

[Physio Explained] Back on track: effective exercise for low back pain with Thomas Dekkers
22 snips Apr 2, 2025
In this discussion, Thomas Dekkers, a seasoned Physiotherapist and researcher specializing in musculoskeletal and sports medicine, delves into the efficacy of exercise for low back pain. He emphasizes the necessity of tailored exercise prescriptions that reflect individual patient needs. They explore how education enhances engagement in therapy, bridging gaps between research and real-world application. Dekkers also highlights integrating cognitive approaches with physical exercise for improved results, making a compelling case for personalized treatment strategies.
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Exercise Proven Effective for Back Pain
- Exercise is an evidence-based treatment for low back pain accepted by global health guidelines.
- Randomized control trials confirm exercise's superior effectiveness to placebo and usual care.
All Exercise Types Generally Help
- Research shows almost every type of exercise benefits low back pain with minimal difference between modalities.
- Pilates and strength exercises might be slightly better, but all tested forms outperform no treatment.
Research vs Clinical Complexity
- Clinical research often treats low back pain patients as a homogenous group with uniform exercise protocols.
- This contrasts with the complex, individualized nature of pain and clinical practice, explaining moderate results seen.