A small-scale study has found that a type of massage combining heat and movement can significantly boost blood flow in the body. The research tested whether MRI technology could measure changes in circulation after using a commercially available massage device. Ten participants underwent a 20-minute session where the device applied heat and gentle mechanical stimulation
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a physically demanding sport, with fighters pushing their bodies through five intense five-minute rounds and only getting short one-minute breaks in between. With such little time to recover, it’s important to find the most effective way to help fighters stay sharp and avoid injury. A recent study from Poland tested
A group of researchers from China explored how percussive massage compares to traditional stretching for recovery in active young men. They divided 30 college students into three groups: one did static stretching, another used a massage gun for 25 minutes, and the third group used the massage gun for 40 minutes. All participants first did
B Key Takeaways for Therapists A significant portion of the therapeutic benefit from physical therapy interventions is not due to the specific treatment itself but rather to contextual and nonspecific factors (e.g., patient expectations, therapeutic alliance, and treatment rituals). Manual therapies (mobilization, manipulation, soft tissue techniques) show particularly high nonspecific effects, with up to 88% of pain
Placebo-controlled randomised trials are the best method for evaluating efficacy of treatments. There is a limited but growing evidence base of placebo-controlled randomised trials investigating the analgesic effects of non-surgical and non-interventional treatments for non-specific low back pain. A study from Australia assesses the effectiveness of non-surgical and non-interventional treatments for adults with non-specific low
Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, is a significant health concern, particularly among older adults. It increases the risk of falls, fractures, and overall health decline, placing a substantial financial burden on healthcare systems. Current treatments primarily focus on resistance exercise and nutritional strategies, but these approaches face challenges such as patient
Flossing, a myofascial release (MR) technique, has gained attention for its potential to improve performance-related factors such as range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, and pain relief. This technique involves wrapping a natural rubber floss band around muscles and joints to apply pressure while performing active and passive movements. Recent studies suggest that flossing can
By Steven Goldstein Neuroinflammation is a complex and multifaceted topic that continues to evolve as research advances. It is crucial to approach this subject with care, ensuring that the information presented is accurate and avoids perpetuating outdated or misleading narratives. While there are many experts who have contributed significantly to this field, it is important
Introduction Living organisms constantly interact with their environment through sensory and motor systems, all under the control of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS generates complex motor commands based on sensory feedback and internal bodily states, ensuring optimal functioning of tissues and organs. This regulation extends to the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and neuroendocrine
Neck pain is a common complaint among patients with migraine and tension-type headache (TTH), often leading them to seek cervical treatment. However, the drivers of neck pain in these primary headache disorders are complex, involving headache pathophysiology, local musculoskeletal (MSK) dysfunction, or peripheral sensitivity. An article published in Musculoskeletal Science and Practice synthesizes findings from