Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2004; 9: 41
The aim of this survey was to investigate views on, and usage of, CAM by physiotherapists for the treatment of low back pain (LBP).
One thousand postal questionnaires were distributed to physiotherapists randomly selected from the membership list of the UK’s Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice. A response rate of 46% was obtained. The questionnaire was designed to gain information on the physiotherapist’s current LBP caseload, current conventional treatments for LBP and perceived effectiveness, CAM treatments used and perceptions on effectiveness. Results were analysed by SPSS.
The majority of respondents (94.3%) stated that they currently treated LBP. Advice, McKenzie, massage and mobilisation were most often used by physiotherapists to treat LBP. Manipulation, TENS and traction were therapies used only occasionally. The most common CAMs used by physiotherapists were acupuncture and massage, with the least common being Reiki. Physiotherapists perceived acupuncture, massage, osteopathy, chiropractic and yoga to be effective in the treatment of LBP, but were unsure about the effectiveness of reflexology, aromatherapy, Reiki, herbal medicine, homoeopathy and shiatsu/acupressure.
Physiotherapists often use acupuncture and massage to treat LBP, but have little awareness of other CAM treatments. More research is required in the area of CAM for the treatment of LBP as little is known regarding the effectiveness of these therapies.
