Changes of blood flow in the spine erector muscles by physical therapy

Abstract

One of the conservative treatments for low back pain is physical therapy. Traction therapy and thermal therapy (hot pack) are commonly used in the treatment of low back pain. The purpose of this study was to clarity the effects of traction therapy and thermal therapy on ten male subjects. Total hemoglobin of the spine erector muscles was measured before and after traction therapy and thermal therapy in the prone and flexion position. The results showed significant increase of total hemoglobin in the prone position after traction therapy, and in both the prone position and the flexion position after thermal therapy. Physical therapy has different effects in different positions. This facts should be considered when selecting therapy for different patient populations.