Suffering from persistent lower back pain and don’t know where to turn? You may want to consider booking in for some myofascial release work.
Up to 60% of us will get lower back pain at some point in our lives. Women are more prone to lower back pain, and the likelihood of experiencing it increases as we get older. Prevention is, of course, ideal. A recent study of sedentary office workers had one group take frequent active breaks from sitting in their chair of up to 15 minutes. In the 6-month follow-up, 33% of the control group reported new lower back pain, while in the active break group this dropped to 9%. There was a third group who experienced frequent postural shift instead, where air filled the cushion they were sat on in slightly different ways, and their rates of lower back pain after 6 months was 7%.
Once lower back pain has set in, though, you may need to seek help. The NICE guidelines suggest medicating with NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, where appropriate and using “the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.” The guidelines, which are all evidence-based, also promote exercise and soft tissue therapy. Myofascial release is a type of soft tissue therapy that has a growing evidence base for how it works.
A Canada university has recently released the impressive results of a study on direct myofascial release work for chronic (persistent) lower back pain. There was significant reduction in pain and also measurable tissue changes in those who received myofascial release – while the control group had no improvements or worsened tissue features.
The Study
49 sufferers were randomly split into 2 groups: 1 group received myofascial release work on the thoracolumbar fascia (see image), and the other received a simulated treatment with only superficial contact on the skin and no tension applied between the hands. Then they measured the stiffness and thickness of the thoracolumbar fascia, the stiffness of the erector spinae muscles, and pain intensity – immediately afterwards, and then also 2 and 7 days afterwards. There were significant improvements in all areas.
This was working on just one area of fascia – imagine what a full-length treatment can do.
How many treatments will I need?
While one session can provide significant changes, as evidenced here, people usually benefit most from a series of treatments. I can assess and discuss with you what might be most appropriate for you. I have 15 years of experience, hundreds of hours of training and CPD, and have seen thousands of happy and grateful customers in this time. So you can have confidence in my expertise.
Whether you have lower back pain, headaches, joint problems or other issues, you can find out more about me here, or contact me with any questions. Or go right ahead and book your session here.
