Thai readers searching for new hope in the battle against recurrent low back pain may be encouraged by a recent international study validating the Canali Postural Method (CPM), a personalized exercise technique backed by solid science. A collaborative team from Italy’s National Research Council and Temple University in the US published their findings in the respected journal Healthcare, demonstrating that CPM offers significantly greater pain relief and functional recovery than conventional exercise programs for people with non-specific low back pain—a condition that remains a leading cause of disability both globally and in Thailand.
With nearly 700 million people worldwide estimated to suffer from low back pain at any given time, its toll on productivity, quality of life, and healthcare resources is enormous. In Thailand, lower back pain (LBP, known locally as “ปวดหลัง”) is a familiar complaint among office workers, motorbike taxi drivers, rice farmers, and the elderly—a reflection of the country’s changing yet physically demanding lifestyles. Most cases, like those included in the study, are “non-specific,” meaning there is no identifiable cause such as a herniated disc, making effective, long-term treatment notoriously challenging (Wikipedia).
The new research employed a quasi-experimental, controlled design with 70 adults divided into two balanced groups: one following a four-week CPM program and one engaging in a standard set of strengthening, stretching, and core exercises. Both interventions involved twice-weekly, one-on-one sessions and daily home exercises. Notably, the CPM approach began with a personalized assessment to identify each participant’s unique postural imbalances, which then informed individually-tailored exercise plans that emphasized posture reprogramming by integrating kinesiological principles—expanding beyond just core or flexibility training. In contrast, the conventional group received a one-size-fits-all exercise regimen.
Statistical analyses revealed clearly superior results for the CPM group. Participants experienced an average pain reduction of over 41 mm on a standard 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), far exceeding the “minimal clinically important difference” needed for meaningful patient improvement (MDPI study). Disability scores, as measured by the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), also dropped more in the CPM group both immediately after the four-week intervention and at the three-month follow-up. Both sets of participants were similar in age, gender, and initial disability, strengthening the study’s findings.
“By fostering the development of new motor patterns and a harmonized movement experience, CPM may enhance motor control and reduce musculoskeletal stress, leading to pain relief and functional improvement,” noted lead author Saverio Sabina of CNR in the published paper. Co-author Antonio Giordano, MD, PhD, from Temple University in the US, emphasized, “The scientific validation of innovative methods is essential. The Canali Postural Method proves to be a promising tool to address a significant social and economic issue such as chronic low back pain.”
CPM’s creator, Vincenzo Canali, explained the broader vision: “Our goal has always been to help people regain lasting postural and functional balance, improving quality of life through an integrated approach that respects human physiology.” The CPM focuses on re-educating posture by first systematically identifying muscular imbalances and compensatory postural arrangements—a detailed process often missing from typical exercise programs, which tend to focus on core strengthening, stretching, or generic routines that may not address underlying movement dysfunctions.
Physiatrist and study co-author Patrizia Maiorano remarked, “In rehabilitation, we are constantly seeking innovative strategies. The Canali Method proves to be a technique capable of supporting pain resolution and functional recovery in all conditions related to overload and postural imbalance.” These findings are especially relevant for Thai society, where musculoskeletal complaints are so common they have become a regular part of daily conversation—ไม่ว่าใครก็ปวดหลังได้ (Anyone can get back pain).
Thailand-specific adaptation and implementation, however, may pose both opportunities and challenges. While CPM is gaining scientific traction in Europe, its personalized, expert-led framework could be a challenge in a context where many Thais seek quick-fix remedies or self-medicate with over-the-counter painkillers for back complaints. Yet, Thai physical therapists and rehabilitation clinics, many of which now offer personalized assessment and movement correction, may find CPM’s structured and evidence-based focus on individualized posture correction aligns with the emerging trends in sports science and physical medicine here (ThaiJO). Many physiotherapy clinics in Bangkok and upcountry are already experimenting with a mix of core stability, yoga, Pilates, and traditional Thai massage—often with mixed results—highlighting the clear need for structured, validated interventions.
The cultural resonance of posture runs deep in Thai beliefs as well: good posture is not only a sign of health but also of discipline and composure—คุณภาพชีวิตที่ดีเริ่มที่ท่าทาง (a quality life begins with good posture). As Thai society ages, chronic lower back pain threatens to become an even more significant public health burden for families and the national healthcare system alike.
One crucial implication of the CPM study is its suggestion that exercise therapy for lower back pain should not be “one size fits all.” Instead, careful screening for musculoskeletal imbalances and multi-step posture re-assessment, which are core to CPM, may produce better results for individuals struggling with persistent pain. Integrating wearable sensors or digital tools for home exercise adherence—something the study identified as needing improvement—could be particularly suitable for tech-savvy Thai urbanites, while community-based health programs might adapt the method for groups in rural areas.
Although the CPM study’s follow-up period was limited to three months, the significant and clinically meaningful reduction in pain and disability compared to generic exercise is compelling—though longer-term studies are needed for full confidence. “Standardizing its application ensures consistency in training and implementation across practitioners, facilitating rigorous research and a deeper understanding of its mechanisms and efficacy,” the authors argued (source). Study limitations included a relatively small sample and possible bias in participant selection, but the methodology was robust and the outcomes clear.
Looking ahead, there is space for Thai rehabilitation researchers and physical therapy educators to trial CPM in local contexts, comparing outcomes to existing core stability and stretching programs while paying attention to Thai lifestyle factors—such as sitting cross-legged on the floor, long periods on motorbikes or in traffic, and the prevalence of informal labor—known to contribute to poor posture and chronic pain. The increasingly urgent need for effective, safe, non-drug interventions for back pain is underlined by growing concerns about opioid overuse and surgery’s limited benefit for non-specific cases (Wikipedia: Low back pain).
For Thai readers—whether you are a busy office worker, a caregiver for the elderly, or someone fighting off a daily sense of “หลังยอก” (a Thai term for a stiff or locked back)—simple, self-directed exercise programs are a useful start. But it may be time to look for local physical therapists or rehabilitation clinics that offer thorough, personalized posture assessments and tailor exercise regimens to your exact needs. While CPM is not yet widespread in Thailand, its evidence-based approach to individualized movement retraining could help set a new standard. When considering exercise programs for low back pain, ask practitioners if they assess your posture and muscular imbalances and whether programs are customized for you—not just a generic set of exercises.
The key takeaway for Thai society is clear: treating chronic lower back pain is not just about “standing up straight” or “strengthening your core,” but about targeted, science-backed interventions that honor the complexity of the human body and its movements. As more Thai clinics, insurers, and public health leaders look forward, integrating proven methods like CPM—and evaluating their impact through local studies—could provide new hope for millions living with this all-too-common pain.
For further reading, the full research publication is open access at MDPI Healthcare, and the general news coverage can be found at Medical Xpress. More background on low back pain, its challenges, and strategies for management in global and Thai contexts is available via Wikipedia and local research summaries (ThaiJO).
Practical action for Thai readers: If you suffer with persistent low back pain, do not rely solely on self-medication or generic routines. Seek out a physiotherapist who can perform a full postural assessment and tailor a program to your body’s needs. Ask about scientifically-backed, personalized methods such as CPM, and stay active within your pain limits—resume daily activities as much as possible, as current guidelines worldwide recommend. If you’re a policymaker or provider, consider supporting continuing education for local therapists in innovative, evidence-based exercise therapies to improve quality of life for all Thais, young and old.