Here is some of the information I recently shared in the August newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This newsletter is focused on cupping research. If you would be interested in receiving my other newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STUDIES and ARTICLES
1. A study titled Effects of foot dry cupping in diabetic distal polyneuropathy: A pilot controlled clinical trial, published in Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences in Oct 2023 concludes:…this study demonstrated that cupping therapy might be effective as a complementary treatment in alleviating the symptoms of DPN…
2. A study titled Efficacy of cupping therapy on pain outcomes: an evidence-mapping study, published in Frontiers in Neurology in Oct 2023 concludes: the available evidence…suggests that cupping therapy is effective in managing chronic pain, knee osteoarthritis, low back pain, neck pain, chronic back pain, and herpes zoster.
3. A study titled Topical Application of Chamomile Oil in Combination with Dry Cupping for Dysmenorrhea: A Quasi-experimental Study, published in Traditional and Integrative Medicine in 2023 concludes: Topical application of chamomile oil an dry cupping significantly reduced the severity of pain during menstruation and it could be considered as a low-cost modality without side effects for dysmenorrhea.
4. A study titled Efficacy of Transverse Friction Massage versus Dry Cupping on Flexor Digitorum Brevis and Gastrocsoleus in patients with Plantar Fasciitis, published in European Journal of Health Sciences in October 2023 concludes: Transverse Friction massage and Dry Cupping demonstrate equivalent therapeutic benefits for plantar fasciitis patients.
5. A study titled Applications of Dry and Wet Cupping Therapy in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Narrative Review of Clinical Trials, published in Journal of Midwifery & Reproductive Health in January 2024 concludes: cupping therapy was identified as an effective method for improving primary dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, hypercholesterolemia in menopausal women, oligomenorrhea, idiopathic menorrhagia, low back pain due to pregnancy and deliver, perineal pain due to the childbirth and postpartum anxiety.
6. A study titled Comparative Effect of Myofascial Cupping Therapy to Stretching Exercises on Gastrocnemius Soreness, published in Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research in December 2023 concludes: Both myofascial cupping therapy and stretching exercises were effective in reducing gastrocnemius soreness and improving dorsiflexion ROM of the ankle joint. However, myofascial cupping therapy was more significant in its effects, making it a preferable intervention over stretching exercises for treating immediate onset muscle soreness and improving ROM.
7. A study titled Effectiveness of Dry Needling versus cupping therapy for pain in Piriformis Syndrome, published in Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research in April 2024 concludes: Both dry needling and cupping therapy are effective interventions for managing piriformis pain syndrome, with dry needling showing greater improvements in pain reduction, disability reduction, and quality of life.
Here is some of the information I recently shared in the June newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This newsletter is focused on the neck, neck pain, and whiplash research. If you would be interested in receiving my other newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STUDIES and ARTICLES
1. A case series, titled The Impact of Clinical Pilates Exercises on Tension-Type Headaches: A Case Series, published in Behavioral Sciences, concludes: 4 sessions of 30 minute classes of Pilates exercises were held for 3 weeks. The pain intensity decreased in only 2 (of 9) participants. The impact of tension-type headaches on normal daily life and ability to function was improved in all patients.
2. A study titled Effect of Feldenkrais Method and Conventional Exercise Protocol on Neck Pain and Low Back Pain in Corporate Employees Working from Home: A Comparative Study, published in Journal of Survey in Fisheries Sciences concludes: A significant reduction was found in neck pain and low back pain with Feldenkrais Method along with Conventional Exercise Protocol in corporate employees working from home.
3. A study titled Effects of Sub-Occipital Muscles inhibition Technique and Cranio-cervical Flexion Exercise for Mechanical Neck Pain, published in PJMHS in April 2023 concluded: Sub-occipital muscle inhibition technique and cranio-cervical flexion exercises are equally effective techniques to increase cervical range of motion, decrease neck disability, decrease pain intensity, and improve craniotomy-vertebral angle in patients with mechanical neck pain.
4. A study titled Ice Massage Versus Positional Release on Trapezius Trigger Points in Nonspecific Neck Pain, published in Eur. Che. Bull in 2023 concludes: Significant improvement in all variable were found in the group receiving positional release plus conventional therapy; the group receiving ice massage plus conventional therapy showed more improvement that the group receiving only conventional therapy. Those receiving only conventional therapy showed less improvement than the other two groups in all measures.
5. A study titled Effectiveness of Magnetic therapy versus exercise in elderly patients with chronic mechanical neck pain: A randomized clinical trial, published in Electronic Journal of General Medicine in 2024 concludes: results show significant improvements in both group, while the addition of magnetic therapy to exercise program induced only significant difference in the visual analog scale, single-leg stance time and time up and go tests. Magnetic group showed more response to cervical joint position sense.
6. A study titled Is adding dry needling to a standard care protocol beneficial in patients with chronic neck pain? A randomized placebo-controlled trial, published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice in May 2024 concludes: The addition of two sessions dry needling in the superficial neck muscles to a standard protocol (education, therapeutic exercise, electrotherapy) did not yield superior results compared to either the standard care alone or the standard care plus sham dry needling in patients with chronic neck pain in any outcome except for cervical range of movement.
7. A study, titled Effectiveness of Manual Compression and stretching for the Myofascial Trigger Points in Upper Trapezius and Levator Scapulae in Office Workers, published in Journal of Health Rehabilitation Research in 2024 concludes: Manual compression proved more effective than manual stretching in improving ROM and reducing pain among patients with cervical myofascial trigger points.
8. A study, titled Comparative effects of post isometric relaxation technique and Bowen’s therapy on pain, range of motion, and function in patients with temporomandibular joint disorder, published in BMC Oral Health in 2024 concludes: This study concluded that post-isometric relaxation was more effective in terms of pain, range of motions for mouth opening, lateral deviations and functional activity of temporomandibular joint disorder patients. However, both groups showed clinical results according to minimal clinical difference values.
Here is some of the information I recently shared in the January newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This newsletter is focused on the chronic pain and fibroymylagia research. If you would be interested in receiving my other newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STUDIES and ARTICLES
1. An article titled What Concept of Manual Therapy is More Effective to Improve the Health Status in Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome? A Study Protocol with Preliminary Results published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in Jan 2023 compares treatment via Myofscial techniques approach vs Maitland’s mobilization approach and concludes: patients who received MTA had significantly improved pain and health status outcomes after treatment and at 1 month follow-up, with no significant change in those who received MMA.
2. An article titled Impact of Trigger Point Dry Needling on Neck Pain, Sleep, and Depression in Patients with Fibromyalgia published in in 2023 concludes: in patients with FMS with neck discomfort, DN therapy administered to MTrPs in the trapezius muscle once per week for four sessions was beneficial in the short term. With this treatment quality of sleep and life of the patients were improved; anxiety, depression levels, and pain severity were also significantly reduced.
3. An article titled Melatonin supplementation improves rheumatological disease activity: a systematic review published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN in Jun 2023 concludes: there were positive results of melatonin administration in fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis/osteopenia but not in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
4. A review titled Effects of resistance training on sleep of patients with fibromyalgia: a systematic review published in Journal of Health Psychology in May 2023 concludes: compared with other exercise modalities, Resistance training proved tone superior to flexibility training and equivalent to aerobic exercise.
5. A study titled Effect of prebiotic and probiotic supplementation on reduced pain in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, published in Psychology, Health & Medicine in May 2023 conclude: Probiotic supplementation significantly decreased the Beck Depression Index, Beck Anxiety Index, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores compared to baseline, while prebiotic supplementation only significantly decreased Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. Moreover, participants who received probiotic treatment presented a significantly reduced Visual Analogue Scale score compared with those who received placebo treatment.
6. A study, titled Effects of Vitamin D therapy on quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia: a study from North India published in Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol in 2023 concludes: 70% of patients were deficient in vitamin D among fibromyalgia. We found that there was significant differences in visual analog score and SF-36 questionnaire after giving vitamin D therapy among fibromyalgia patients.
7. A study titled Efficacy, safety and tolerability of very low-calorie ketogenic diet in obese women with fibromyalgia: a pilot interventional study published in Frontiers in Nutrition in Jul 2023 concludes: All patient lost weight during the first period of the diet and the achievement was maintained upon reintroduction of carbohydrates. The reduction of Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was clinically meaningful in 16 of 18 patients during the veto phase and 14 once carbohydrates were reintroduced. No significant association was observed between change in BMI and improvement in patient-reported outcomes over time.
8. A study titled Saffron (Crocus sativus) and its constituents for pain management; a review of current evidence published in Phytotherapy Research in Aug 2023 concludes: Saffron analgesic activities affected several targets, including ion channels of nociceptors; the adrenergic system and central histaminic system; inhibition of inflammatory pathways, apoptotic pathways, and oxidative stress; regulation of NO pathway, and the endocannabinoid system. Clinical studies showed analgesic of Saffron in rheumatoid arthritis, after-pain following childbirth, dysmenorrhea, and fibromyalgia.
9. A study titled The effect of scapular stabilization exercises on posture and pain in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial published in International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation in Aug 2023 compares conventional exercise vs scapular stabilization exercises and concludes: both exercise programs reduced pain levels in patient with fibromyalgia. However, scapular stabilization exercises were more effective at both reducing pain and improving posture.
10. An article titled Yoga is effective for treating chronic pain in veterans with Gulf War Illness at long-term follow-up published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies in Sept 2023 concludes:compares yoga and cognitive-behavioral therapy and concludes: compared to the CBT group, yoga was associated with greater reductions in pain severity during the 6-month follow-up period.
Here is some of the information I recently shared in the December newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This newsletter is focused on the neck, neck pain, and whiplash research. If you would be interested in receiving my other newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TIDBIT
Video of neck and upper back muscles
STUDIES and ARTICLES
1. A study titled Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization vs myofascial release therapy in treatment of neck pain: a randomized clinical trial, published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders in Jun 2023 concludes: This study showed insignificant differences between groups.
2. A study titled The Difference Between the Effects of McKenzie Neck Exercise and Contract-Relax Stretching on Neck Function in Onion Peelers with Myofascial Pain Syndrome, published in Health Sciences International Conference in Jun 2023 concludes: The McKenzie neck exercise intervention is better in improving the functional ability of the neck in onion peel workers with myofascial pain syndrome compared to the intervention contract-relax stretching.
3. A scoping review titled Defining Text Neck: A Scoping Review, published in European Spine Journal in Jul 2023 “text neck is regarded as a global epidemic Yet, there is a lack of consensus concerning the definition of text neck which challenges researchers and clinicians alike.” This study showed that posture is the defining characteristic of text neck in the academic literature. For research purposes, it seems that text neck is a habit of texting on the smartphone in a flexed neck position. Since there is no scientific evidence linking text neck with neck pain regardless of the definition used, adjectives like inappropriate or incorrect should be avoided when intended to qualify posture.
4. A study titled Effect of diaphragmatic breathing, respiratory muscle stretch gymnastics and conventional physiotherapy on chest expansion, pulmonary function and pain in patients with mechanical neck pain: A single group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental pilot study, published in Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies in Oct 2023 concludes: rehabilitation strategies should emphasize breathing exercises to improve the lung function and pain scores in addition to conventional physiotherapy in rehabilitation of mechanical neck pain patients.
5. A study titled Exercise therapy including cervical extensor muscles in individuals with neck pain: a systematic review, published in Clinical Rehabilitation in Jul 2023 concludes: cervical extensor muscle exercises may reduce neck pain and disability…
6. A study titled Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Management of Neck Pain: Systematic Review, published in The Healer in 2022 concludes: laser therapy decreases pain in participants with persistent neck discomfort shortly after therapy. Laser therapy is proven to be more effective than placebo therapy in relieving arm and pain and improving cervical strength and flexibility in participants with severe pain and increasing the quality of life when compared to patients treated with a placebo laser therapy.
7. A study, titled Effectiveness of McKenzie approach and segmental spinal stabilization exercises on neck pain in individuals with cervical postural syndrome: An experimental study, published in Journal of Education and Health Promotion in July 2023 concludes: McKenzie approach and segmental spinal stabilization exercises were effective on nick pain in individuals with cervical postural syndrome, but on comparing both techniques, McKenzie protocol is more beneficial than segmental spinal stabilization exercises.
8. A study titled Effect of Pilates exercise on balance and spinal curvature in subjects with upper cross syndrome: a randomized controlled clinical trial, published in Physiotherapy Quarterly of Wroclaw University in 2023 concludes: Pilates exercise program proved better than traditional physical therapy program in improving spinal curvature, balance, and function and reducing pain in UCS.
9. A study titled Pain reduction, physical performance, and psychological status compared between Hatha yoga and stretching exercise to treat sedentary office workers with mild/moderate neck/shoulder pain: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial, published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine in Dec 2023 concludes:
• Both Hath yoga and stretching can decrease pain, anxiety/depression, and improve flexibility and neck functions.
• Hatha yoga was found to be non-inferior to stretching exercise
• Most of the participants reported being satisfied and most rated themselves as improved or much improved
• Concerning adverse events, Hatha yoga as well as stretching exercises was a safe regimen
• Hatha yoga can be an alternative or adjunct to stretching exercises for the treatment of mild to moderate MSK pain
10. A study titled Effect of Myofascial Release Therapy on Pain, Tissue Hardness, Range of Motion and Disability among patients with Text Neck Syndrome, published in Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology in 2023 concludes: Myofascial release has a better impact on treating pain, cervical range of motion, disability, and tissue hardness among patients with text neck syndrome.
TIDBIT
Short video from Francois Albaranes Osteopathe of neck and upper back muscles during movements.
Here is some of the information I recently shared in the October newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This newsletter is focused on the fascia, myofascia and trigger point research. If you would be interested in receiving my other newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STUDIES and ARTICLES
1. An article titled Comparative Effects of Strain Counter-strain and Ischemic Compression Technique in Patients with Upper Trapezius Trigger Points, published in Pakistan Journal of Medical & Health Sciences in 2023 concludes: A 4-week intervention of the ischemic compression and strain counter-strain produced significant results in reducing the intensity of pain, the cervical disability and improving the cervical range of motion, but the intergroup comparison showed that both the ischemic compression and strain counter-strain were equally effective and none of them produced significant results as compared to others on patients with upper trapezius trigger points.
2. An article titled Effect of Myofascial Release Technique and Muscle Stretching on Pain and Cervical Range of Motion in Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points, published in International Journal of Current Science in April 2023 concludes: Myofascial release technique is an effective therapeutic option in the treatment of active myofascial trigger points in upper trapezius muscles.
3. A student dissertation titled Shock Wave Therapy versus Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique in Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points, published in Eur. Chem. Bull. May 2023 concludes: In terms of pain intensity level, pressure pain threshold, cervical range of motion, and function ability level for the upper trapezius myofascial trigger point patients, Shock Wave Therapy shows more improvement than the Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique.
4. A study titled Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization versus myofascial release therapy in the treatment of chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial, published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders in Jun 2023 concludes: This study showed insignificant differences between groups. However, we did not use a control group, indicating that the improvement in outcomes may not have been caused by the intervention.
5. A study titled The Effect of ISBT-Bowen Therapy in the Treatment of Myofascial Neck Pain—a Randomized, Single-Blinded Clinical Trial, published in Int J There Massage Bodywork in Jun 2023 concludes: This study confirmed the efficacy of ISBT-Bowen Therapy for patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome. It alleviates pain, improves functional outcomes, enhances quality of life, and relieves mood symptoms.
6. A study titled Pressure Algometer: An Effective Diagnostic Tool to Identify Latent Myofascial Trigger Points, published in Special Issue of National Conference on Humanity and Social Sciences in Sept 2022 concludes: …we observed that the pressure algometer is a very useful, reliable, and inexpensive device to identify myofascial trigger points as compared to ultrasonography. Many authors recommend using this device.
7. A study titled Correlation of Myofascial Trigger Points with Upper Limb Disability in Post Mastectomy Females in Pakistan, published in Pakistan Journal of Rehabilitation in Feb 2023 concludes: …there is a highly significant relation between trigger points in muscles and disability of upper extremity in female patients after mastectomy.
8. A study titled Effects of foam rolling on vastus intermedius and lateralis microvascular blood flow, published in Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies in Jul 2023 concludes: The common assumption of intramuscular Micro Blood Flow improvement due to Foam Rolling could not be confirmed for up to 30 min after the intervention. If an increase in intramuscular metabolism or Micro Blood Flow is intended, we recommend that alternative methods (i.e., traditional warm-up) should be preferred.
9. A student dissertation titled The Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques in Relieving Low Back Pain of Quadratus Lumborum Myofascial Origin, published in Eur. Chem. Bull in 2023 concludes: MET’s are an effective treatment for Lower Back Pain of the Quadratus Lumborum myofascial origin.
10. A student dissertation titled Myofascial Release versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain; A Randomized Controlled Trial, published in Eur. Chem. Bull in 2023 concludes: Myofascial release is more beneficial than proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation regarding pain and disability and high upper trapezius pain pressure threshold while in suboccipital pain pressure threshold proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation was more effective after six sessions while after twelve sessions both techniques are equally effective. Regarding range of motion both techniques are equally effective except in right rotation: myofascial release was more effective.
Here is some of the information I recently shared in the September newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This newsletter is focused on the lymph system and lymphatic drainage. If you would be interested in receiving my other newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Resources
STUDIES and ARTICLES
1. A study titled Lymphatic Function Decreases Over Time in the Arms on Breast Cancer Patients Following Treatment, published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Sept 2022 concludes: Lymphatic function in the ipsilateral arm deteriorated over time after adjuvant breast cancer therapy. Furthermore, the presence of abnormal torturous lymphatic vessels in asymptomatic arms appeared to be associated with weak lymphatic reserve pumping capacity.
2. A study, titled Superficial and functional imaging of the tricipital lymphatic pathway: a modern reintroduction published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment in Nov 2022 concludes: When present, the tricipital pathway coursed along the posterior upper arm with variability in its connections to the forearm distally, and the torso proximally. It may drain lymphatic fluid directly to the scapular lymph nodes, avoiding the axillary lymph node groups.
3. A study, Detection of Lymphatic Vessels in the Superficial Fascia of the Abdomen published in MDPI in March 2023 states: The evaluation of specific characteristics of cells, fibers, blood circulation, and innervation has shown that the superficial fascia has a clear and distinct anatomical identity, but knowledge about lymphatic vessels in relation to the superficial fascia has not been described. In the papillary dermis, a huge presence of lymphatic vessels was highlighted, parallel to the skin surface and embedded in the loose connective tissue. In the superficial adipose tissue, thin lymphatic vessels were found, close to the fibrous septa connecting the dermis to the deeper layers. The deep adipose tissue showed a comparable overall content of lymphatic vessels with respect to the superficial layer; they followed the blood vessel and had a larger diameter. In the superficial fascia, the lymphatic vessels showed higher density and a larger diameter, in both the longitudinal and transverse directions along the fibers, as well as vessels that intertwined with one another, forming a rich network of vessels.
4. A study titled The Prevalence of the Axillo-Inguinal Lymphatic Pathway in Lymphedema of the Extremities and Potential Therapeutic Implications published in Lymphatic Research and Biology in Mar 2023 states: The axillo-inguinal (or inguino-axillary) is a compensatory lymphatic drainage pathway regularly utilized by lymphedema therapists when applying manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) for upper and lower extremity lymphedema. The findings suggest that the axillo-inguinal pathway is an infrequent compensatory drainage pathway in lower extremity lymphedema and rare in upper extremity lymphedema
5. A study, The Effect of Manual Lymph Drainage and Compression Bandaging for Stage 2 Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Randomized Controlled Trial, published in Lymphatic Research and Biology in May 2023 concludes: MLD or CB alone could effectively reduce the volume of affected arms for patients with stage 2 BCRL, and CB also could reduce the LTW( Local tissue water) more significantly. CDT did not seem to show an extra advantage. Therefore, CB may be the first choice for stage 2 BCRL. But for patients who are unwilling or intolerant to CB, MLD can be selected.
6. A study titled The effects of Kinesio tapes on facial swelling following bimaxillary orthognatic surgery in the supraclavicular region, published in Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Jun 2023 concludes: As a result of taping lymphatic Kinesio tape on the affected area, tension was reduced, and lymphatic circulation was restored. Blood and lymph microcirculation was improved, enabling the body to heal itself.Kinesio tape reduced swelling after orthognathic surgery in a positive way.
RESOURCES