An increase in blood circulation to muscle tissue is one of the most promoted positive effects of massage. One reason for this is that improved blood circulation is supposed to deliver more oxygen and other nutrients to the muscle tissue. For example, a 2017 research study demonstrated a positive relationship between an increase in blood
The concept of contralateral effects can be very important when rehabbing after an injury. If a limb in injured, whether it is a ligamentous sprain, broken bone, or a torn muscle, the immobilization necessary to allow time for it to heal, can result in muscle atrophy in that limb, resulting in decreased size and strength.
Decreased ankle dorsiflexion has been reported as a risk factor for some lower extremity conditions, such as patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, chronic ankle instability, metatarsal stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and anterior knee pain. Decreased ankle dorsiflexion has also been reported as a possible contributor to excessive knee valgus, also known as dynamic knee valgus. Dynamic
A meta analysis published in a highly respected journal British Medical Science found no evidence that parachutes are effective in preventing major trauma related to gravitational challenge. Ridiculous you say? Well, this conclusion is entirely accurate. Yet it is entirely absurd at the same time. The study titled Parachute use to prevent death and major
A recent study concluded that adolescent back pain and back pain in children is not associated with carrying a backpack, Dr Joe Muscolino critically unpacked the reasoning of such a research. Children and adolescents commonly report back pain. Research shows the prevalence of complaints by the end of adolescence reaches levels comparable with adults. There
Stretching has long been recommended to increase range of motion (ROM) around a joint. However, stretching may induce other acute effects on the neuromuscular system. For instance, some studies showed a single bout of static stretching can reduce maximal voluntary strength, muscle power or evoke contractile properties have been recorded. However such studies usually
Prehypertension, also known as high normal blood pressure, is a condition when a person’s blood pressure is elevated above ideal normal, but not to the level considered hypertension. Lowering the risk of prehypertension developing into hypertension is therefore essential. Massage therapy has been suggested as a treatment to control blood pressure. A study from University
A study from Taiwan published in Journal of Sports Science investigated that the immediate effects of foam rolling, vibration rolling, and static stretching as a part of a warm-up regimen on the flexibility, knee joint proprioception, muscle strength, and dynamic balance of the lower extremity in young adults. Compared with the pre-intervention, vibration rolling induced
A self massage device called Fascia-ReleaZer® (FR) was developed for treating myofascial tissue. FR is unique in that it combines a number of features—vibrational oscillation, form edges for leverage, and a vibro-shearing effect. This is unlike foam rolling where the roller is pressed against muscles A randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the practicality
DEAR ART, I’m taking an advanced continuing education class and the instructors are trying hard to elicit a strong emotional release when demonstrating on models. This upsets me. I feel this is unethical and potentially harmful, and it conflicts with my previous training. What is your opinion? —FRANK DEAR FRANK, I can empathize with your
