Effect of shock wave therapy on postpartum low back pain / Doaa Shaker Ahmed Abusteit ; Supervised Magda Sayed Morsy , Mohamed Fawzy Abuelenin

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy Gynecology and Obstetrics

This study was conducted to determine the effect of shock wave therapy in treating postpartum low back pain. Thirty volunteers multiparous women suffering from postpartum low back pain for at least 3months following delivery were participated in this study. They were referred from the outpatient clinic of orthopedic and outpatient clinic of gynecology in Al- Agouza Police Authority Hospital. Their ages were ranged from 25-35 years old with a mean value 29.3±2.4 years. Their parity was ranged from (2-3) and their body mass index didn't exceed 30kg/m² with a mean value (26.11±1.76)kg/m². The patients were divided randomly into two equal groups (A&B). Patients in group A, (study group) were treated by shock wave therapy on the lumbar region in addition to performing abdominal strengthening exercises, posterior pelvic tilting together with postural correction exercises, 2 times per week for 4 weeks. Patients in group B, (control group) were asked to perform abdominal strengthening exercises, posterior pelvic tilting and postural correction exercises only, 2 times per week for 4 week. All patients in both groups (A&B) were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) and plasma serotonin level before starting and after the end of treatment program. The results showed a highly significant (p{u2264}0.0001) decrease in VAS and an increase in plasma serotonin level after the treatment program in both groups, yet this decrease in VAS and the increase in serotonin plasma level were more pronounced and statistically significant (p{u2264}0.0001) in the study group when compared to the control group, So it could be concluded that shock wave therapy is an effective modality to alleviate postpartum low back pain

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