Low back pain remains one of the world’s leading causes of disability, yet in most patients a clear structural cause cannot be identified. This has encouraged researchers to look beyond the vertebrae and intervertebral discs toward other tissues that may contribute to pain and altered movement. One structure receiving increasing attention is the thoracolumbar fascia
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common problems encountered by physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, massage therapists and other musculoskeletal practitioners. At any given time, around 18% of adults experience LBP, and almost one-third report an episode within a month. Globally, it remains the leading cause of disability and is projected to affect approximately
Fibromyalgia has long been difficult to explain. Patients experience widespread pain, fatigue, poor sleep, cognitive difficulties and heightened sensitivity, often without tissue damage that seems sufficient to account for the severity of their symptoms. Some called it lack of “biological essence”. A major genetic study involving more than 2.5 million people from the US and
Fascia has become one of the most discussed tissues in manual therapy, movement therapy and rehabilitation. It is commonly described as a continuous network connecting muscles, organs, nerves and other structures throughout the body. Yet anatomists and fascia researchers still disagree about a surprisingly basic question: what exactly should be called fascia? Two recent papers
Stretching is usually used to improve flexibility, reduce stiffness and help people move more comfortably. But new research suggests that regular stretching may also have benefits beyond the muscles and joints. It may help keep the arteries more flexible and potentially support cardiovascular health. A recent systematic review examined whether stretching reduces arterial stiffness in
For many years, massage therapists have been taught to approach cancer with considerable caution. Some older massage texts even describe cancer as an absolute or relative contraindication to massage. One of the main fears has been that massage might somehow “spread” cancer by increasing circulation or physically moving cancer cells through the body. Other concerns
Massage is usually thought of as something that works on muscles, joints and other tissues. But pain is not produced only where an injury occurs. Chronic pain also involves changes in the spinal cord and brain. A recent animal study explored whether massage might influence these central pain-processing systems. The study focused on neuropathic pain,
Massage Therapy for Post-Exercise Muscle Repair Massage is widely used to reduce soreness, improve recovery and help clients feel better after exercise. However, some of the traditional explanations for why massage works are not well supported by current research. A review of the physiological evidence suggests that massage can have useful effects, particularly on soreness