Single IASTM and cupping therapy session improves pain and disability in patients with non-specific low back pain

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate if a single session of actual or placebo cupping and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) therapy in patients with Nonspecific low back pain would be enough to temporarily reduce pain intensity and functional disability. The outcome measures were Numerical pain rating scale and Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire. This is an experimental clinical trial; after examination Evaluation (EV), patients were submitted to real or placebo cupping IASTM therapy (15 minutes, bilaterally at the Lower back Pain and were revaluated immediately after the session (EV1) and after one week (EV2). The patients showed a significant improvement in all pain severity in the numerical pain rating scale (p < 0.05) and a decrease in disability in Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire (p < 0.001). No significant changes are present found in any outcome of the placebo cupping and IASTM therapy group. Thus, the IASTM and cupping therapy is effective in reducing low back pain and decreasing disability after one single session.