Manual therapists have long observed that hands-on treatment can produce profound effects—reducing pain, easing tension, and improving function. Recent research is shedding light on how these effects may be reflected in the brain. A new study used advanced brain imaging (resting-state fMRI and network analysis) to examine how manual treatment alters functional brain connectivity, offering
Chronic primary low back pain (cpLBP) is a major clinical burden worldwide, with women disproportionately affected. While lifestyle, occupation, and musculoskeletal loading are well-known contributors, early life stressors (adverse childhood experiences) are increasingly recognized as long-term risk factors. Understanding how these early events “prime” the nervous system for pain can help therapists tailor more trauma-informed,
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