Here is some of the information I recently shared in the March newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This newsletter is focused on cupping. If you would be interested in receiving my newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STUDIES and ARTICLES
1. A study titled Effect of Massage and Dry Cupping on Hemodynamic Parameters of Cardiac Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial published in Journal of Chiropractic Medicine in Mar 2023 concludes: the mean systolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation level showed no significant difference among the 3 groups. Therefore, our study did not show effects of massage and dry cupping on regulating hemodynamic parameters.
2. A study titled Influence of Cupping Treatment on High-intensity anaerobic performance, published in Kinesiology in 2022 focused on evaluating the efficacy of dry and wet cupping therapy on subsequent anaerobic performance. The study concludes: No significant correlations were detected. The findings demonstrate no beneficial effects of wet and dry cupping therapy and hence do not support its use prior to high-intensity anaerobic sports events.
3. A study titled Effectiveness of Dry Cupping as a Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis: A Critically Appraised Topic, published in Journal of Sport Rehabilitation in Oct 2022 concludes: There is moderate evidence to support the use of dry cupping to improve pain and function in patients with plantar fasciitis.
4. A study titled Effectiveness of Cup Therapy on Reducing Blood Pressure in Hypertension Patients: A Literature Review, published in Scientific Proceedings of Islamic and Complementary Medicine, in 2022 concludes: Cupping is effective in lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertension, with the type and point of effective cupping being wet cupping at the top of the head and neck.
5. A study titled Cupping alleviates lung injury through the adenosine/A2BAR pathway published in Heliyon in 2022 concludes: Cupping attenuates lung inflammation and injury through the adenosine A2BAR pathway. The current study provides evidence-based information about cupping therapy in Acute Lung Injury.
6. A study titled Comparison of the Effects of Skin Microneedling with Cupping Therapy and Microneedling Alone: An Experimental Study, published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Jan 2023 concludes: The addition of cupping therapy to microneedling increased the thickness of the epidermis and dermis.
7. A study titled Effect of Cupping Therapy on Muscle Tenderness in Collegiate Baseball Players compared to Sham Treatment: A Randomized, Single-Blinded Trial, published in Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association in Feb 2023 concludes: a single 15-minutes cupping therapy treatment can decrease muscle tenderness at the triceps surae when compared to both a control and sham treatment conditions.
Here is some of the information I recently shared in the January newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This newsletter is focused on chronic pain and Fibromyalgia. If you would be interested in receiving my newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STUDIES and ARTICLES
1. An article titled Evidence of a new hidden neural network into deep fasciae, published in Scientific Reports in Jun 2021 states: It is recognized that different fasciae have different type of innervation…in this work the aponeurotic thoracolumbar fascia and the epymisial gluteal fascia were analysed…with the aim to study the organization of nerve fibers, the presence of nerve corpuscles, and the amount of autonomic innervation. Based on the results, it is suggested that the two fasciae have different roles in proprioception and pain perception: the free nerve endings inside thoracolumbar fascia may function as proprioceptors, regulating the tensions coming from associated muscles and have a role in nonspecific low back pain, whereas the epymisial fasciae works to coordinate the actions of the various motor units of the underlying muscle.
2. An article titled Effectiveness of Manual Therapy in Treating Myofascial Pain Related to Temporomandibular Dysfunction: Systemic Literature Review, published in International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Science in Jun 2021 concludes: Manual physical therapy is effective in the treatment of myofascial pain related to TMD. Thus, this treatment modality must be considered as one of the therapies in reducing muscle pain related to TMD.
3. An article titled Immediate Effect of Strain Counterstrain Technique versus Muscle Energy Technique on Upper Trapezius Tenderness in Non-Specific Neck Pain, published in International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research in Jun 2021 concludes: Both techniques are equally effective in treating pain, increasing lateral flexion and rotation range of motion, and improving pain pressure sensitivity.
4. A review titled Effect of dry needling on lumbar muscle stiffness in patients with low back pain: A double blind, randomized controlled trial using shear wave elastography, published in Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy in Sept 2021 concludes: dry needling appears to reduce resting erector spine muscle stiffness following treatment of patients with LBP.
5. An anatomy review, published in Clinical Anatomy in Apr 2022, titled The deep fascia and its role in chronic pain and pathological conditions: A review states: The deep fascia is a three-dimensional continuum of connective tissue surrounding the bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels throughout our body. Its importance in chronically debilitating conditions has recently been brought to light. We find that five main deep fasciae pathologies are: chronic low back pain, chronic neck pain, Dupuytren’s disease, plantar fasciitis, and iliotibial band syndrome. The corresponding fasciae are respectively the thoracolumbar fascia, the cervical fascia, the palmar fascia, the plantar fascia, and the iliotibial tract. Pathological fascia is characterized by increased tissue stiffness along with alterations in myofibroblast activity and the extra-cellular matrix, both in terms of collagen and Matrix Metalloproteases (MMP) levels. Innervation changes such as increased density and sensitization of nociceptive nerve fibers are observed.
6. A study, titled Melatonin therapy in chronic pain syndrome, published in International Institute for Brain Health in Zagreb, Croatia concludes: …melatonin anti-nociceptive mechanisms have a complex structure. On one hand, being a chronobiotic melatonin restores circadian rhythm, increasing the adaptive capabilities of the body. On the other hand, the anxiolytic effect of melatonin leads to a decrease in pain through the decrease of anxiety and vegetative reactions. There is a direct analgesic effect of melatonin on the melatonin receptors in the areas of the brain responsible for pain perception and control, and on several neurotransmitter systems (GABA, opiod, L-arginine/NO pathway, etc.)
7. A study titled Circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids, pressure pain thresholds, and nociplastic pain conditions, published in Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids in Sept 2022 concludes: a higher Omega6/Omega3 ratio was associated with more pain conditions. Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids may promote a generalizes up-regulation of nociceptive processing.
8. A study titled Association of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and Thyroid-stimulating Hormone with Fatigue and Neurologic Symptoms in Patients with Fibromyalgia,published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings; Innovations, Quality & Outcomes in Aug 2022 concluded: fatigue and memory loss were more common in the B12 deficiency group
9. A study titled Neural changes after Emotional Freedom Techniques treatment for chronic pain sufferers, published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice in Nov 2022 concludes: the study supports findings that EFT may have the ability to significantly reduce pain symptomology and associated psychological indicators. The neuroimaging results add by suggesting EFT also potentially affects connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex, bilateral grey matter areas in the posterior cingulate cortex, and thalamus in chronic pain sufferers.
10. An article titled An anti-inflammatory and low fermentable oligo, di, and monosaccharides and polyols diet improved patient reported outcomes in fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial, published in Frontiers in Nutrition in Aug 2022 concludes: an anti-inflammatory and low-FODMAP diet improved clinical features in patients with FM and may be useful as a complement to pharmacological therapy
Here is some of the information I recently shared in the December newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This newsletter is focused on neck pain and upper cross syndrome. If you would be interested in receiving my newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STUDIES and ARTICLES
1. A study titled Is Kinesio Tape in combination with stretching and/or exercise more effective than traditional stretching and/or exercise at reducing pain and decreasing neck disability in adults with mechanical neck pain: A meta analysis, published in ProQuest Dissertations Publishing in 2021 concludes: the results of the meta-analysis favors the use of Kinesio tape as an adjunct to traditional stretching and/or strengthening exercises to decrease disability for individuals with mechanical neck pain..
2. A study titled The effects of combined Sternocleidomastoid muscle stretching and massage on pain, disability, endurance, kinesiophobia, and range of motion in individuals with chronic neck pain: A randomized, single-blind study, published in Musculoskeletal Science and Practice in Oct 2021 concludes:
Stretching and massage applied to the SCM can reduce pain and disability in chronic neck pain
Stretching and massage applied to the SCM can increase endurance in CNP
Stretching and massage applied to the SCM can increase some cervical ROM in CNP
3. A study titled Decompression of the greater Occipital nerve improves outcome in patients with chronic headache and neck pain—a retrospective cohort study, published in Accra Neurochirurgica in 2021 concludes: decompression of greater Occipital nerve may reduce neck pain and headache in selected patients with persistent headache neck pain, and clinical signs of Greater Occipital Nerve neuralgia.
4. A study titled Association of jaw dysfunction with upper cross syndrome in subjects with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, published in RMJ in 2021 concludes: TMJ dysfunction is associated with upper cross syndrome. We found a variety of severity levels and associated prognostic indicators.
5. A study titled Immediate Effect of Strain Counterstrain Technique versus Muscle Energy Technique on Upper Trapezius Tenderness in Non-specific Neck Pain, published in International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research in Jun 2021 concludes: Both techniques are equally effective in treating pain, increasing lateral flexion and rotation range of motion, and improving pain pressure sensitivity.
6. A study titled Flexibility: The Forgotten Component of Fitness, published in Eastern Illinois University The Keep in 2021 concludes: Post-intervention showed significant changes in both the eccentric exercise and the static stretching group….concluded that eccentric exercise significantly increased flexibility and that there was no significant difference between eccentric exercise and static stretching in improving flexibility.
7. A study, titled Effects of dry needling of the Obliquus Capitis Inferior on sensorimotor control and cervical mobility in people with neck pain: A double-blind, randomized sham-controlled trial, published in Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy in 2021 concludes:
A single session of dry needling of the Obliquus Capitis Inferior reduces cervical joint position error in people with neck pain
Dry needling of the Obliquus Capitis Inferior does not have an effect on cervical movement sense or postural stability
Dry needling of the Obliquus Capitis Inferior increases upper cervical range of motion measured with the flexion rotation test
8. A study titled Effect of Pilates mat exercise on myoelectric activity of cervical muscles in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain: Randomized clinical trial, published in Egyptian Journal of Chemistry in Mar 2022, concludes: …statistically significant effect in both groups in treatment and time with favor to Pilates group. Pilates mat exercise combined with conventional therapy and conventional therapy alone are effective techniques for refining neck pain, function, and muscle amplitude in subjects with chronic mechanical neck pain, with further advantages shown in the experimental group that received the Pilates mat exercise treatment.
9. A study titled Comparative Study: Active Release technique versus Kinesio-Taping in chronic postural neck pain, published in Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology in 2021 concludes: the two groups showed significant effects on reducing neck pain, improving flexibility and range of motion after receiving the techniques. However, there was a significant difference following the application of Kinesio Taping Technique as compared to Active Release Technique in improving range of motion and reducing neck pain.
10. A study titled Immediate effects of electro-acupuncture versus laser acupuncture on pain and disability in women with chronic cervical myofascial pain syndrome, published in Journal of Modern Rehabilitation in 2022 concludes: Both EA and LA interventions may be effective in alleviating the symptoms of cervical myofascial pain syndrome, but the EA can be more effective in reducing neck pain and disability in women with cervical myofascial pain syndrome.
TIDBITS
Here is some of the information I recently shared in the November newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This newsletter is focused on PTSD and trauma. If you would be interested in receiving my newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STUDIES and ARTICLES
1. A research paper, titled Trauma Treatment through Art Therapy (TT-AT): A “women and trauma” group in Tanzania, published in International Journal of Art Therapy in Aug 2021. Six different art therapy workshops developed to address: Emotion regulation, relationships, self-identity, gradual exposure to trauma, integration of trauma & personal resources. Conclusion: Short-term art therapy interventions was useful with women in low-income countries.
2. A study titled Trauma-induced heme release increases susceptibility to bacterial infection published in JCI Insight in Oct 2021 concludes: Infection is a common complication of major trauma that causes significantly increased morbidity and mortality. ..tissue trauma both impaired bacterial clearance and was associated with significant elevations in plasma heme levels. While neutrophil (PMN) recruitment to the lung in response to Staphylococcus aureus was unchanged after trauma, PMN cleared bacteria poorly.
3. A study titled Epigenetics of childhood trauma: Long term sequelae and potential for treatment, published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews in Jan 2022 highlights:
⁃ Childhood trauma is a major risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar, anxiety disorders, psychosis, and schizophrenia
⁃ Long-term epigenetic changes occur in the brain of adults with a history of childhood trauma
4. An intriguing study titled Diet quality and exercise in older veterans with PTSD: a pilot study, published in TBM (Society of Behavioral Medicine) in 2021 concludes: Supervised exercise intervention was not associated with changes in diet quality. Results revealed that the diet quality of older veterans with PTSD is poor, and while the exercise intervention improved health through exercise, it did not make veterans any more likely to adopt a more healthful diet.
5. A research article titled Associations between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder among veteran populations, published in OpenBU in 2021 concludes: PTSD in combat-exposed veterans did not incur a risk for association with IBS but did so for GERD. Specifically, PTSD in combat-exposed veterans incurred a risk for the association GERD without esophagitis and was positively correlated to the severity of PTSD symptoms. Also, the re-experiencing symptom subtype of PTSD was associated with a higher rate of IBS
6. A study titled Brain Responses to a Self-compassion Induction in Trauma Survivors with and without Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, published in Open Research Exeterin Mar 2022 concludes: ... findings provide evidence for potential neural biomarkers for quantitatively differentiating PTSD subgroups (full PTSD, no PTSD, subsyndromal PTSD).
7. A study titled Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Increase the Efficiency of Memory Functioning for Trauma-Related Information, published in Cambridge University Press in Feb 2022 concludes: contrary to expectations, the findings suggest that the encoding of trauma-related information in PTSD is relatively independent from the availability of cognitive resources. Thus, rather than reflecting an increased allocation of cognitive resources to the processing of threatening information, memory biases in PTSD appeared to be supported by an enhanced efficiency of their processing.
8. A study titled The Prevalence of PTSD among Dementia Caregivers, published in ScholarWorks University of Montana in 2022 concludes: Almost one out of four dementia caregivers might be experiencing acute stress disorder/PTSD. This prevalence rate is greater than the general US population, nurses, emergency medical responders, and veterans.
9. A study titled Trauma-related but not PTSD-related increases in hair cortisol concentrations in military personnel published in Journal of Psychiatric Research in Jun 2022 concludes:
⁃ Hair cortisol was higher in trauma-exposed compared to non-exposed service members
⁃ Hair cortisol did not differ between PTSD patients and trauma-exposed controls
⁃ Within PTSD patients, hair cortisol did not correlate with symptom severity
⁃ Enhanced cumulative cortisol output indicates trauma exposure there than PTSD.
10. A study titled Tai Chi and Qigong for trauma-exposed populations: A systematic review published in Mental Health and Physical Activity in Mar 2022 concludes:
⁃ Tai Chi and/or Qigong appears to be safe, feasible, and acceptable for individuals post trauma
⁃ Tai Chi and/or Qigong may improve well-being and functioning and reduce post-trauma symptoms.
TIDBITS
Here is some of the information I recently shared in the October newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This newsletter is focused on foot and ankle conditions. If you would be interested in receiving my newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STUDIES and ARTICLES
1. A study titled The Effect of Toe-grasping Exercises on Balance Ability in Home-based Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial by Block randomization, published in Phys Ther Res in Oct 2021 concludes: Toe-Grasping exercises could improve the balance ability of home-based rehabilitation users. This suggests the clinical significance of toe function in rehabilitation programs.
2. A study titled Comparative Effectiveness of Minimally Invasive Nonsurgical Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis: A Network Meta-analysis of 30 Randomized Controlled Trials, published in Pain Physician in Nov 2021 concludes: The miniscalpel-needle treatment should be recommended as the best therapy, followed by Botulinum toxin A in the gastrocnemius. Corticosteroid and platelet-rich plasma are common medications that remain valuable in clinical practice. Peppering technique can be performed after the injection of medication.
3. A study titled Impact of Asthma on Plantar Pressures in a Sample of Adult Patients; A Case-Control Study published in Journal of Personalized Medicine in Nov 2021 concludes: …alterations in static plantar pressures in asthmatic patients compared to healthy individuals. Specifically, the subjects with asthma showed less maximum pressure in the right forefoot and less weight on the left heel, which appear to be associated with the asthma disease.
4. A study titled Evaluation of plantar fasciitis improvement after shock wave therapy in calcaneal spur patients by musculoskeletal ultrasonography published in Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation in Nov 2021 concludes: Plantar fascia thickness increases significantly in calcaneal spur patients and responds to treatment. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy decreases the thickness of the plantar fascia and improves pain and function significantly
5. A study titled Myofascial Treatment Techniques on the Plantar Surface Influence Functional Performance in the Dorsal Kinetic Chain, published in Journal of Sport Science and Medicine in 2022 concludes: The combination of self- and therapeutic massage techniques on the plantar surface applied in our study might reduce performance in terms of force generation along the superficial fascial back line. Our hypotheses is supported by the fact that the plantar fascia itself was not loaded during the functional performance test and that the opposite effect was observed on the control side. As we applied a combination of different self and therapeutic massage techniques, it should be considered that some techniques, like foam rolling, might have no effect, while others, like stretching, had a negative effect.
6. A study, titled A study to Analyze the effect of Calcaneal Taping Techniques in Plantar fasciitis published in Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology in 2021 concludes: Ultrasound therapy along with plantar fascia stretching and calcaneal taping technique was found more effective than ultrasound therapy and plantar fascia stretching alone at reducing pain in the heel and increasing functional ability of the foot.
7. A study titled Effects of dry needling and stretching exercise versus stretching exercise only on pain intensity, unction, and sonographic characteristics of plantar fascia in the subjects with plantar fasciitis: a parallel single-blinded randomized controlled trial published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice in Jan 2022 concludes: There were considerable differences tween the two groups and the experimental group experienced more improvements in the primary outcomes (first step pain) compared to the control group. For secondary outcomes, plantar fascia thickness at insertion significantly decreased, and the echogenicity in the two regions significantly increased in the experiments group.
8. A study titled Effectiveness of the Graston Technique on Pain and General Foot Health in Patients with Chronic Plantar Fasciitis; A Randomized Clinical Trial published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine in Feb 2022 concludes: in the case of general foot health, there was no significant difference between the groups at the end of the fourth week. The use of the Graston technique combined with conventional physical therapy shows significant results compared with conventional physical therapy alone; i.e., Graston therapy speeds up the recovery from heel pain and foot function in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.
9. A study titled The Effectiveness of Two Types of Night Splints on the Range of Motion of the Ankle Joint, Pain Intensity, and Quality of Life in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis: A Pilot Study with Parallel Groups, published in Rehabilitation Journal 2022 concludes: All three orthoses (tension calf splint, tension plantar fascia splint, heel pad) used in this study significantly reduced pain in people with plantar fasciitis. The results also suggest that a tension calf splint has greater effectiveness in improving pain severity and soft tissue flexibility than a tension fascia splint.
10. A study titled Is Dry Needling effective for the management of plantar heel pain or plantar fasciitis? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis published in Pain Medicine in Mar 2021 concluded: moderate to low evidence suggests a positive effect of TrP dry needling for improving pain intensity and pain-related disability in patients with plantar heel pain of musculoskeletal origin at short- and long-term, respectively.
TIDBITS
An article titled Kinematics and Kinetics of Ankle and Foot Complex, published in Conceptual Biomechanics and Kinesiology in Nov 2021 reviews the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the foot and ankle and summarizes some information about the joints.
Here is some of the information I recently shared in the September newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This newsletter is focused on the lymphatic system and lymphatic drainage. If you would be interested in receiving my newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STUDIES and ARTICLES
1. A study titled Effect of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression in Combination with Kinesiotape on Post Mastectomy Lymphedema, published in The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine in Oct 2021 concludes: Intermittent Pneumatic Compression in combination with Kinesiotaping was an effective method in post-mastectomy lymphedema more than Complete Decongestive Therapy only.
2. A study, titled Mesenteric lymphatic dysfunction promotes insulin resistance and represents a potential treatment target in obesity published in Nature Metabolism in Oct 2021 concludes: …lymph from mice and humans consuming a high-fat diet stimulates lymphatic vessel growth, leading to the formation of highly branched mesenteric lymphatic vessels that “leak” high-fat-diet lymph into visceral adipose tissue and, thereby, promote insulin resistance.
3. A study, Adding Pneumatic Compression therapy in Lower Extremity Lymphedema increases compliance of treatment while decreasing the infection rate, published in Lymphatic Research and Biology in Jun 2022 concludes: Pneumatic Compression therapy leads to a decrease in infection rate, hospital admissions, and physical therapy visits in clinically significant lower extremity lymphedema.
4. A study titled Physical Therapy in Women with Early Stage Lipedema: Potential Impact of Multimodal Manual Therapy, Compression, Exercise, and Education Interventions, published in Lymphatic Research and Biology in 2022 concludes: persons with lipedema can benefit from physical therapy to manage characteristic symptoms of leg pain and improve Quality of Life. Objective MRI measurement of reduced tissue sodium in the skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue regions indicates reduced inflammation in the treated limbs.
5. A study, Manual lymphatic drainage and muscle energy techniques after third molar surgery: A randomized split-mouth clinical trial, published in Repositório Aberto da Universidade do Porto in 2021 concludes: …physical therapy is a good, noninvasive, alternative for the control of pain and limitation of mouth opening in the postoperative period of third molars surgery.
6. A study titled The effect of pedal pump lymphatic technique versus passive recovery following maximal exercise: A randomized cross-over trial, published in Sports Medicine in 2022 concludes: the pedal pump significantly decreased blood lactate concentrations following intense exercise at recovery minute 20.
7. A study The randomized controlled study of low-level laser therapy, kinesio-taping and manual lymphatic drainage in patients with stage II breast cancer-related lymphedema, published at ResearchSquare in Apr 2022, concludes: kinesio-taping led to better results than manual lymphatic drainage and similarly effective with low-level laser in stage II breast cancer-related lymphedema at 12th weeks follow-up.