Multimodal Physiotherapy Management of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Lumbar disc herniation may cause pain, muscle spasm, mobility limitations, and restrictions in daily and occupational activities. Physiotherapy may address these problems through a multimodal rehabilitation approach.
Objective: To describe the observed clinical changes following multimodal physiotherapy management in a patient with lumbar disc herniation.
Methods: This descriptive case report involved a 72-year-old man with lumbar disc herniation, approximately six months of symptoms, and physically demanding work as a gardener. Initial assessment was conducted on April 29, 2026, and final evaluation on May 4, 2026. The patient received four physiotherapy sessions, each lasting 75 minutes, at Physio Sakti Clinic, Makassar, Indonesia. The intervention included physical modalities, manual techniques, stretching, therapeutic exercises, lumbar traction, bridging and strengthening exercises, and walking training. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and anxiety using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HRS-A).
Results: Resting pain decreased from 2 to 0, movement pain from 7 to 3, and pressure pain from 8 to 5 on the VAS. The HRS-A score decreased from 15 to 10. No adverse events were reported during the intervention period. Postintervention measurements for muscle spasm, mobility, muscle strength, flexibility, activities of daily living, and occupational function were unavailable.
Conclusion: Following four sessions of multimodal physiotherapy, reductions in recorded pain intensity and HRS-A scores were observed. However, this single case, multimodal intervention, and limited outcome follow-up preclude conclusions regarding causal effectiveness or longer-term functional outcomes.