The effectiveness of manual therapy, physiotherapy, and treatment by the general practitioner for nonspecific back and neck complaints: A randomized clinical trial

B. W. Koes; L. M. Bouter; H. Van Mameren; A. H. Essers; G. M. Verstegen; D. M. Hofhuizen; J. P. Houben; P. G. Knipschild

doi:10.1097/00007632-199201000-00005

The effectiveness of manual therapy, physiotherapy, and treatment by the general practitioner for nonspecific back and neck complaints: A randomized clinical trial

B. W. Koes^*, L. M. Bouter, H. Van Mameren, A. H. Essers, G. M. Verstegen, D. M. Hofhuizen, J. P. Houben, P. G. Knipschild

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review

225 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In a randomized trial, the effectiveness of manual therapy, physiotherapy, continued treatment by the general practitioner, and placebo therapy (detuned ultrasound and detuned short-wave diathermy) were compared for patients (n = 256) with nonspecific back and neck complaints lasting for at least 6 weeks. The principle outcome measures were severity of the main complaint, global perceived effect, pain, and functional status. These are presented for 3, 6, and 12 weeks follow-up. Both physiotherapy and manual therapy decreased the severity of complaints more and had a higher global perceived effect compared to continued treatment by the general practitioner. Differences in effectiveness between physiotherapy and manual therapy could not be shown. A substantial part of the effect of manual therapy and physiotherapy appeared to be due to nonspecific (placebo) effects.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	28-35
Number of pages	8
Journal	Spine
Volume	17
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1097/00007632-199201000-00005
Publication status	Published - Jan 1992

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Koes, B. W., Bouter, L. M., Van Mameren, H., Essers, A. H., Verstegen, G. M., Hofhuizen, D. M., Houben, J. P., & Knipschild, P. G. (1992). The effectiveness of manual therapy, physiotherapy, and treatment by the general practitioner for nonspecific back and neck complaints: A randomized clinical trial. Spine, 17(1), 28-35. https://doi.org/10.1097/00007632-199201000-00005

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The effectiveness of manual therapy, physiotherapy, and treatment by the general practitioner for nonspecific back and neck complaints: A randomized clinical trial

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