Is osteopathy or conventional physiotherapy more effective in patients with non-specific chronic lumbosacral pain.

Assignment to one of the groups was not based on any of the methods listed (tab “i”).  Patients could choose between facility A and facility B and decided for themselves which one to enroll in, without knowing what type of therapy they would receive there. One facility used osteopathic methods and the other used physiotherapy. Group A was treated at the Department of Rehabilitation at the University Clinical Center of the Medical University of Warsaw. Group B was treated at the Healthcare Facility “ORTO” Rehabilitation-Medical Center in Warsaw. Both groups were treated on an outpatient basis. Group A patients underwent a 15–20-day rehabilitation regimen including 10 sessions of: 1. Iontophoretic application of hydrocortisone onto and around triger points, Hydrophilic sponge pads were used for the procedure. 100 mg of hydrocortisone dissolved in 15 ml of sterile water was used for the procedure. The dose of electric current depends on the individual sensitivity of the patient: Intensity density: The standard range is 0.05 to 0.2 mA per 1 cm² of active electrode surface area. Duration time 20 minutes. The physiotherapist used direct observation to monitor the course and effects of therapy. The patient had to participate in at least 8 treatments. 2. Magneto therapy for lumbar spine area, Magnetronic MF-12. Frequency 40Hz, duration time 20 minutes The physiotherapist used direct observation to monitor the course and effects of therapy. The patient had to participate in at least 8 treatments. 3. Physical exercises including relaxation positions and strengthening exercises. Rehabilitation was delilvered by experienced physical therapists. Patients were taught to perform exercises for at least one 30–45 minute session per day. Patients were taught face-to-face and could perform the exercises at the clinic or at home, or both. Depending on the patient's fitness level, the intensity of the exercises could be increased. The physical therapist assessed how much effort the patient put into the exercises. If he saw that the patient had reserves, he increased the intensity. Examples of exercise: Relaxation position as chair-like position - In this position, we get traction of the lumbar spine and relief by shortening the ilio-psoas muscles. Strengthening exercise as bird-dog: Starting position: patient in a kneeling position. head should be in line with a spine. Execution: exhale while lifting and straightening the opposite limbs (right leg and left arm). After that inhale, return to the starting position, and perform another repetition. After completing the entire series, switch limbs. Another exercise is plank. We can do classic plank or side plank. To make the exercise effective and safe for your lumbar spine, remember to keep your pelvis in a neutral position (tailbone tucked in) and actively push off the ground to avoid your shoulder blades “sinking.” The physiotherapist used direct observation to monitor the course and effects of therapy. The patient had to participate in at least 8 exercise sessions.