Introduction Depression affects approximately 280 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability, premature mortality, and suicide. Beyond emotional symptoms, cognitive dysfunction is a core feature of depression, with nearly two-thirds of patients experiencing deficits in processing speed, attention, memory, and executive function. Importantly, these cognitive impairments often persist even after mood symptoms
Introduction Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries can profoundly disrupt both physical performance and psychological well-being. Dr. Lingjie Chen reflects on his personal journey from injury and disengagement to renewed appreciation of sport in an article, offering insights for clinicians on how perspectives shape rehabilitation and recovery. Early Sporting Identity Chen’s athletic ability was evident from
Why It Matters Achilles tendinopathy (AT)—persistent tendon pain and loss of function related to mechanical loading—affects 6% of the general population, up to 24% of elite athletes, and more than 50% of long-distance runners. Despite established protocols, recurrence rates remain high (23–43%), and long-term symptoms persist in as many as 60% of cases. Exercise remains
Historical Perspective For much of the last century, clinicians and researchers believed that flat feet significantly increased the risk of musculoskeletal injury during sport and daily activities. This concept was reinforced in 1977 when Root and colleagues introduced the idea of the “ideal foot”. According to their model, feet that did not conform to certain
Superficial heat therapy (SHT), delivered via wraps or pads, is widely used in primary care and rehabilitation. Its mechanisms include: Vasodilation and increased circulation, improving oxygen/nutrient delivery and metabolite clearance. Neuromuscular relaxation, via effects on muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs. Collagen softening, improving viscoelasticity and joint range of motion. Pain modulation, both peripherally (nociceptors)
Introduction Myofascial pain syndrome is a common condition marked by the presence of trigger points. A trigger point is a sensitive spot within a tight band of skeletal muscle fibers. Pressing or stretching this area may provoke local pain, referred pain, weakness, stiffness, or even changes in the autonomic nervous system such as sweating or
Manual therapy (MT) is widely used in clinical practice, but the immediate mechanisms behind its effects remain debated. A study on Germany-wide cross-sectional online survey (July–October 2023) explored how physical therapists perceive the anatomical and physiological processes involved in MT. Using a fictitious case of cervical mobilization, the study examined therapists’ beliefs about which structures
Rock climbing has grown rapidly worldwide, evolving from mountaineering into indoor and outdoor disciplines. With increased training intensity, many climbers now use supplemental programs to build finger strength—a key predictor of climbing performance. Because the fingers themselves contain little muscle, finger strength relies heavily on the forearm muscles, tendons, ligaments, and pulley systems. These tissues
The Murph workout is one of the toughest routines in CrossFit®. It includes a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and another one-mile run, often completed while wearing a weighted vest. The workout combines endurance, strength, and high intensity. Because it involves so much repeated effort and eccentric muscle loading, athletes often experience
Muscle stiffness refers to increased resistance of muscle tissue to deformation or stretch, often associated with pain and functional limitation. Patients with chronic LBP show higher stiffness in spinal muscles compared to healthy individuals, suggesting that reducing stiffness is a clinically meaningful target. Importantly, about 85% of LBP cases are classified as non-specific, with no