Summarized from the Podcast by Til Lucas with Fabiana Silva. The human body operates as an intricate web of systems that continuously interact with one another. Among the most compelling of these interactions is the relationship between the vagus nerve—the primary conduit of the parasympathetic nervous system—and the fascia, the connective tissue network that envelops
A study from Poland explored the surprising connection between jaw disorders and body posture—specifically, how issues with the jaw joint might influence how we stand and distribute pressure through our feet. What Are Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)? TMD is a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint, the muscles involved in chewing, and nearby areas.
A small-scale study has found that a type of massage combining heat and movement can significantly boost blood flow in the body. The research tested whether MRI technology could measure changes in circulation after using a commercially available massage device. Ten participants underwent a 20-minute session where the device applied heat and gentle mechanical stimulation
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a physically demanding sport, with fighters pushing their bodies through five intense five-minute rounds and only getting short one-minute breaks in between. With such little time to recover, it’s important to find the most effective way to help fighters stay sharp and avoid injury. A recent study from Poland tested
A group of researchers from China explored how percussive massage compares to traditional stretching for recovery in active young men. They divided 30 college students into three groups: one did static stretching, another used a massage gun for 25 minutes, and the third group used the massage gun for 40 minutes. All participants first did
B Key Takeaways for Therapists A significant portion of the therapeutic benefit from physical therapy interventions is not due to the specific treatment itself but rather to contextual and nonspecific factors (e.g., patient expectations, therapeutic alliance, and treatment rituals). Manual therapies (mobilization, manipulation, soft tissue techniques) show particularly high nonspecific effects, with up to 88% of pain
Placebo-controlled randomised trials are the best method for evaluating efficacy of treatments. There is a limited but growing evidence base of placebo-controlled randomised trials investigating the analgesic effects of non-surgical and non-interventional treatments for non-specific low back pain. A study from Australia assesses the effectiveness of non-surgical and non-interventional treatments for adults with non-specific low
Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, is a significant health concern, particularly among older adults. It increases the risk of falls, fractures, and overall health decline, placing a substantial financial burden on healthcare systems. Current treatments primarily focus on resistance exercise and nutritional strategies, but these approaches face challenges such as patient
Flossing, a myofascial release (MR) technique, has gained attention for its potential to improve performance-related factors such as range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, and pain relief. This technique involves wrapping a natural rubber floss band around muscles and joints to apply pressure while performing active and passive movements. Recent studies suggest that flossing can
By Steven Goldstein Neuroinflammation is a complex and multifaceted topic that continues to evolve as research advances. It is crucial to approach this subject with care, ensuring that the information presented is accurate and avoids perpetuating outdated or misleading narratives. While there are many experts who have contributed significantly to this field, it is important