Comparing the effectiveness of laser therapy with pelvic floor strengthening exercises and interferential therapy in reducing postpartum low back pain

Background. Postpartum low back pain is a common discomfort reported by women, which has a multifactorial etiology. Physical therapy during and after pregnancy helps to resolve various pregnancy-related and postpartum discomforts, impacting the daily activities of the mother. Objective. The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of laser therapy with pelvic floor strengthening exercises and interferential therapy in reducing postpartum low back pain. Methodology. This study involved 30 individuals selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and they were randomly allotted to two groups receiving the two physiotherapy interventions. Application of hot packs was advised to both groups. NPRS and Oswestry Disability Index were used to analyse the effect of the interventions by comparing the severity of the symptoms associated with postpartum low back pain before and after receiving the allotted treatment for 4 weeks. Results. Significant differences in NPRS and ODI were noted in both groups, indicating the efficiency of both laser therapy with exercises and IFT. However, laser therapy with exercises was more effective in reducing the pain and preventing further pain in comparison to IFT. Conclusion. The conclusion of this study states that both laser with exercises and IFT reduced the severity of pain, among which laser therapy with pelvic floor strengthening was comparatively more effective than IFT.