Increased proportion of megafibers in chronically painful muscles

Lars L. Andersena, Charlotte Suettab, Jesper L. Andersenb, Michael Kjærb, Gisela Sjøgaardc Abstract Trapezius myalgia – chronic pain from the upper trapezius muscle – is frequent in female employees in monotonous stressful jobs, potentially due to chronic overload of type I muscle fibers. In this study, we investigated the intra-individual distribution of trapezius muscle fiber size, and hypothesized that females [...]

Pain patterns and descriptions in patients with radicular pain: Does the pain necessarily follow a specific dermatome?

Donald R Murphy, Eric L Hurwitz, Jonathan K Gerrard and Ronald Clary Abstract Background It is commonly stated that nerve root pain should be expected to follow a specific dermatome and that this information is useful to make the diagnosis of radiculopathy. There is little evidence in the literature that confirms or denies this statement. [...]

Nonpharmacological approaches for the treatment of urological chronic pelvic pain syndromes in men

Jeannette M. Potts MD Abstract:  Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, or urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS), remains a common and often challenging disorder to evaluate and treat. Employing a more holistic approach, including urological therapy, physical therapy, and psychosocial perspectives, may be more appropriate for most patients. Growing evidence supports the use of biofeedback, myofascial trigger point release, [...]

Changes in Blood Pressure After Various Forms of Therapeutic Massage: A Preliminary Study

JA CAMBRON,  J DEXHEIMER,  P COE, ABSTRACT Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the change in blood pressure (BP) in normotensive and prehypertensive adults resulting from a therapeutic massage, and the factors associated with such changes, including demographic and massage characteristics. Design: settings/location: National University of Health Sciences Massage Therapy Clinic, Lombard, [...]