An important assessment discussion point I always pick up on new clients is how active they are – during their daily life, as well as any specific exercise regime. Sometimes people will say that they don’t do any exercise at all, and then with a bit more chatting you realise that in fact they walk their dog briskly twice a day, and are cnstantly on the go with a small toddler. And with pregnant clients, they often begin to describe previous exercise patterns before their bump got too big but do not consider the amount they are walking as exercise on the same level.
I am always telling people not to minimise how good a thing walking is! It can still get the blood pumping, is gentle on joints and more and more research is now quantifying the benefits of walking to combat low back pain as opposed to other more strenuous workouts.
This study published in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information concludes that ‘A six-week walk training programme was as effective as six weeks of specific strengthening exercises programme for the low back.’ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22850802/
Please contact me if you are suffering from low back pain and are interested in a programme of clinical massage therapy to support you in reducing your pain and maintaining longer term recovery.
Brighton Bodyworks 01273 729691