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

  1. Myofascial therapy vs Maitland's Mobilization approach
  2. Trigger Point Dry Needling
  3. Melatonin improves rheumatological disease activity
  4. Effects of resistance training on sleep
  5. Effect of pre-biotic and pro-biotics on fibromyalgia
  6. Effects of Vitamin D on quality of life
  7. Low-calorie keto diet for obese women with fibroymyalgia
  8. Saffron for pain management
  9. Effect of scapular stabilization on posture
  10. Yoga for chronic pain

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 August newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus.  This newsletter is focused on cupping. 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

  1. Dry cupping effect on Chronic Knee Pain
  2. Cupping massage vs dry static cupping for musculoskeletal pain
  3. Cupping vs Kinesio-taping for carpal tunnel
  4. IASTM, electro dry needling, and cupping for Tennis Elbow
  5. Cupping vs integrated neuromuscular inhibition
  6. Anti-obesity effect of cupping
  7. Static vs Dynamic Decompression Muscle Power
  8. Compression vs decompression for low back pain

STUDIES and ARTICLES

1. A study titled The Effect of Dry Cupping Therapy on Chronic Knee Pain and Activities of Daily Living in Elderly Women, published in Journal of Gerontology in Mar 2023 concludes: dry cupping therapy is effective in reducing chronic knee pain and increasing daily activities of elderly women.

2.  A study titled Effects of Dry Cupping Massage Compared to Static Dry Cupping on Musculoskeletal Pain: A Meta-Analysis, published in Fresno ProQuest Dissertations Publishing in 2023 concludes: The Visual Analogue Scale and Physical Component Score grand effect sizes were small and statistically insignificant while the Neck Disability Index had a large effect size favoring cupping massage. Therefore, we can conclude that there is no difference in effect between the 2 interventions on pain and quality of life. However, cupping massage appears to be superior to decreasing disability in the neck.

3. A study titled Comparison of 4 weeks of cupping and Kinesio-taping on clinical and ultrasound outcomes of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy, published in Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies in Jul 2023 concludes: Both cupping and Kinesio-taping improved clinical and ultrasound outcomes of CTS. However, efficacy of cupping compared to Kinesio-taping was better in improvement of median nerve cross-sectional area at hamate hook and pisiform levels, symptoms severity scale, and functional status scale…

4. A study titled Effect of IASTM, Electro dry Needling, and Cupping Therapy in the Treatment of Tennis Elbow, published in International Journal of Development Research in April 2022 concludes: The combination of IASTM, electro dry needling and cupping therapy results in better improvement in Tennis Elbow treatment than conventional therapy, electro dry needling, and cupping therapy alone.

5. A study titled Effect of myofascial cupping vs integrated neuromuscular inhibition techniques on pain and neck movement in individuals with latent trigger point in trapezius, published in Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal in March 2023 concludes; Myofascial cupping was more effective than Integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique in improving pain. However, both interventions showed similar effects on pressure pain threshold and neck lateral flexion on latent TrP in the trapezius.

6. A study titled Systematic review and meta-analysis of the anti-obesity effect of cupping therapy published in Medicine in Jun 2023 concludes: Overall, our results show that cupping therapy can be used to treat obesity in terms of Body Weight, Body Mass Index, Hip Circumference, and Waist Circumference and is a safe intervention for the treatment of obesity

7.  A study titled Comparison of Static and Dynamic Myofascial Decompression on Gastrosoleus Muscle Power and Latent Trigger Point Pain in Normal Healthy Women, published in Medical Journal Of Dr. D.Y.Patil Vidyapeeth in Jun 2023 concludes: Static and Dynamic myofascial decompression are equally effective in reducing pain and improving gastro-soleus muscle power in subjects with latent trigger points. There was a sustained carry-over effect seen in the vertical jump height test in the dynamic myofascial decompression group after 5 days of intervention.

8.  A study titled Effects of Instrument-Assisted Compressive Versus Decompressive Myofascial Release in Patient with Non-Specific Low Back Pain, published in The Therapist in Jun 2023 concludes: Pain severity and disability score in the decompressive myofascial release group reduced significantly compared to the compressive myofascial release group at the end of the third week and first week respectively. Lumbar flexion and extension ROM improved significantly in the compressive release group as compared to the decompressive release group after 1 and 2 weeks respectively.

Here is some of the information I recently shared in the June newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus.  This newsletter is focused on PTSD and trauma. This is the final newsletter on this topic. 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

  1. Emotional numbing in PTSD with lower reactivity to pain
  2. Forgetting of trauma-like event after hydrocortisone
  3. PTSD stress symptoms relationship to chronic pain
  4. Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy for treatment-resistant PTSD
  5. Effects of diet low in excitotoxins on PTSD
  6. Melatonin alleviates PTSD-like behaviors and restores serum GABA
  7. Comparing Service dogs vs Emotional support dogs
  8. PTSD-induced inflammation impacts cardiac homeostatsis

TIDBIT

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing part 1: theory, procedure, and use in PTSD

STUDIES and ARTICLES

1. A research paper, titled Emotional numbing in PTSD is associated with lower amygdala reactivity to pain, published in Neuropsychopharacology in Aug 2022 concludes: …the PTSD group showed a robust reduction in amygdala reactivity to shock compared to the control group. Furthermore, amygdala activation was negatively correlated with emotional numbing severity. These patterns were unique to the amygdala, and did not appear in comparison to a control region, the insula, a pivotal region for the processing of pain. To conclude, amygdala response to pain is lower in individuals with PTSD, and is associated with emotional numbing symptoms. Lower amygdala reactivity to mild pain may contribute to the “all-or-none” reaction to stressful situations often observed in PTSD.

2.  A study titled Accelerated forgetting of a trauma-like event in healthy men and women after a single dose of hydrocortisone, published in Translational Psychiatry in Aug 2022, concludes: …participants receiving hydrocortisone showed a faster reduction in daily intrusion frequency. Voluntary memory was assessed once, at the end of the week, but was unaffected by hydrocortisone Exploratory analyses indicated sex-dependent associations between intrusions and baseline estradiol and progesterone levels. In men given hydrocortisone, higher baseline estradiol levels were associated with fewer intrusions, whereas women exhibited the opposite pattern. By contrast, progesterone levels were positively associated with intrusions only in men treated with hydrocortisone. The finding suggests that hydrocortisone promotes an accelerated degradation of sensory-perceptual representation underlying traumatic intrusive memories. In addition, while sex alone was not an important moderator, the combination of sex and sex-hormone levels influenced hydrocortisone’s effects on involuntary aversive memories

3. A study titled The role of post-trauma stress symptoms in the development of chronic musculoskeletal pain and disability: a systematic review, published in European Journal of Pain in Oct 2022 concludes: Findings support a clear relationship between PTSD post-injury and future pain/disability with the potential importance of certain PTSD clusters (hyper-arousal and numbing).

4. A study titled Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Veterans with Treatment-resistant PTSD: A longitudinal Follow-up Study, published in Military Medicine in November 2022 concludes: the beneficial clinical effects of HBOT are persistent and were not attenuated at long-term follow-up of about 2 years after completion of HBOT. Additional long-term effects of the treatment were observed in social function and in decreased medication use.

5. A research article titled Effects of a diet low in excitotoxins on PTSD symptoms and related biomarkers published in Nutritional Neuroscience in Dec 2022 concludes: while no serum biomarkers significantly changed post-diet (low glutamate), cortisol increased as dietary excitotoxin consumption decreased…reduced dietary excitotoxin consumption was also associated with reduced hyperarousal symptoms. Cortisol increase was associated with reduced avoidance symptoms…

6. A study titled Melatonin alleviates PTSD-like behaviors and restores serum GABA and cortisol levels in mice, published in Psychopharmacology in Jan 2023 concluded: melatonin has a potential therapeutic effect on PTSD-like symptoms and melatonin receptor 1 mediated the effect.

7.  A study titled Therapeutic and Economic Benefits of Service Dogs versus Emotional Support Dogs for Veterans with PTSD, published in Psychiatric Services in Jan 2023 concludes: both groups appeared to benefit from having a service or emotional support dog. No significant differences in improved functioning or quality of life were observed between the groups. Those in the service dog group had a greater reduction in PTSD symptoms and better antidepressant adherence.

8.  A study titled PTSD-induced inflammation negatively impacts cardiac homeostasis, published in Physiology in May 2023 concludes: PTSD-induced cardiac stress is leading to macrophage recruitment and cardiac fibrosis which likely over time will lead to deterioration of myocardial function.

TIDBIT

An article titled Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: part 1 - theory, procedure and use in PTSD, published by Cambridge University Press in Jun 2022 “reviews the theory behind how EMDR works, how it is conducted, the evidence supporting its use in the treatment of PTSD and its approved indications and contraindications.”

Here is some of the information I recently shared in the January newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus.  This newsletter is focused on chronic pain and Fibromyalgia. If you would be interested in receiving my 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

  1. Hidden neural network in deep fasciae
  2. Manual therapy for temporomandibular joint dysfunction
  3. Effectiveness of strain-counterstrain vs muscle energy technique on neck pain
  4. Effect of dry needling on lumbar stiffness
  5. Anatomy review of deep fascia and its role in chronic pain
  6. Melatonin therapy in chronic pain syndrome
  7. Circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids ratios effect on pain conditions
  8. Association of VItamin B12 with fatigue in fibromyalgia
  9. Neural changes after Emotional Freedom Technique reduces pain
  10. Effect of anti-inflammatory and low-FODMAP diet in fibromyalgia

STUDIES and ARTICLES

1. An article titled Evidence of a new hidden neural network into deep fasciae, published in Scientific Reports in Jun 2021 states:  It is recognized that different fasciae have different type of innervation…in this work the aponeurotic thoracolumbar fascia and the epymisial gluteal fascia were analysed…with the aim to study the organization of nerve fibers, the presence of nerve corpuscles, and the amount of autonomic innervation. Based on the results, it is suggested that the two fasciae have different roles in proprioception and pain perception: the free nerve endings inside thoracolumbar fascia may function as proprioceptors, regulating the tensions coming from associated muscles and have a role in nonspecific low back pain, whereas the epymisial fasciae works to coordinate the actions of the various motor units of the underlying muscle.

2.  An article titled Effectiveness of Manual Therapy in Treating Myofascial Pain Related to Temporomandibular Dysfunction: Systemic Literature Review, published in International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Science in Jun 2021 concludes:  Manual physical therapy is effective in the treatment of myofascial pain related to TMD. Thus, this treatment modality must be considered as one of the therapies in reducing muscle pain related to TMD.

3. An article titled Immediate Effect of Strain Counterstrain Technique versus Muscle Energy Technique on Upper Trapezius Tenderness in Non-Specific Neck Pain, published in International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research in Jun 2021 concludes:  Both techniques are equally effective in treating pain, increasing lateral flexion and rotation range of motion, and improving pain pressure sensitivity.

4. A review titled Effect of dry needling on lumbar muscle stiffness in patients with low back pain: A double blind, randomized controlled trial using shear wave elastography, published in Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy in Sept 2021 concludes: dry needling appears to reduce resting erector spine muscle stiffness following treatment of patients with LBP.

5. An anatomy review, published in Clinical Anatomy in Apr 2022, titled The deep fascia and its role in chronic pain and pathological conditions: A review states: The deep fascia is a three-dimensional continuum of connective tissue surrounding the bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels throughout our body. Its importance in chronically debilitating conditions has recently been brought to light. We find that five main deep fasciae pathologies are: chronic low back pain, chronic neck pain, Dupuytren’s disease, plantar fasciitis, and iliotibial band syndrome. The corresponding fasciae are respectively the thoracolumbar fascia, the cervical fascia, the palmar fascia, the plantar fascia, and the iliotibial tract. Pathological fascia is characterized by increased tissue stiffness along with alterations in myofibroblast activity and the extra-cellular matrix, both in terms of collagen and Matrix Metalloproteases (MMP) levels. Innervation changes such as increased density and sensitization of nociceptive nerve fibers are observed.

6. A study, titled Melatonin therapy in chronic pain syndrome, published in International Institute for Brain Health in Zagreb, Croatia concludes: …melatonin anti-nociceptive mechanisms have a complex structure. On one hand, being a chronobiotic melatonin restores circadian rhythm, increasing the adaptive capabilities of the body. On the other hand, the anxiolytic effect of melatonin leads to a decrease in pain through the decrease of anxiety and vegetative reactions. There is a direct analgesic effect of melatonin on the melatonin receptors in the areas of the brain responsible for pain perception and control, and on several neurotransmitter systems (GABA, opiod, L-arginine/NO pathway, etc.)

7.  A study titled Circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids, pressure pain thresholds, and nociplastic pain conditions, published in Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids in Sept 2022 concludes:  a higher Omega6/Omega3 ratio was associated with more pain conditions. Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids may promote a generalizes up-regulation of nociceptive processing.

8. A study titled Association of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and Thyroid-stimulating Hormone with Fatigue and Neurologic Symptoms in Patients with Fibromyalgia,published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings; Innovations, Quality & Outcomes in Aug 2022 concluded:  fatigue and memory loss were more common in the B12 deficiency group

9. A study titled Neural changes after Emotional Freedom Techniques treatment for chronic pain sufferers, published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice in Nov 2022 concludes:  the study supports findings that EFT may have the ability to significantly reduce pain symptomology and associated psychological indicators. The neuroimaging results add by suggesting EFT also potentially affects connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex, bilateral grey matter areas in the posterior cingulate cortex, and thalamus in chronic pain sufferers.

10. An article titled An anti-inflammatory and low fermentable oligo, di, and monosaccharides and polyols diet improved patient reported outcomes in fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial, published in Frontiers in Nutrition in Aug 2022 concludes:  an anti-inflammatory and low-FODMAP diet improved clinical features in patients with FM and may be useful as a complement to pharmacological therapy

Here is some of the information I recently shared in the December newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus.  This newsletter is focused on neck pain and upper cross syndrome. If you would be interested in receiving my 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

  1. Kinesio tape combined with stretching vs stretching for neck pain
  2. SCM stretching and massage for neck pain
  3. Decompression of Greater Occipital Nerve for chronic neck pain
  4. Association of jaw dysfunction with upper cross syndrome
  5. Comparison of strain-counterstrain vs muscle energy technique in neck pain
  6. Flexibility: the forgotten component
  7. Effects of dry needling of Obliquus Capitis Inferior in neck pain
  8. Effect of Pilates mat exercise on myoelectric activity of cervical muscles
  9. Comparison of active release technique vs Kinesio taping for neck pain
  10. Effect of electro-acupuncture vs laser acupuncture on myofascial neck pain

 

  1. Effects of massage on neck pain poster for download

STUDIES and ARTICLES

1. A study titled Is Kinesio Tape in combination with stretching and/or exercise more effective than traditional stretching and/or exercise at reducing pain and decreasing neck disability in adults with mechanical neck pain: A meta analysis, published in ProQuest Dissertations Publishing in 2021 concludes:  the results of the meta-analysis favors the use of Kinesio tape as an adjunct to traditional stretching and/or strengthening exercises to decrease disability for individuals with mechanical neck pain..

2.  A study titled The effects of combined Sternocleidomastoid muscle stretching and massage on pain, disability, endurance, kinesiophobia, and range of motion in individuals with chronic neck pain: A randomized, single-blind study, published in Musculoskeletal Science and Practice in Oct 2021 concludes:
Stretching and massage applied to the SCM can reduce pain and disability in chronic neck pain
Stretching and massage applied to the SCM can increase endurance in CNP
Stretching and massage applied to the SCM can increase some cervical ROM in CNP

3. A study titled Decompression of the greater Occipital nerve improves outcome in patients with chronic headache and neck pain—a retrospective cohort study, published in Accra Neurochirurgica in 2021 concludes: decompression of greater Occipital nerve may reduce neck pain and headache in selected patients with persistent headache neck pain, and clinical signs of Greater Occipital Nerve neuralgia.

4. A study titled Association of jaw dysfunction with upper cross syndrome in subjects with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, published in RMJ in 2021 concludes: TMJ dysfunction is associated with upper cross syndrome. We found a variety of severity levels and associated prognostic indicators.

5. A study titled Immediate Effect of Strain Counterstrain Technique versus Muscle Energy Technique on Upper Trapezius Tenderness in Non-specific Neck Pain, published in International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research in Jun 2021 concludes: Both techniques are equally effective in treating pain, increasing lateral flexion and rotation range of motion, and improving pain pressure sensitivity.

6. A study titled Flexibility: The Forgotten Component of Fitness, published in Eastern Illinois University The Keep in 2021 concludes: Post-intervention showed significant changes in both the eccentric exercise and the static stretching group….concluded that eccentric exercise significantly increased flexibility and that there was no significant difference between eccentric exercise and static stretching in improving flexibility.

7.  A study, titled  Effects of dry needling of the Obliquus Capitis Inferior on sensorimotor control and cervical mobility in people with neck pain: A double-blind, randomized sham-controlled trial, published in Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy in 2021 concludes:
A single session of dry needling of the Obliquus Capitis Inferior reduces cervical joint position error in people with neck pain
Dry needling of the Obliquus Capitis Inferior does not have an effect on cervical movement sense or postural stability
Dry needling of the Obliquus Capitis Inferior increases upper cervical range of motion measured with the flexion rotation test

8. A study titled Effect of Pilates mat exercise on myoelectric activity of cervical muscles in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain: Randomized clinical trial, published in Egyptian Journal of Chemistry in Mar 2022, concludes:  …statistically significant effect in both groups in treatment and time with favor to Pilates group. Pilates mat exercise combined with conventional therapy and conventional therapy alone are effective techniques for refining neck pain, function, and muscle amplitude in subjects with chronic mechanical neck pain, with further advantages shown in the experimental group that received the Pilates mat exercise treatment.

9. A study titled Comparative Study: Active Release technique versus Kinesio-Taping in chronic postural neck pain, published in Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology in 2021 concludes: the two groups showed significant effects on reducing neck pain, improving flexibility and range of motion after receiving the techniques. However, there was a significant difference following the application of Kinesio Taping Technique as compared to Active Release Technique in improving range of motion and reducing neck pain.

10. A study titled Immediate effects of electro-acupuncture versus laser acupuncture on pain and disability in women with chronic cervical myofascial pain syndrome, published in Journal of Modern Rehabilitation in 2022 concludes: Both EA and LA interventions may be effective in alleviating the symptoms of cervical myofascial pain syndrome, but the EA can be more effective in reducing neck pain and disability in women with cervical myofascial pain syndrome.

 

TIDBITS

Here is some of the information I recently shared in the October newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus.  This newsletter is focused on foot and ankle conditions. If you would be interested in receiving my 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

  1. Effects of Toe-grasping on balance ability
  2. Comparison of effectiveness of minimally invasive treatments for plantar fasciitis
  3. Impact of asthma on plantar pressures
  4. Evaluation of plantar fasciitis improvement after shock wave therapy
  5. Myofascial treatment techniques on the plantar surface effects on functional performance
  6. Calcaneal taping techniques in plantar fasciitis
  7. Dry needling and stretching vs stretching on plantar fasciitis
  8. Effective of Graston Technique on pain
  9. Effectiveness of two types of night splints in plantar fasciitis
  10. Dry needling for the management of plantar heel pain

 

  1. Kinematics and Kinetics of ankle and foot complex

STUDIES and ARTICLES

1. A study titled The Effect of Toe-grasping Exercises on Balance Ability in Home-based Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial by Block randomization, published in Phys Ther Res in Oct 2021 concludes: Toe-Grasping exercises could improve the balance ability of home-based rehabilitation users. This suggests the clinical significance of toe function in rehabilitation programs.

2.  A study titled Comparative Effectiveness of Minimally Invasive Nonsurgical Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis: A Network Meta-analysis of 30 Randomized Controlled Trials, published in Pain Physician in Nov 2021 concludes: The miniscalpel-needle treatment should be recommended as the best therapy, followed by Botulinum toxin A in the gastrocnemius. Corticosteroid and platelet-rich plasma are common medications that remain valuable in clinical practice.  Peppering technique can be performed after the injection of medication.

3. A study titled Impact of Asthma on Plantar Pressures in a Sample of Adult Patients; A Case-Control Study published in Journal of Personalized Medicine in Nov 2021 concludes: …alterations in static plantar pressures in asthmatic patients compared to healthy individuals. Specifically, the subjects with asthma showed less maximum pressure in the right forefoot and less weight on the left heel, which appear to be associated with the asthma disease.

4. A study titled Evaluation of plantar fasciitis improvement after shock wave therapy in calcaneal spur patients by musculoskeletal ultrasonography published in Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation in Nov 2021 concludes: Plantar fascia thickness increases significantly in calcaneal spur patients and responds to treatment. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy decreases the thickness of the plantar fascia and improves pain and function significantly

5. A study titled Myofascial Treatment Techniques on the Plantar Surface Influence Functional Performance in the Dorsal Kinetic Chain, published in Journal of Sport Science and Medicine  in 2022 concludes:  The combination of self- and therapeutic massage techniques on the plantar surface applied in our study might reduce performance in terms of force generation along the  superficial fascial back line. Our hypotheses is supported by the fact that the plantar fascia itself was not loaded during the functional performance test and that the opposite effect was observed on the control side. As we applied a combination of different self and therapeutic massage techniques, it should be considered that some techniques, like foam rolling, might have no effect, while others, like stretching, had a negative effect.

6. A study, titled A study to Analyze the effect of Calcaneal Taping Techniques in Plantar fasciitis published in Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology in 2021 concludes: Ultrasound therapy along with plantar fascia stretching and calcaneal taping technique was found more effective than ultrasound therapy and plantar fascia stretching alone at reducing pain in the heel and increasing functional ability of the foot.

7.  A study titled Effects of dry needling and stretching exercise versus stretching exercise only on pain intensity, unction, and sonographic characteristics of plantar fascia in the subjects with plantar fasciitis: a parallel single-blinded randomized controlled trial published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice in Jan 2022 concludes:   There were considerable differences tween the two groups and the experimental group experienced more improvements in the primary outcomes (first step pain) compared to the control group. For secondary outcomes, plantar fascia thickness at insertion significantly decreased, and the echogenicity in the two regions significantly increased in the experiments group.

8. A study titled Effectiveness of the Graston Technique on Pain and General Foot Health in Patients with Chronic Plantar Fasciitis; A Randomized Clinical Trial published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine in Feb 2022 concludes: in the case of general foot health, there was no significant difference between the groups at the end of the fourth week. The use of the Graston technique combined with conventional physical therapy shows significant results compared with conventional physical therapy alone; i.e., Graston therapy speeds up the recovery from heel pain and foot function in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.

9. A study titled The Effectiveness of Two Types of Night Splints on the Range of Motion of the Ankle Joint, Pain Intensity, and Quality of Life in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis: A Pilot Study with Parallel Groups, published in Rehabilitation Journal 2022 concludes:  All three orthoses (tension calf splint, tension plantar fascia splint, heel pad) used in this study significantly reduced pain in people with plantar fasciitis. The results also suggest that a tension calf splint has greater effectiveness in improving pain severity and soft tissue flexibility than a tension fascia splint.

10. A study titled Is Dry Needling effective for the management of plantar heel pain or plantar fasciitis? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis published in Pain Medicine in Mar 2021 concluded: moderate to low evidence suggests a positive effect of TrP dry needling for improving pain intensity and pain-related disability in patients with plantar heel pain of musculoskeletal origin at short- and long-term, respectively.

 

TIDBITS

An article titled Kinematics and Kinetics of Ankle and Foot Complex, published in Conceptual Biomechanics and Kinesiology in Nov 2021 reviews the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the foot and ankle and summarizes some information about the joints.

© 2020 Advanced Holistic Healing Arts 
Advanced Holistic Healing Arts linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram