A study on the experiences of patients suffering from low back pain who undergone reflexology and physical therapy

Date of Completion

1998

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Keywords

Low Back Pain, Musculoskeletal Manipulations, Physical Therapy

Abstract

Million of patients have low back pain (LBP), and billions of money are spent treating LBP. In our country, Reflexology has gained acceptance and is advocated to be effective according to experts. On the other hand, PT has been the mainstay of treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. It is the aim of this study therefore to describe the experiences of the patients who have undergone reflexology and PT treatment so this would be a guide for those patients which to choose between the two treatments. This Study was accomplished through gathering data by questionnaire and medical/PT records review. The study was conducted on a Reflexology center which is AKSEM Hplistic Orientation Medical Education School (HOMES) International located at 1803 Dian St., Makati Manila and a PT Center which is DLSU-DIMDRU located at Dasmariñas, Cavite. The subjects were 6 outpatients adults, with age ranging from 21-49 y/o. 2 of the subject are male and 4 are female. Findings of the study may be summarized as follows: Based on the epidemiological data of the study, patients suffering from LBP affects the gender than the male, and is most prevalent during the age group of 21-49 y/o. Majority of the patients who sought consultation involved patients who were engaged in manual labor rather than sedentary occupations. Among the 6 respondents, 50% consulted a Reflexologist and 50% consulted PT. Most of the subjects undergoing PT were referred by doctors, and those undergoing reflexology were by relatives of the Reflexologists and proximity of the clinic to their homes. Majority of the respondents undergoing both treatments deals more on inducing relaxation to the patients, which explains a much longer duration of treatment. Significantly, majority of the respondents had treatments instituted for 1-3 sessions while others had it for 3-5 and >5 sessions. No patients was noted to feel worse undergoing both treatments. Improvements noted in response to PT maybe due to the various use of modalities and exercises. While those who undergone Reflexology treatment advocated nowadays stresses more on manual therapy massage (using the hands) as the primary management for LBP. Respondents undergoing PT at DLSU-DIMDRU had treatment costs ranging from P 125.00-155.00 depending on the number of modalities used, while those undergoing Reflexology had treatment costs of P 320.00 (regular) and P 420.00 (VIP). In the light foregoing findings, the following consultations are inferred: In terms of duration of treatment per session, both treatment explain that their therapy deals more on inducing relaxation to the patients, which explains a much longer duration of treatment ranging from 1-2 hrs. In terms of total number of treatment sessions, data shows majority of the respondents (PT and Reflexology) undergone treatment for less number of treatment sessions mainly because some of them stated that improvements were already apparent after undergoing treatment and that work/ home advices and exercises were given to them that really helped in dealing with their problem. Improvements noted in response to treatment in both aspects favorably yielded 83.33% respondents for "better" while 16.67% responded for "same". Improvements noted in response to PT maybe due to the various use of modalities and exercises. PT modalities used nowadays has become extensive coupled with the conventional manual therapy. Effectiveness of administering these modalities are scientifically proven effective and if given in addition to other forms of treatment will benefit the patients. While those who undergone Reflexology treatment advocated nowadays stresses more on manual therapy massage (using the hands) as the primary management for LBP. It is an outgrowth of man's natural instinct that if there is something painful, we want to rub, soothe, press or pat an injured or uncomfortable part. Generally, this is what massage sensibly administered will not only provide phycological comfort, but more importantly, will physiologically by reflex relieve his pain. As to the cost of treatment, respondents undergoing PT at DLSU-DIMDRU had treatment costs ranging from P125.00-155.00 depending on the number of modalities used, and for those undergoing Reflexology had treatment costs of P 329.00 (regular) and 420.00 (VIP). As a general conclusion, the two treatments has its own principle of treatment. Patients who had undergone PT treatment has relief of pain due to the use of various modalities and exercises and for Reflexology, relief of pain is due to the relaxation effect of massage induced after every treatment. Therefore, both treatments were effective in treating low back pain. From the data gathered, patients suffering from LBP can now choose what treatment to use. It is recommended that 1) An experimental study be conducted to compare the effectiveness of PT and Reflexology, because with this type of study control of the various factors may affect the outcome is assured, 2) An update study using a more larger sample size since lack of differences of outcome in this study may be attributable to the small sample size.

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