Slump Stretching may be Effective
Reference:Nagrale AV et al Effect of slump stretching versus lumbar mobilization with exercise in subjects with non-radicular low back pain: a randomized clinical trial. J Man Manip Ther. 2012 Feb;20(1):35-42.
2. Cleland JA et al Slump stretching in the management of non-radicular low back pain: Man Ther. 2006 Nov;11(4):279-86.
I consider Slump stretching quite aggressive and have been hesitant about doing it on patients; however my hesitation to prescribe this exercise may be unfounded. So far there are 2 studies supporting it.
Patients in India with non-radicular low back pain (LBP) were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups. All patients attended 2 PT sessions for 3 weeks.
Group 1: PT included lumbar mobilizations and progressive stabilization exercises
Group 2: Received the same PT treatments but with added self Slump stretching protocol Slump stretching is performed with the patient in long sitting on the floor and the feet against a wall to maintain neutral ankle dorsiflexion. The neck and the trunk are fully flexed just to the point of mild symptom provocation (not pain).
The position is held while the PT provides a mild cervical flexion over-pressure for 30 seconds and 5 repetitions.
Patients are advised on performing the same Slump stretch at home once a day.
Result: Improvements in pain and disability scores were significantly higher for the patients in group 2 who received the Slump stretching exercises.
Clinical Conclusion: The addition of Slump stretching to other spinal treatments may be beneficial for patients with non-radicular LBP.
Posted on: July 03, 2015
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