Exercise Therapy Basics

Summary

• Exercise therapy is well-supported by evidence for chronic low back pain — verified across 249 clinical trials involving 24,486 patients (Hayden 2021)
• However, the wrong exercise can make things worse — matching the exercise to your pain type has been shown to improve outcomes (Long 2008)
• Across 75 clinical trials, Tai Chi and Yoga ranked highly for pain reduction (Li 2023)
• A combination of core stabilization + strengthening + aerobic exercise is a well-supported approach
• Results typically peak at 6–12 weeks, but maintaining gains requires ongoing exercise
• For those who struggle with land-based exercise, aquatic therapy is a viable alternative
• Always consult a doctor or physical therapist before starting an exercise program