Date: 30.04.19

Location: Plymouth Marjon University

Total amount of hours: 54

Formative assessment:

In this session a male client aged 24 was treated for lower back pain. The client spends many hours a day massaging and treating clients. They also regularly go to the gym.

After checking for any contraindications, the clients posture was observed. The clients hip height seemed to be equal as well as their position as they were standing. Muscle bulk within the hamstrings differed, with the right seeming to be slightly larger. The client did feel some pain on palpation as the lower back muscles. Flexion and extension at the spine were tested and full ROM seemed to be achieved however there was some pain during flexion. When testing lateral flexion, the client struggled and felt some pain on the left side, however the right there was no pain.

Effleurage and petrissage techniques were applied at the latissimus dorsi, obliques and erector spinae to help identify any knots within the muscle. The left being much tighter, this could suggest a weakness within the muscle. Also, considering the right hamstring muscle was larger, the left side of the lower back may be under more strain as it is trying to compensate for this. NMTs were applied at the left side of the lower back to help relieve tightness and remove knots.

After treatment the client was advised of some stretches which could help them to improve on the pain during their own time.

The client provided feedback of the treatment saying that confidence and communication skills need to be improved.