Chronic pain is a persistent challenge, and the use of pharmaceuticals often comes with undesirable side effects. Manual therapies, including massage, acupuncture, and osteopathic manipulative treatments, have shown promise in providing pain relief to humans. However, the underlying mechanisms behind these therapies have remained elusive, hindering their optimization as safe pain management techniques. In a
A study from Turkey, aimed at enhancing the performance of Taekwondo athletes, delved into the effects of varying durations of Swedish massages on both static and dynamic balance at different times of the day. The findings reveal significant improvements in dynamic balance, with the application of longer massage durations, highlighting the potential benefits for athletes’
The festive season celebration boosted alcohol consumption. Some individuals reporting the consumption of alcohol the day before a sporting event. The question of how previous-day alcohol ingestion affects athletic performance has been a subject of interest and debate in sports science. A study by Shaw et al. (2022) published in International Journal of Sports Physiology
Caffeine, a widely consumed stimulant, has been the subject of increasing research attention in the realm of resistance exercise. Recent studies have shed light on its potential benefits in this domain. A review article by Jozo Grgic published in Sports Medicine provides an overview and summary of the latest findings from this burgeoning field of
The importance of sleep and recovery for athletes cannot be overstated, as they directly influence training adaptations, injury risk, and subsequent performance. In a novel approach, a study conducted by Rónán Doherty and colleagues published in the journal Nutrients explored the potential benefits of kiwifruit consumption as a ‘functional food’ intervention to improve sleep quality
After undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), many patients experience pain, swelling, and reduced knee function. In the quest for effective post-surgery therapies, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) has emerged as a potential solution. However, a recent study delved into the effectiveness of MLD in improving TKA outcomes, and the results may surprise you. The Review
Fascia is a widespread connective tissue in the human body that surrounds and permeates muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves, and internal organs. Fascia plays crucial roles in posture, movement, and maintaining bodily functions, and it contains sensory receptors for proprioception, nociception, and hormones. A review article published in Bioengineering journal provides an overview of the
Chronic pain has become an increasingly prevalent health concern, affecting countless individuals and leading to disability and work-related absenteeism. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) recognizes chronic pain as a complex category comprising various pain conditions, sparking debate about whether it should be considered a distinct pathological condition or merely a symptom. Despite numerous medical
When you undergo manual therapy, such as deep friction or fascial manipulation, it’s not uncommon to feel soreness in the treated area for about 24 hours afterward. But this isn’t your typical pain; it’s a signal that an essential inflammatory process is underway. This inflammation is believed to be sparked by the manipulation of a
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,