at the baseline, and in fourth and eighth weeks of trial.
Results
Data of 48 participants was analyzed. Distributions of age, sex, and duration of symptoms in two groups were the same. Fateh technique respectively decreased pain, radiculopathy, paresthesia, and disability, by 4.28 [95% confidence interval: 3.36–5.19], 3.85 [2.67–5.03], 1.32 [0.37–2.27], and 4.58 [3.23–5.93] units, and increased body flexibility by 35.42 [6.91–63.92] millimeters. Compared with home exercise, Fateh technique was associated with greater changes in all outcomes. No adverse event has occurred.
Conclusions
Fateh technique is safe and effective for management of LBP and radiculopathy in patients without severe progressive symptoms.