Patient education in physiotherapy of low back pain: acute outcomes of group instruction

Background Adults with recalcitrant mechanical low back pain of more than six weeks duration can encounter unacceptable waiting periods for specialised care. Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of rapid treatment by means of group sessions. Methods We instituted a rapidly accessed patient education programme in physiotherapy for low back pain. Pain and disability were assessed before and after the programme. The programme included four sessions of group instruction for self-actuated physiotherapy There were six to 10 patients per group. Results In eight months, 160 patients were admitted to the programme. The average waiting time was 16 business days for the first appointment. Seventy-three per cent of the patients who attended some portion of the programme completed all sessions. At least 30% of the incompletions were ascribable to rapid improvement. Of patients completing the programme, 80% reported significant resolution of the pain and improvement in function. Twenty per cent reported no significant response, but no patients worsened during participation. Of the 20% with no subjective improvement, 50% were pursuing medico-legal claims. In comparison, 9% of those reporting a successful response were pursuing litigation. Conclusions Group instruction in physiotherapy for low back pain is safe, generally successful, and highly acceptable to patients.