July 2019
REHABILITATION AND MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH / COMMENTARYThe Critical Role of Development of the Transversus Abdominisin the Prevention and Treatment of Low Back Pain
This was written by my amazing colleague, physical therapist Christine Lynders. She's truly one of the most knowledgeable PTs I've ever met, and her article reflects her passion for reducing pain. There's some simple and effective illustrated exercises that she has witnessed reduce lower back pain. Give this article a read and give the exercises a try!
April 2019
The effect of cold-water immersion on physical performance
Ice baths have long been a part of athletic recovery. This small study shows that performance was decreased after ice application. That's not necessarily a bad thing; recovery is usually after an event anyway. But, it does make me think that perhaps cold application for such a long time isn't beneficial for muscle recovery. Hopefully more studies will come soon.
July 2018
Comparison of a foam rolling session with active joint motion and without joint motion: A randomized controlled trial
Foam rolling is beneficial, but especially so with joint movement. If these motions elude you, I'm always happy to demonstrate them in my office.
July 2018
The effects of cryotherapy versus cryostretching on clinical and functional outcomes in athletes with acute hamstring strain
"Cryo" refers to application of cold to tissue; "cryostretching" refers to, in this study, stretching after cold is applied. Stretching is more effective than cold application alone.
July 2018
A randomised crossover trial comparing Thai and Swedish massage for fatigue and depleted energy.
Both of these types of massage are effective. I love reading these kinds of studies!
January 2018
Electromyographic changes in muscles around the ankle and the knee joints in women accustomed to wearing high-heeled or low-heeled shoes.
Yes, we feel like powerful women when we wear high heels. But please don't wear them consistently. As the study clearly shows, they're bad for our muscles.
October 2017
A comparison of the effect of the active release and muscle energy techniques on the latent trigger points of the upper trapezius.
I use BOTH of these techniques on clients with neck and shoulder pain - I'm glad to read that they both work well!
March 2016
Acute Swedish Massage Monotherapy Successfully Remediates Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Proof-of-Concept, Randomized Controlled Study.
This study shows gentle massage can help anxiety.
May 2016
The Impact of Massage Therapy on Function in Pain Populations—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: Part II, Cancer Pain Populations
This study shows that gentle massage therapy can help alleviate pain in cancer patients. In that population, decreased pain with no side effects is fantastic.
March 2016
A newly discovered muscle: The tensor of the vastus intermedius
The science of anatomy is always changing! This newly discovered muscle is in our quadriceps group on the front of the thigh ("quad" means "four" and this muscle makes that group comprised of FIVE muscles, so maybe the name of the group will change!) This kind of discovery proves that there are still things we don't know about the human body, and that constantly researching and challenging our notions about anatomy are good endeavors!
February 2016
Manual therapy as an effective treatment for fibrosis in a rat model of upper extremity overuse injury.
Rats are often used in science as precursors to human trials. Their anatomy and composition is very similar to our own. This study shows that deep muscle injuries (fibrosis is generally the result of overuse trauma, such as repetitive motion) can be helped with manual therapy (massage therapy).
February 2016
Prevention of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
This is an analysis of previously conducted studies, aimed at providing a conclusion to several hypothetical solutions to low back pain. The review showed that low back pain was reduced with "moderate quality exercise and education" [likely regarding ergonomics and posture] but that back belts and shoe insoles had little effect on low back pain. Although these mechanical interventions are part of the solution to low back pain, exercise is still clearly the archetype for providing relief.
January 2016
Mechanical stimulation shown to repair muscle
This is a FANTASTIC pilot study that proves the efficacy of massage therapy. It's displaying very clearly the benefits that massage has on physical muscle tissue.
July 2015
Effect of massage on DOMS in ultramarathon runners: A pilot study
Although few of us will run ultramarathons (100 miles, typically), it's good to know that massage is effective at reducing pain even after such exhaustive exercise. Although this study is just a pilot, the results are very encouraging.
October 10, 2014:
I'm CPR Certified!
Red Cross
