New study to ask how effective kinesiology is at treating low back pain
The effectiveness of the complementary muscle therapy kinesiology for treating back pain is the focus of a new research study by the University of Southampton and the British Kinesiology Centre.
Sue Hall of The British Kinesiology Centre, who is leading the study, is currently looking for volunteers with low back pain to take part in the clinical trial of kinesiology, a technique that works to strengthen the muscles in order to achieve an equal balance between both sides of the body.
Research suggests that, on average, one per cent of the working population is on sick leave due to a back problem, resulting in nearly five million lost working days each year. In most cases back pain is not serious and recovers on its own quite quickly but the large number of people affected makes it a costly condition with considerable burden to the back pain sufferer and society.
Sue Hall is one of a growing number of complementary medicine practitioners researching the effectiveness of complementary therapy for back pain. She explains: 'Back pain - in particular persistent back pain which lasts for longer than three months - can have a significant impact on people's quality of life, as well as family and social relationships. Many people are now turning to complementary therapies but there isn't enough research yet, so this study aims to explore the effectiveness of kinesiology, a very gentle therapy which appears to be quite safe.'
In order to take part in the study, volunteers should be aged between 18 and 65 years, and have already consulted a GP about their back pain but should not be having any other treatment for their back, other than pain killers. They should not have had any surgery on their backs or be waiting for surgery.
The treatments are taking place at the British Kinesiology Centre clinic in Farnham, Surrey. The trial is being conducted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during normal office hours. Volunteers will receive five free sessions of kinesiology.
For more information, contact Sue Hall on 01252 722 246 or office@britishkinesiology.co.uk
Notes for editors
Digital images are available from Communications on request.
The University of Southampton is a leading UK teaching and research institution with a global reputation for leading-edge research and scholarship.
This is one of the country's top institutions for engineering, computer science and medicine, and home to a range of world-leading research centres, including the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, the Optoelectronics Research Centre, the Centre for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, and the Mountbatten Centre for International Studies.
We combine academic excellence with an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to research, supporting a culture that engages and challenges students and staff in their pursuit of learning.
As one of the UK's top 10 research universities, we offer first-rate opportunities and facilities for study and research across a wide range of subjects in humanities, health, science and engineering.
We have over 22,000 students, around 5000 staff, and an annual turnover in the region of £325 million.
For further information
Sue Hall, The British Kinesiology Centre,
Tel. 01252 722 246 or email office@britishkinesiology.co.uk
Sue Wilson, Communications, University of Southampton,
Tel. 023 8059 5457, email: sjew@soton.ac.uk