Effect of aquatic therapy v/s relaxation therapy in chronic low back pain

Abstract

Low back pain is a commonest condition in today’s world. There are varieties of treatments used in management of low back pain. Among them, aquatic exercises are given because of unique properties of water. By utilizing unique properties of water like buoyancy, resistance, flow and turbulence, exercise program is made. Buoyancy gives weightlessness which allows greater range of movement in the joint. Aquatic therapy decreases axial loading of the spine and buoyancy helps in the movement of the spine. Second is relaxation therapy. Relaxation reduces the pain and muscle tension. Relaxation reduces the blood pressure, cools down the body parts and helps the muscles to relax which improves quality of life. Progressive relaxation training has been widely used for chronic pain syndrome, with the rationale that learning to reduce the anxiety and muscle tension.