88 patients with low back pain (LBP) due to lumbar degenerative instability were randomized to receive either Chinese Tuina (a manipulative therapy) in combination with core stability exercises or a control group using Tuina alone. The purpose of this study was to determine whether combined treatment would yield more beneficial outcomes compared to Tuina alone. Findings indicated significantly improved Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores in the combined treatment group compared to Tuina alone after 6-weeks treatment, as well as a lower rate of recurrence after one year follow-up.