The use of electrical stimulation and exercise for strengthening lumbar musculature: a case study.

Electrical stimulation is a modality often used for muscle reeducation and strengthening. Research involving the knee musculature has been performed comparing the use of electrical stimulation and voluntary exercise. The purpose of this case study is to describe the use of electrical stimulation in conjunction with exercise on the lumbar musculature of a patient with pain and hypermobility at L5-S1. The patient's treatment program consisted of electrical stimulation and exercise. Ultrasound, moist heat, and ice were also used for pain relief. Within two weeks of treatment, the patient had full trunk range of motion in all planes, with no pain upon return from forward bending to the toes to an erect posture. The patient also exhibited improved stability of L5-S1 with segmental mobility testing. Upon discharge from physical therapy, she had resumed all activities of daily living and was jogging two and a half miles at an eight-minute pace. The role of the erector spinae muscle group in function and posture is also discussed. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1991;14(2):61-64.