Do you work with clients that have Non-Specific Low Back Pain?
Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is one of the most common complaints clients bring to massage therapists, and its prevalence highlights the critical role of skilled manual therapy in addressing this condition. Unlike specific low back pain linked to identifiable causes such as fractures or herniated discs, NSLBP is characterized by pain without a clear structural or pathological origin. This ambiguity requires therapists to adopt a multifaceted, evidence-informed approach to assessment and treatment.
Assess, Address, Manage, and Support
This document provides essential guidance for therapists working with clients experiencing NSLBP. It includes an overview of the condition, assessment techniques, special tests, and red flags that signal the need for medical referral. Additionally, it outlines effective pain management strategies such as myofascial release, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), Muscle Energy Techniques, and cupping therapy, along with targeted soft tissue techniques. Links to video demonstrations of techniques are included. To further enhance client outcomes, this guide emphasizes the importance of self-care strategies, including self-soft tissue mobilizations and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretches, which a links to video demonstrations. With this comprehensive resource, therapists will be better equipped to deliver safe, effective, and client-centered care.