Physiotherapy assessment and intervention for patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy : A self-study material for physiotherapy students

Abstract

This thesis was commenced by examining foundational knowledge related to the diagnosis of Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy (LDHR), including its symptomatology, prevalence, diagnostic methodologies, and management strategies. It subsequently explored the evaluation process, such as relevant history, tests, and scales, and provided recommendations for various therapeutic exercise interventions as an effective treatment approach. Employing an action-based research framework to ensure a robust evidence base, the thesis aimed to consolidate existing knowledge from scientific databases to address the research question: "What are the recommended effective assessment tools and physiotherapy interventions for managing individuals with Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy?"

The objective was to develop evidence-based self-study material for physiotherapy students at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences. Data for the thesis were obtained from reputable sources such as PubMed, Google Scholar, The Cochrane Library, PEDro, and other healthcare and physiotherapy-related websites. The self-study material was presented to last year's students, aligning with their advanced clinical training and potential encounters with patients presenting LDHR.

The thesis offers an overview of the latest clinical recommendations on how to evaluate lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy using physiotherapy assessment and insights into scientifically based effective management with therapeutic exercise. The importance of patient education, attention to mental health, and individualized treatment plans are highlighted as central contributors to the effectiveness of a multimodal rehabilitation plan. A thesis can be used in preparation for the assessment and treatment of a patient with LDHR as a reference material.