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,
Clinical anxiety is a prevalent mental health condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide.Myofascial therapy, a hands-on approach that targets the body’s fascial system, has gained attention for its potential in alleviating anxiety symptoms. A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial from Spain aims to evaluate the effectiveness of myofascial therapy in patients with clinical anxiety and its
Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) is a popular technique employed by individuals ranging from gym-goers and athletes to health enthusiasts. The mechanism behind SMR’s efficacy includes temporary changes in fascial elasticity, increased local blood flow, reduced inflammation, and stimulation of mechanoreceptors to ease muscle and fascia tension. The focus of a new study is on SMR’s impact
Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent and often debilitating condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Seeking effective treatments for this ailment is a priority in the field of pain management. Myofascial release therapy, a technique aimed at relaxing tense muscles and alleviating pain, has gained attention as a potential remedy for LBP.
Burn injuries can be excruciatingly painful, both physically and emotionally. Patients often experience severe pain and anxiety during their recovery journey. While pain medications are commonly used, there’s growing interest in complementary therapies like massage therapy to alleviate discomfort and stress. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis have shed light on the potential benefits of
Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor that primarily affects children and young adults. It arises from primitive mesenchymal cells with the potential to differentiate into various bone-related cells. The standard treatment for osteosarcoma involves a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Interestingly, many osteosarcoma patients in the early stages of the disease turn to alternative treatments
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese therapeutic practice, has gained popularity in the West for managing chronic pain conditions. Recent studies have shown that acupuncture-induced analgesia involves neurotransmitters like opioid peptides, glutamate, and adenosine. Adenosine, a neurotransmitter that binds to adenosine receptors (ARs), especially A1R, plays a crucial role in acupuncture analgesia. Research has demonstrated that acupuncture
Exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMCs) are painful, involuntary muscle contractions that occur during or after exercise, primarily affecting muscles spanning multiple joints that are frequently used during physical activity. The severity of EAMCs can range from a “cramp-prone state” to mild (usually self-treatable and not limiting exercise performance) to serious (requiring medical intervention and exercise cessation).