Month: November 2023

The truth about manual therapy

Social Media are full of sensational claims, so-called influencers or social media gurus will give you some “evidence-based” reasoning in the name of “critical thinking” that claimed: Manual therapy only provides a short term relieve, it cannot change tissue and fascia, it does not fit in the evidence-based model, it has no proven clinical benefits,

Myofascial Therapy: A Promising Approach for Managing Clinical Anxiety

Clinical anxiety is a prevalent mental health condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide.Myofascial therapy, a hands-on approach that targets the body’s fascial system, has gained attention for its potential in alleviating anxiety symptoms. A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial from Spain aims to evaluate the effectiveness of myofascial therapy in patients with clinical anxiety and its

How Self-Myofascial Release Impacts Posterior Muscular Chain Flexibility Over Time and Across Different Flexibility Levels

Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) is a popular technique employed by individuals ranging from gym-goers and athletes to health enthusiasts. The mechanism behind SMR’s efficacy includes temporary changes in fascial elasticity, increased local blood flow, reduced inflammation, and stimulation of mechanoreceptors to ease muscle and fascia tension. The focus of a new study is on SMR’s impact

Remote Myofascial Release Shows Promise in Easing Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent and often debilitating condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Seeking effective treatments for this ailment is a priority in the field of pain management. Myofascial release therapy, a technique aimed at relaxing tense muscles and alleviating pain, has gained attention as a potential remedy for LBP.

Massage therapy reduces pain and anxiety intensity in patients with burns

Burn injuries can be excruciatingly painful, both physically and emotionally. Patients often experience severe pain and anxiety during their recovery journey. While pain medications are commonly used, there’s growing interest in complementary therapies like massage therapy to alleviate discomfort and stress. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis have shed light on the potential benefits of

The Impact of Massage Therapy on Osteosarcoma Progression

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor that primarily affects children and young adults. It arises from primitive mesenchymal cells with the potential to differentiate into various bone-related cells. The standard treatment for osteosarcoma involves a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Interestingly, many osteosarcoma patients in the early stages of the disease turn to alternative treatments

Caffeine impaired acupuncture analgesia in inflammatory pain

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese therapeutic practice, has gained popularity in the West for managing chronic pain conditions. Recent studies have shown that acupuncture-induced analgesia involves neurotransmitters like opioid peptides, glutamate, and adenosine. Adenosine, a neurotransmitter that binds to adenosine receptors (ARs), especially A1R, plays a crucial role in acupuncture analgesia. Research has demonstrated that acupuncture

The Complexity of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps: Evidence-Based Insights and Recommendations

Exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMCs) are painful, involuntary muscle contractions that occur during or after exercise, primarily affecting muscles spanning multiple joints that are frequently used during physical activity. The severity of EAMCs can range from a “cramp-prone state” to mild (usually self-treatable and not limiting exercise performance) to serious (requiring medical intervention and exercise cessation).

The Impact of Percussive Therapy Using Massage Guns on Physiological Adaptations and Musculoskeletal Pain

Percussive therapy has gained popularity as a non-invasive method for enhancing muscle function and reducing musculoskeletal pain. However, specific research on the effects of percussive therapy delivered by massage guns remains limited. A systematic literature review by researcher from The Open University, published in International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, aims to provide insights into

C-tactile afferents and affective touch

A review article published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviewsaddresses the connection between strong emotional bonds and physical touch in relationships, which has prompted research into the neurological mechanisms linking social and tactile processes. The discovery of C-tactile afferents (CTs), a class of unmyelinated sensory nerves ideal for encoding gentle skin indentation and motion is usually