EFFECTS OF SHORT WAVE DIATHERMY AND HOT PACK WITH BACK STRENGTHENING EXERCISES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE LOW BACK PAIN

Abstract

Acute back pain is the fifth most common reason for visiting the physicians and
practitioners. It is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems in the
society. This research has been conducted on experimental method by using
sample size of 60 patients including both the genders. The participants have
been selected from the OPD of physical therapy and rehabilitation of the
tertiary care hospital. 60 patients was divided into two groups where Group A
was treated with hot packs at low back for 25 minutes with low back strengthening
exercises and whereas Group B was treated with SWD (continuous mode)
for 15 minutes with the exercises. Exercises were started from the 4th day of
treatment in both conditions after being relieved from acute back pain and
spasm. Both groups received 5 sessions per week for consecutive 3 weeks.
Therefore, the symptoms have been reassessed at 8th and 15th day of treatment.
After analyzing the data it was found that, the patients in group A treated with
hot packs and back strengthening exercises were relieved from pain more
quickly and efficiently than the group B treated with short wave and exercises.