BACKPAIN EXERCISE

Image ID: 4386908

Caption : People with back pain undergoing training at the Department of Physiotherapy, M.S. Ramaiah Memorial Hospital in Bangalore. This department of the hospital has developed a "Back Circuit Training" programme, supposedly the first of its kind in the country, to prevent and treat lower back pain effectively. The Back Circuit Training is a six-week programme of three different levels. Persons with lower back pain undergo low-impact exercises that protect the back by keeping the muscles strong and supple. Each level lasts for two weeks and as one goes up from one level to the other, the intensity of the exercises is increased. The highlight of the programme is that it is a group therapy and therefore more effective. Around six to eight persons participate in each session and there are around 10 exercises in one session. Exercises include hip extension, tummy tucking, Swiss Ball arch, treadmill, bicycling, hamstring stretching and so on. Apart from the exercises, advice is also given on relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, lifting techniques, diet and nutrition and postural corrections. Participants are also given a home programme to continue the therapy. Photo: K. Murali Kumar 21-02-2005