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TREATMENT PREFERENCES OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS TOWARDS INTERVENTIONAL MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN

Dr Mehwish Niaz, Dr M Umar Sadiq, Dr Rameeza Rashed

Objective: The objective of this study was to observe the preferences of physiotherapists towards Interventional management of chronic non-specific low back pain and to compare the practice patterns of novice practitioners and experienced ones in Lahore, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted and Purposive Sampling Technique was used. Physiotherapists working at public and private hospitals having experience of minimum one year were included for this study. Data was collected using questionnaire used by Pensri et al that was made to investigate practice patterns in Thailand. A total of 246 physiotherapists were included in this study with minimum experience of one year from public and private hospitals. The data was analyzed by SPSS. Qualitative variables and scores were presented as percentages and frequencies. Chi Square was applied for comparison of percentages and frequencies. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results.. Majority of novice practitioners preferred electro modalities and therapeutic exercises as treatment technique and pain relief as treatment goal. While the more experienced physiotherapists (5-10years) showed trend towards manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. Majority of new one selected stretching and strengthening exercises with aerobic exercises while others only rely on strengthening exercises. Conclusion: This survey has highlighted the similarities and differences in practice patterns of physiotherapists among novice practitioners and experienced ones. After this survey it is suggested that there should be some standard practice guidelines in the country so that all physiotherapists work according to them on single pattern. Key words: Chronic, Non-specific low back pain, treatment preferences, physiotherapist