Category: Articles

Muscle Imbalance and Overuse in Elite Junior Short-Track Speed Skaters

A study from Poland investigates the impact of short-track speed skating on the muscles of athletes, particularly focusing on the left lower limb. Short-track speed skating is an Olympic sport where athletes maintain a specific body position and move in a counterclockwise direction around the track. Due to the repetitive nature of the movements and

How Plantar Fascia Manipulation Alleviates Inflammation-Induced Pain in Mice through Adenosine Receptors

Researchers from Brazil have uncovered intriguing findings about how manipulating the plantar fascia, can relieve pain in mice. In the study, mice with induced inflammation received plantar fascia manipulation treatments for varying durations. Following the treatment, the mice displayed a significant reduction in pain sensitivity, which was measured by their response to mechanical stimuli. The

Submaximal Eccentric Exercise Influences Muscle and Connective Tissue Stiffness and Microcirculation: Evaluating the Impact of Myofascial Release on Recovery

Eccentric exercise, compared to concentric exercise, leads to various physiological changes such as altered neuromotor strategies, actin-myosin interactions, and greater cortical activation, but often results in muscle damage and inflammation. The deep fascia, particularly the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF), plays a significant role in these processes, especially in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS typically peaks

Acute Effects of Myofascial Stretching on Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Objective: The study from Turkey aimed to evaluate the immediate impact of myofascial stretching exercises on spasticity, balance, ambulation status, and the mobility of posterior chain muscles in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Method: This randomized controlled trial included 80 MS patients, with a mean age of 43.5 years in the experimental group and 41.4

Foam Rolling for Muscle Recovery

Background: Foam rolling is a popular technique among athletes for myofascial release to aid recovery and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). A study from Poland explored whether different foam roller textures and hardness levels (smooth/soft, grooved/mid, serrated/hard) affect recovery rates and perceived soreness after intense exercise. Method: Sixty healthy, physically active men were divided

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α causes muscle knots and pain-like symptoms in a rat model of myofascial trigger points

Background: Chronic myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is primarily caused by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), which are small, tight knots in muscles. The study aimed to investigate the role of a specific protein receptor, PDGFR-α, in these painful muscle knots and to understand how it contributes to pain and muscle contraction. Methods: Researchers examined muscle tissue

The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Pain and Kinesiophobia in Patients Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

A study from researchers in Turkey examined the impact of foot reflexology on pain and fear of movement (kinesiophobia) in patients post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Conducted as a double-blind randomized controlled trial, the study involved 40 patients, equally divided into an intervention group receiving foot reflexology and a control group. Results indicated that the intervention group experienced

Towards a Modern Framework for Manual Therapy: Integrating Evidence-Based Practices with Person-Centred Care

Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading cause of global disability and health burden, with manual therapy (MT) interventions frequently recommended in clinical guidelines. Traditional manual therapy (TMT) systems, such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, and soft tissue therapy, have historically relied on clinician-centered assessment, patho-anatomical reasoning, and technique specificity. These principles are not supported by current evidence.

Exploring fascial properties in patients with depression and chronic neck pain

A study from the University of Witten-Herdecke, Germany involving Dr Robert Schleip investigated the relationship between fascial properties and their association with depression, chronic neck pain, and cervical spine mobility. Given the prevalence of depressive disorders and chronic pain and their frequent co-occurrence, the research focuses on exploring the myofascial continuum’s potential role in these