Physical therapy for old-timer athletes with chronic back pain

Abstract

Introduction. The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a physical therapy program for old-timer athletes with chronic back pain, which is a common complaint in this group, especially among wrestlers. It results from the fact that in wrestlers, the load is usually borne by a specific muscle group. Recent data on the effectiveness of the treatment and prevention of chronic back pain among old-timer athletes have shown a significant role of physical therapy. Increasingly used in dystrophic diseases of the spine, it is economically justified, does not require special conditions, and is not accompanied by complications. The only question that remains is what actions are rationally applied, depending on clinical manifestations. Methods. The study involved analysis of current literature on the visual analogue scale for Oswestry questionnaire, research methods for spinal motor properties described by Weiss and Zembaty, Schober test, Thomayer test, methods of mathematical statistics. Results. A physical therapy program was developed which was prescribed for 3 periods: muscle relaxation, myocorrection, and myotonization; they differed in motor activity, direction, and means of physical therapy. The physical therapy means included morning hygienic gymnastics, post-isometric relaxation, hydrokinesiotherapy with traction elements, kinesiotherapy with Pilates elements, phonophoresis with hydrocortisone, massage. The program improved spinal mobility and life quality in old-timer athletes with chronic back pain. Conclusions. The physical therapy program for old-timer wrestlers statistically significantly improved the empirical parameters and quality of life, reduced as a result of chronic back pain.