Efficacy of Mulligan bent leg raise technique on neurophysiologic response in lumbar radiculopathy with radiating pain up to knee joint – A case study

Abstract

Purpose. Present study describe the case of lumbar radiculopathy with radiating pain up to knee joint managed with Mulligan bent leg raise (BLR) technique. Case presentation. Total six intervention sessions were carried out over two consecutive weeks, three times per week. Three repetitions of BLR techniques with 5-10 seconds of sustained stretch with one minute rest between each repetition were given on first visit. On consecutive visits six repetitions were delivered in pain free zone. Study outcomes were measured by using straight leg raise (SLR) range of motion and “visual analog scale (VAS)” for back and leg pain. After two weeks of interventions, range of motion of SLR was increased from 45° to 56° while VAS score improve by 3 points both in back and radiating thigh pain. Conclusions. Mulligan BLR technique resulted in reduction in back and radiating thigh pain as well as increase in range of SLR. Therefore, Mulligan BLR technique can be used a first line of treatment in lumbar radiculopathy with radiating pain up to knee joint.

Keywords

• low back pain
• manual therapy
• physical therapy
• physiotherapy techniques