Dance therapy helps in the rehabilitation process by providing a holistic approach to healing that incorporates physical movement, emotional expression, and cognitive stimulation. Through dance therapy, individuals are able to engage in a creative and non-verbal form of communication, allowing them to express and process their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. The physical movements involved in dance therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance, which are essential for rehabilitation. Additionally, dance therapy can enhance body awareness and promote a sense of empowerment and self-confidence, which are crucial for the recovery process.
In dance therapy for rehabilitation, a variety of dance movements and techniques can be used depending on the individual's specific needs and goals. These may include improvisation, structured choreography, rhythmic exercises, mirroring, and guided imagery. The movements are tailored to address physical limitations and promote functional movements, while also incorporating elements of creativity and self-expression. Dance therapy sessions may also involve props such as scarves, ribbons, or balls to enhance the therapeutic experience and facilitate movement exploration.
Introduction SummaryLow back pain (LBP) is a prevalent and costly health problem that affects a significant portion of the global population. Pain developers (PDs) are individuals who are considered a pre-clinical LBP population at risk of developing clinical LBP, which can exact great social and economic costs. Prolonged standing has been identified as a risk factor for LBP, and it is necessary to investigate the risk factors of standing-induced LBP in PDs comprehensively. By identifying these risk factors, appropriate preventive measures can be planned, which may reduce the incidence of standing-induced LBP and its associated costs.This study1 used a systematic review and meta-analysis approach to investigate the distinctive characteristics and risk factors of standing-induced LBP in PDs. The study aimed to identify statistically significant differences between PDs and non-pain developers (NPDs) in demographics, biomechanical, and psychological outcomes and to determine the pooled effect sizes of these differences. The study’s findings have important implications for preventing and managing standing-induced LBP in PDs and for future research investigating the association of these distinctive characteristics to standing-induced LBP and interventions that may modify them.Characteristics of Pain Developers and Non-Pain DevelopersThe systematic review and meta-analysis identified 52 papers and theses involving 1070 participants (528 PDs and 542 NPDs) that were eligible for inclusion. The studies used a prolonged standing duration greater than 42 minutes to classify adult PDs and NPDs without a history of LBP.Significant differences were found between PDs and NPDs in terms of movement patterns, muscular, postural, psychological, structural, and anthropometric variables. PDs exhibited altered motor control in the anterior hip abduction (AHAbd) test and displayed higher lumbar lordosis in individuals over 25 years old. These factors were found to have a statistically significant association with standing-induced LBP.Muscular differences were also identified between PDs and NPDs. PDs had a higher level of co-activation between gluteus medius and the erector spinae muscles, which can lead to increased lumbar loading and potentially contribute to the development of LBP.In terms of postural characteristics, PDs had less trunk control and increased trunk sway during standing compared to NPDs, which may suggest a lack of postural stability.Psychological characteristics were also found to differ between PDs and NPDs. PDs had higher levels of pain catastrophizing, which is the tendency to magnify the threat value of pain and to feel helpless in the face of it, and is associated with increased pain intensity and disability.Finally, anthropometric and structural differences were found between PDs and NPDs. PDs tended to have higher body mass index (BMI) and shorter stature compared to NPDs, which may result in altered spinal loading during standing.These findings suggest that PDs have distinct biomechanical and psychological characteristics that may predispose them to standing-induced LBP. Altered motor control displayed in AHAbd test and higher lumbar lordosis in individuals over 25 years seem to be probable risk factors for standing-induced LBP. The study’s findings have important implications for preventing and managing standing-induced LBP in PDs and for future research investigating the association of these distinctive characteristics to standing-induced LBP and interventions that may modify them.Risk Factors for Standing-Induced Low Back PainThe systematic review and meta-analysis identified several factors that were found to have a statistically significant association with standing-induced LBP:Lumbar fidgets – Participants with PDs displayed more lumbar fidgets, defined as small voluntary or involuntary movements of the lumbar spine, which are indicative of discomfort or pain. This factor was found to have a significant negative effect size (Hedge’s g − 0.72).Lumbar lordosis in participants over 25 years – Participants with PDs had higher lumbar lordosis, defined as the natural curvature of the lumbar spine, in individuals over 25 years old. This factor was found to have a significant positive effect size (Hedge’s g 2.75).AHAbd test – Participants with PDs displayed altered motor control in the AHAbd test, which measures the ability to control the hip and pelvis while lifting one leg. This factor was found to have a significant positive effect size (WMD 0.7).Gluteus medius co-activation – Participants with PDs had higher levels of co-activation between the gluteus medius and erector spinae muscles. This factor was found to have a significant positive effect size (Hedge’s g 4.24).Pain catastrophizing – Participants with PDs had higher levels of pain catastrophizing, which is associated with increased pain intensity and disability. This factor was found to have a significant positive effect size (WMD 2.85).These risk factors suggest that altered motor control, higher lumbar lordosis, increased gluteus medius co-activation, and pain catastrophizing may predispose individuals to standing-induced LBP. The findings may help identify individuals at risk of developing standing-induced LBP and plan appropriate preventive measures.Future research should investigate the association of the reported distinctive characteristics to standing-induced LBP and whether they are manipulable through various interventions. Such interventions may include physical therapy, posture correction, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, among others. Identifying modifiable risk factors may lead to the development of effective interventions for preventing and managing standing-induced LBP in individuals with pre-clinical LBP.Implications for Future ResearchThe systematic review and meta-analysis identified several distinct characteristics and risk factors for standing-induced LBP in PDs compared to NPDs. However, the study authors note that the identified risk factors do not necessarily prove causality or provide a complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying standing-induced LBP. As such, future research should investigate these factors in greater detail, and identify modifiable risk factors that can be targeted for preventive interventions.The study authors recommend that future research should investigate the following areas:Association with standing-induced LBP – Further research should investigate the association of the identified distinctive characteristics and risk factors to standing-induced LBP. Studies should investigate whether these factors are predictive of standing-induced LBP and whether they are specific to standing-induced LBP or generalizable to other types of LBP.Mechanisms underlying standing-induced LBP – Future research should also investigate the underlying mechanisms of standing-induced LBP, such as the interplay between motor control, muscle activation, and posture. Understanding the mechanisms underlying standing-induced LBP can help identify modifiable risk factors and develop effective interventions.Intervention strategies – Future research should investigate the efficacy of various interventions for preventing and managing standing-induced LBP in individuals with pre-clinical LBP. Such interventions may include physical therapy, posture correction, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and other strategies aimed at reducing risk factors identified in this study.Generalizability of findings – Finally, future research should investigate the generalizability of the study findings to other populations, such as individuals with clinical LBP or those with different occupational or lifestyle factors. This will help to determine the applicability of the findings to a broader population and inform the development of preventive measures for standing-induced LBP.ConclusionIn summary, this systematic review and meta-analysis found that pain developers (PDs) – individuals with a history of low back pain (LBP) – have distinct characteristics compared to non-pain developers (NPDs) when exposed to prolonged standing. These characteristics include altered movement patterns, muscular, postural, psychological, structural, and anthropometric variables. The study also identified several risk factors associated with standing-induced LBP, including lumbar fidgets, higher lumbar lordosis in participants over 25 years, AHAbd test, GMed co-activation, and higher scores on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale.These findings have important implications for preventing and managing standing-induced LBP, particularly in individuals with a history of LBP. The study suggests that altered motor control displayed in the AHAbd test and higher lumbar lordosis in individuals over 25 years old are probable risk factors for standing-induced LBP. Therefore, future interventions may focus on improving motor control and reducing excessive lumbar lordosis. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of addressing psychological factors, such as pain catastrophizing, as a potential risk factor for standing-induced LBP.Overall, the study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to preventing and managing standing-induced LBP, including a focus on biomechanical, psychological, and other factors. Future research should investigate the association of these distinctive characteristics to standing-induced LBP and whether they are manipulable through various interventions. By identifying and addressing these risk factors, it may be possible to reduce the prevalence of LBP and improve the quality of life for individuals with a history of LBP.This study emphasizes the importance of developing appropriate preventive measures for standing-induced low back pain (LBP) in pain developers (PDs). PDs are individuals with a history of LBP and are considered a pre-clinical population at risk of developing clinical LBP, which can lead to significant social and economic costs. The study found that PDs have distinct characteristics compared to non-pain developers (NPDs) when exposed to prolonged standing, which suggests that targeted interventions may be necessary to prevent standing-induced LBP in this population.The development of appropriate preventive measures requires a thorough understanding of the risk factors associated with standing-induced LBP in PDs. This study identified several risk factors, including lumbar fidgets, higher lumbar lordosis in participants over 25 years, AHAbd test, GMed co-activation, and higher scores on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. These risk factors suggest that interventions targeting motor control, lumbar lordosis, and psychological factors may be effective in preventing standing-induced LBP in PDs.In addition to identifying risk factors, the study highlights the importance of comprehensive interventions that address biomechanical, psychological, and other factors associated with standing-induced LBP. These interventions may include postural education, physical therapy, and cognitive-behavioural therapy. By addressing these factors, it may be possible to reduce the prevalence of LBP and improve the quality of life for individuals with a history of LBP.Overall, the study underscores the importance of developing appropriate preventive measures for standing-induced LBP in PDs. Identifying risk factors and developing targeted interventions may help reduce the burden of LBP in this population and improve their overall health and well-being.Dynamic Disc DesignsDynamic Disc Designs offers dynamic anatomical models that musculoskeletal healthcare workers (chiropractors, medical doctors, physiotherapists, osteopaths) can use to help explain how the spine is impacted when one stands, for example. The models are designed to simulate the spinal movement dynamically, allowing various spinal specialists to better illustrate to patients the impact that standing can have on the spine.Using the dynamic disc model, a healthcare worker can demonstrate how the intervertebral discs are compressed when standing due to the force of gravity on the spine. They can show how the discs lose water content and height throughout the day, resulting in reduced shock absorption and increased pressure on the spinal nerves. This can lead to various symptoms, including low back pain, stiffness, and numbness or tingling in the legs. In this particular research highlighted in this post, a practitioner can explain dynamically what excessive lordosis means and how the facets are approximated in this case. Explore.Want to learn in person? Attend a #manualtherapyparty! Check out our course calendar below!Learn more online - new online discussion group included!Want an approach that enhances your existing evaluation and treatment? No commercial model gives you THE answer. You need an approach that blends the modern with the old school. NEW - Online Discussion GroupLive caseswebinarslectureLive Q&Aover 600 videos - hundreds of techniques and more! Check out MMT InsidersKeeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
![[RESEARCH REVIEW] The High Cost of Standing: Uncovering Risk Factors for Low Back Pain](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTsCQGpK-PEaVaLh2d-4MDJt3iZYFUMfzgmUKypDoGEjgXskP71pa-s8bMk_XOK-iWRrL8pLt-vIE6tD_i8NbsgluTbBpfCrbP80CWO3oFOoSZauwQ7U375LUV9hsBh7bwaSz6BJiYSFJfEniuRnDbSGa6swxPr0DzfpYmpWkljZ5TeS2P6031Ioh/s16000/Low%20back%20pain.png)
Posted by on 2023-04-27
Dance therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other rehabilitation methods. It can complement traditional rehabilitation approaches such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychotherapy. By integrating dance therapy into a comprehensive treatment plan, individuals can benefit from the unique combination of physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects that dance therapy offers. The collaborative nature of dance therapy allows for a multidisciplinary approach, where different professionals work together to support the individual's rehabilitation journey.
While dance therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals and conditions, certain populations and conditions may benefit the most from this approach. For example, individuals with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, or traumatic brain injury may find dance therapy particularly helpful in improving motor skills, coordination, and balance. Dance therapy has also shown positive outcomes for individuals with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, as it provides a creative outlet for emotional expression and promotes self-esteem.
Dance therapy addresses physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of rehabilitation through its integrated approach. Physically, dance movements and exercises help improve strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance, which are essential for rehabilitation. Emotionally, dance therapy provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to express and process their emotions, promoting emotional well-being and self-awareness. Cognitively, dance therapy engages the brain through movement patterns, memory recall, and problem-solving, stimulating cognitive functions and promoting neuroplasticity.
While dance therapy has many benefits, there are potential risks and limitations to consider. Physical limitations or injuries may restrict certain movements or techniques, requiring adaptations or modifications. It is important for dance therapists to assess and monitor individuals' physical abilities and limitations to ensure safety during sessions. Additionally, individuals with severe cognitive impairments or behavioral challenges may require additional support or alternative approaches to fully engage in dance therapy. It is crucial for dance therapists to have the necessary training and expertise to work with diverse populations and adapt their approach accordingly.
Research and evidence support the effectiveness of dance therapy in the rehabilitation field. Numerous studies have shown positive outcomes in various populations, including individuals with Parkinson's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and mental health conditions. These studies have demonstrated improvements in physical functioning, motor skills, balance, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Additionally, research has shown that dance therapy can enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and executive functioning. The evidence-based practice of dance therapy continues to grow, with ongoing research and clinical trials further validating its effectiveness in the rehabilitation field.
Vibration therapy has been studied extensively for its effects on bone density in postmenopausal women. Numerous research studies have shown that this therapy can have a positive impact on bone health in this population. The vibrations generated by the therapy stimulate the bone cells, leading to increased bone formation and decreased bone resorption. This results in improved bone mineral density and reduced risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. Additionally, vibration therapy has been found to enhance muscle strength and balance, which are important factors in maintaining bone health. Overall, the use of vibration therapy in postmenopausal women has shown promising results in improving bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
The Alexander Technique has a profound impact on vocal production and performance in singers. By focusing on body alignment, breath control, and tension release, the technique helps singers achieve optimal vocal function and efficiency. Through the use of specific exercises and hands-on guidance, the Alexander Technique teaches singers to align their body in a way that allows for unrestricted airflow and optimal vocal resonance. This leads to improved vocal projection, clarity, and range. Additionally, the technique helps singers release unnecessary tension in the body, particularly in the neck, jaw, and throat, which can inhibit vocal production. By promoting a relaxed and balanced state, the Alexander Technique enables singers to access their full vocal potential and expressiveness, enhancing their overall performance on stage.
Breathing exercises play a crucial role in pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These exercises aim to improve lung function, increase respiratory muscle strength, and enhance overall breathing efficiency. By engaging in specific breathing techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing, and controlled breathing, patients with COPD can optimize their oxygen intake, reduce breathlessness, and enhance their ability to perform daily activities. Additionally, breathing exercises can help patients manage anxiety and stress associated with their condition, improve their quality of life, and reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations. Overall, incorporating breathing exercises into pulmonary rehabilitation programs for COPD patients is essential for enhancing respiratory function and promoting better overall well-being.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive technique that has been used to modulate pain perception in individuals with fibromyalgia. TENS works by delivering low-frequency electrical currents through electrodes placed on the skin, which stimulates the sensory nerves and activates the body's natural pain control mechanisms. This stimulation leads to the release of endogenous opioids, such as enkephalins and endorphins, which act as natural painkillers. Additionally, TENS may also activate the descending pain inhibitory pathways, which involve the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters help to dampen the transmission of pain signals in the central nervous system, thereby reducing pain perception in individuals with fibromyalgia. Overall, TENS provides a multi-modal approach to pain management in fibromyalgia by targeting both the peripheral and central mechanisms involved in pain perception.
Individuals with hypermobility syndrome should follow specific exercise protocols to help manage their condition. These protocols typically focus on strengthening the muscles surrounding the joints to provide more stability and support. Exercises that target the core, such as planks and bridges, can help improve overall stability. Additionally, low-impact exercises like swimming and cycling can be beneficial as they put less stress on the joints. It is important for individuals with hypermobility syndrome to avoid high-impact activities that may exacerbate joint instability. Stretching exercises should also be included in the exercise routine to maintain flexibility, but caution should be taken to avoid overstretching. Working with a physical therapist or exercise specialist who is knowledgeable about hypermobility syndrome can help individuals develop a personalized exercise program that addresses their specific needs and limitations.
The Feldenkrais Method is a somatic educational approach that addresses chronic musculoskeletal pain by focusing on improving movement and body awareness. Through gentle and mindful movements, individuals are guided to explore different patterns of movement and discover new ways of organizing their bodies. This method emphasizes the connection between the mind and body, and aims to retrain the nervous system to move with greater efficiency and ease. By increasing body awareness and promoting more efficient movement patterns, the Feldenkrais Method can help individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain to reduce tension, improve posture, and alleviate pain. Additionally, this method encourages individuals to develop a greater sense of self-care and self-regulation, empowering them to take an active role in managing their pain and promoting overall well-being.
Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common overuse injury that affects the iliotibial band, a thick band of connective tissue running along the outside of the thigh. Biomechanical factors play a significant role in the development of ITBS. These factors include excessive pronation of the foot, tightness or weakness in the hip muscles, and poor running or cycling mechanics. Excessive pronation can lead to increased stress on the iliotibial band, while tight or weak hip muscles can alter the alignment of the pelvis and increase strain on the band. Poor running or cycling mechanics, such as excessive hip adduction or internal rotation, can also contribute to ITBS. Managing ITBS involves addressing these biomechanical factors through a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises, orthotics or shoe inserts to correct foot pronation, and gait analysis to improve running or cycling mechanics. Physical therapy may also be recommended to address any underlying muscle imbalances or weaknesses. Additionally, modifying training intensity and gradually increasing mileage can help prevent overuse and reduce the risk of ITBS recurrence.