The focus of this article is to introduce the MyoRack™ for the treatment of low back pain. The MyoRack was developed to assist the rehabilitation, maintenance, and enhancement of the musculoskeletal system of a human low back via stretching, strengthening, and relaxing the muscles. The MyoRack, unique in its design for range of motion, can easily be completed through all four quadrants of the torso to create a healthy, balanced low back that has the strength and elasticity to carry the body through everyday activities.

Trained therapists (particularly massage therapists) who are registered in their field and have extensive training in muscle physiology, neurophysiology, and surface electromyography (SEMG) use the MyoRack.

Treatment for the low back consists of two parts: facilitated movements using the MyoRack and a personal home-exercise program designed upon the assessment of an individual's condition.

Facilitated Movements

Forward Bends

What makes the MyoRack unique is that it removes the strain from the muscles in the low back during forward flexion and the return to upright. The individual places his or her arms over the bolster (arm sticking out from the body of the MyoRack) and engages the abdominals. The bolster moves in a linear-force manner through an arc. Because of the way the bolster is weighted, it creates strength through the abdominals and core. Yet at the same time, the erector spinae and other muscles in the low back can stay relaxed and gently lengthen and stretch during flexion. Flexion is done to the point of pain, with no intention to push through it. The individual performs repetitions—combined with breathing techniques—to limber the muscles and spine, and holds until lengthening is felt through the muscles in the low back.

Due to a carefully counterbalanced weight system, the bolster returns the individual to the upright position, keeping 100% of the length and space gained in the muscles and spine during flexion.

Side Bends

This process is exactly the same as flexion—strengthening one side while gently stretching the other. The arm can be positioned in various positions to create further stretching of the latissimus dorsi, thoracic erectors, and abdominals.

Movements are always done to both sides of the body; however, based upon the SEMG results from the flexion/extension part of the assessment, side flexion may not be equal. The reasoning for this is that the side that produces a significant increase in electrical activity through the forward bend has a tendency to have trigger-point activity. Hence, the muscle is shorter in length and often causes pain.

Over time, this "imbalance" creates wear and tear in the joints, as the uneven forces between the left and right side, do not allow the joint to articulate properly. Our philosophy is to restore the body to its natural balance and alignment.

Extension

Extension is the first movement that decreases due to aging. Due to our modern lifestyle and the way our bodies are designed, most activities occur facing forward, bent over, and/or looking down. This forces our bodies to be pulled forward, creating head-forward posture and rounded shoulders. Extension allows the torso to stretch in the opposite direction, thereby aligning and decompressing the spine. This movement tends to be everyone's favorite type of stretch.

Pelvic Symmetry

Muscles in the low back attach along the iliac crest, and if there is asymmetry found within the pelvis the back is automatically involved. The gluteals, hip extensors, and hip flexors all play a huge role in the symmetry of the pelvis and overall back health. These muscles are assessed using SEMG techniques and also range-of-motion techniques designed in conjunction with the MyoRack.

Stu Donaldson, PhD, is the director of medical/clinical and research services for Electromyographic Back Rehabilitation Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He has 25 years of experience in the field and published more than 30 articles in referred journals. He can be contacted at . Tamsin Hodgetts, BA, RMT, has worked with Stu Donaldson, PhD, for 10 years as a registered massage therapist. She has extensive training and practical experience in the field of surface electromyography. She can be reached at .