Introduction When patients over 60 present with knee pain, osteoarthritis (OA) or meniscal tears are common diagnoses. However, when imaging reveals minimal knee pathology and the physical exam is benign, lumbar spine issues—particularly L3-4 radiculopathy—should be considered as a potential source of referred pain. Anatomy and Mechanism of Referred Pain The L2, L3, and L4 nerve roots contribute
Introduction Chronic tendon pain (tendinopathy) is a prevalent and debilitating condition that impairs limb function, reduces physical activity, and diminishes quality of life. Despite its high prevalence, effective pharmacological treatments remain elusive due to an unclear understanding of its underlying pathophysiology. Historically termed tendinitis, the condition is now recognized as tendinopathy, reflecting a clinical syndrome of pain,
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