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Health

Physiotherapy's reputation given a boost

17 November 2004

LAST month one study claimed physiotherapy for low back pain is no better than giving people advice on exercise. Now another team has hit back, claiming physio does help people recover faster, provided it is given promptly.

A team at Brunel University in London divided 100 people who had recently developed back pain into two groups. Half received six weeks of physiotherapy immediately, while the rest were given advice immediately but had to wait six weeks for treatment.

After three and six months there was no difference in pain or disability between the two groups – a finding in line…

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