Self-Management of Myofascial Trigger Point Release by using an Inflatable Ball among Elderly Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case Series

Introduction: In this study, we devised a self-management technique involving Myofascial Trigger point (MTrP) release by using an inflatable ball to improve pain, pressure sensitivity, and joint flexibility in elderly individuals with chronic low back pain. Materials and Methods: This study was a case series, and participants were recruited from a community welfare center. All participants had MTrPs in the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, iliopsoas, and quadratus lumborum on at least one side, which had persisted for ≥3 months. We designed a 4-phasedintervention according to the level at which the treatment was applied. Results: Statistically significant changes (p<0.05) were detected in low back pain (measured using the visual analog scale), pressure sensitivity (measured using the pressure pain threshold), and joint flexibility (measured on the basis of lumbar flexion and extension range of motion) after therapy. Conclusion: Our results suggest that MTrP therapy using an inflatable ball improve pain, pressure sensitivity, and joint flexibility among elderly individuals with chronic low back pain. This therapy may be useful for rehabilitation among affected individuals.