Chronic low back pain affects millions of people and is one of the most common reasons for missed work or long-term discomfort. A study by Poiraudeau and Revel, published in Joint Bone Spine, looked at which types of rehabilitation therapy actually help people improve — not just for a few weeks, but for the long haul.
What Was Studied?
The researchers reviewed different kinds of physical therapy programs, including:
- Exercise programs (like stretching, strengthening, or bending exercises)
- Back school programs (where patients learn about posture and how to protect their back)
- Aquatic therapy (exercises in a pool)
- Multidisciplinary functional restoration programs
What Did They Find?
Type of Therapy Does It Work Long-Term?
Basic stretching or back exercises Helped a little, but benefits didn’t last
Back schools No strong evidence they improve pain or movement over time
Pool therapy Helpful as a support tool, but not enough on its own
Multidisciplinary programs Most effective for long-term improvement in pain, movement,and return to daily life
What Are Multidisciplinary Functional Restoration Programs?
Think of this as a team approach to treating back pain. Instead of just doing exercises, this program includes:
- Exercise therapy to build strength, flexibility, and endurance
- Psychological support to deal with stress, fear of movement, or depression
- Work coaching to help people safely return to their job or daily routines
- Education about how chronic pain works and how to manage it long-term
Activemend Goal: Get people moving again, feeling confident, and able to return to work or daily activities — not just reduce pain temporarily.
Bottom Line
If you’ve been struggling with long-term low back pain, a team-based rehab program that combines physical and mental support is more effective than simple exercises alone.
This approach treats the whole person, not just the lower back pain.