Man Ther. 2000 Nov; 1(1): 2-10.

Muscle control-pain control. What exercises would you prescribe?

Richardson CA, Jull GA.

Department of Physiotherapy, University of Queensland, Australia

SUMMARY. A very specific type of exercise has been devised which is proving to provide effective pain relief for chronic and recurrent back pain sufferers. The exercise approach focuses on retraining a precise co-contraction pattern of the deep trunk muscles, the transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus. The approach is based on the knowledge of how muscles provide stability for the spine in normal situations. It has been further developed according to research evidence which has demonstrated dysfunction in the deep trunk muscles in patients with back pain. The mechanism for pain relief with this specific exercise approach is believed to be through enhanced stability of the lumbar spine segments. Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.