opusbiological, Author at opusbiological.com - Page 3 of 13
Book an appointment
The Benefits and Effects of Kinesiology Taping in Musculoskeletal Conditions

The Benefits and Effects of Kinesiology Taping in Musculoskeletal Conditions

Jan 23, 2025

Kinesiology taping (KT), has gained popularity amongst healthcare professionals and athletes for its potential benefits in managing various musculoskeletal conditions. Colourful, stretchy adhesive tape is applied to the skin in various patterns to help support and stabilize muscles and joints but without restricting their range of motion. This article explores the scientific evidence surrounding the benefits and effects of kinesiology taping.

Pain Reduction

One of the primary benefits of kinesiology taping is its ability to help reduce pain in various musculoskeletal conditions. KT is thought to work by stimulating the sensory receptors in the skin, which can alter pain signals sent to the brain. This sensory feedback may decrease pain perception, offering relief to individuals suffering from conditions such as tendinopathies, sprains, and strains.

Research in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (2013) found that KT was beneficial in reducing pain and improving functionality in individuals with conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome and rotator cuff injuries.

Mostafavifar et al 2015 was a systematic review that reviewed 6 suitable studies. Two studies examined musculoskeletal injuries involving the spine and found that KT ‘significantly improved pain levels and range of motion in patients with acute whiplash-associated disorders of the cervical spine both immediately and 24 hours after injury.’

Two studies examined injuries in the shoulder and whilst the first didn’t find sufficient evidence to indicate that KT decreases pain in young patients with shoulder impingement, the second suggested that KT may provide short-term pain relief for patients with shoulder impingement.

Enhanced Muscle Function and Performance

Kinesiology taping may help improve muscle function, especially in cases of muscle weakness or overuse. The tape is believed to provide proprioceptive feedback to the nervous system, potentially enhancing the body’s awareness of muscle activity and improving coordination.

An RCT study by Zhang et al 2015 based on tennis players reported that KT taping may not be able to modulate strength production but it ‘does have a significant positive effect on reducing muscle fatigue during repeated concentric muscle actions’. They also commented on how the potential beneficial effects of placebo taping on muscle endurance should not be ignored. By improving biomechanics, faster recovery may be facilitated and further injury prevented.

Joint Support and Stability

KT is commonly used to provide support to joints without restricting their full range of motion. The tape works by lifting the skin slightly, creating more space between the skin and underlying tissues. This mechanical lifting action can help reduce swelling and promote circulation, providing joint support and reducing the strain on injured tissues.

For a joint like the shoulder or ankle that has a wide range of movement, the tape’s ability to support and stabilize the joint, whilst still allowing for natural movement, can really help rehabilitation, proprioception and patient confidence.

Reduction of Swelling and oedema

Kinesiology taping is effective in reducing oedema (swelling) in injured areas. As mentioned above, by lifting the skin, KT can help promote improved blood flow and lymphatic drainage, helping to reduce fluid buildup. This is particularly beneficial in the early stages of rehabilitation following an injury. A slightly different taping technique is used for this.

Postural Correction and Alignment

Kinesiology taping is sometimes used as an adjunct to improve postural alignment, particularly in individuals with musculoskeletal imbalances. By strategically placing the tape on areas such as the back, neck, or shoulders, it is believed that the tape can help encourage proper posture and alignment, reducing strain on muscles and joints.

Conclusion

Kinesiology taping is a versatile tool in the management of musculoskeletal conditions, offering benefits ranging from pain relief, improved muscle function and joint stability and movement facilitation. Although more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action, current evidence supports the efficacy of KT in treating a variety of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, such as sprains, strains, tendinopathies, and chronic pain disorders. It can be very patient specific too.

Physiotherapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers, continue to integrate kinesiology taping into their treatment protocols to support rehabilitation and enhance recovery outcomes.

Reference List

 

  • Lins, C.A., Souza, A.R., & Gomes, P.R. (2012). The effectiveness of kinesiology taping in the management of pain in musculoskeletal conditions: A systematic review. Journal of Physiotherapy, 58(4), 220-228.
  • Kase, K., Wallis, J., & Kase, T. (2013). Kinesiology Taping Perfect Manual. Kenzo Kase’s Kinesiology Taping Association.
  • Araujo, E.M., & Lima, M.A. (2014). Kinesiology taping for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 23(3), 163-175.
  • Williams, S., & Klavuhn, S. (2015). Kinesiology tape for muscle strength and endurance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(6), 1657-1665.
  • Kase, K., & Hashimoto, T. (2015). The effect of kinesiology taping on joint stability and muscle performance. Sports Medicine, 45(3), 211-220.
  • Mehran Mostafavir, Jess Wertz, James Borchers (2015) Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping for Musculoskeletal Injury, clinical focus Pain management Pgs 33-40
  • Shen Zhang, Weijie Fu, Jiahao Pan, Lin Wang , Rui Xia , Yu Liu (2016): Acute effects of Kinesio taping on muscle strength and fatigue in the forearm of tennis players; J Sci Med Sport 459-64

Why Pain is so painful

Why Pain is so painful

Jan 9, 2025

Pain. It’s the most common issue we hear in the clinic, and everyone’s experienced it at some point – whether it’s a stubbed toe, a banging headache, or a twisted knee. But what is pain, really? Is it simply a physical reaction to injury, or is there something more going on? The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage” (Wiech, 2016). The words “sensory” and “emotional” tell us that pain is more than just damage to our body; it’s heavily influenced by what we focus on, expect, remember, and feel. In fact, research confirms that these psychological and social factors play a huge role in how intense pain feels (Atlas & Wager, 2018). Consider this example: imagine a man walking his dog in the Australian Outback. He feels a small prick on his leg, then looks down to see he’s been bitten by a snake. His body reacts with a rush of burning pain, just as he’d expected. He receives treatment, recovers, and gets back to his routine. Two years later, while hiking in a similar setting, he feels a prick in his leg again. He immediately recalls that painful memory and responds with the same intensity of pain – only to find out it’s nothing but a thorn.
So, what’s really happening here? Here’s how our mind shapes pain:
  • Attention: Focusing too much on a painful area tends to make it feel worse. When we concentrate on pain, our brain gives it more significance, which increases perceived intensity (Sharpe et al., 2020; Wiech, 2016).

  • Expectations: What we expect to feel can also make pain better or worse. Research has shown that expecting pain to be severe makes us experience it that way. On the flip side, positive expectations can actually lessen the pain we feel (Atlas & Wager, 2018).

  • Past Experiences: Pain memories are powerful. When we experience pain, our brain stores it, priming us to react strongly in similar situations. This response may have evolutionary roots, helping us avoid harm, but it also means our past pain experiences can amplify new, less serious ones (Tracey & Mantyh, 2017).

  • Emotional State: Emotions like anxiety and fear can trigger a more intense pain experience. Negative feelings amplify our pain responses, while more neutral or positive mindsets tend to reduce them (Thompson et al., 2018; Wiech, 2016).
Pain, then, is more than a physical sensation. Our expectations, focus, memories, and emotions each shape how we experience it, giving us some insight into how to manage it effectively.

Reference List

 

  • Atlas, L.Y., & Wager, T.D. (2018). How expectations shape pain. Neuroscience Letters, 693, 24–31.
  • Sharpe, L., Jones, E., Ashton-James, C., et al. (2020). Attention and pain: mechanisms and clinical implications. Journal of Pain, 21(3–4), 233–244.
  • Thompson, K.A., Tran, B., & Geaghan-Breiner, C. (2018). Biopsychosocial factors influencing pain perception. Pain Medicine, 19(6), 1107–1115.
  • Tracey, I., & Mantyh, P.W. (2017). The cerebral signature for pain perception and its modulation. Neuron, 55(3), 377–391.
  • Wiech, K. (2016). Deconstructing the sensation of pain: The influence of cognitive and emotional factors. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 17(2), 83–92.
Western Acupuncture and Dry Needling in the management of Musculoskeletal Conditions

Western Acupuncture and Dry Needling in the management of Musculoskeletal Conditions

Nov 5, 2024

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions can significantly impact an individuals’ quality of life i.e. through chronic pain, injury, muscle spasm or tightness. These MSK conditions in turn can then have a significant impact on mental health through anxiety and depression. Depression is four times more prevalent in people who suffer from persistent pain compared to those without (Gov.uk)

A recent analysis of Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 data showed that approximately 1.71 billion people globally live with musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain, neck pain, fractures, other injuries, osteoarthritis, amputation and rheumatoid arthritis (WHO). This will undoubtedly have  a huge impact on mobility, well-being, work attendance and therefore retirement age as well as people’s ability to participate in society.

Western acupuncture is based on modern anatomical and physiological principles rather than those used in traditional Chinese Acupuncture. Single-use, sterile needles are used to stimulate specific points on the body to help alleviate pain and enhance function. Dry needling uses a similar concept and the same needles, but targets myofascial trigger points in order to help relieve tension. Chinese acupuncture which was first documented in China over 3000 years ago is thought to balance the flow of qi (energy) throughout your body, through the release of endorphins (Kirchhof-Glazier D 2014). Both Dry needling and acupuncture help to produce an inflammatory reaction, stimulating your body’s natural ability to heal (BMJ 2009).

Recent studies have provided substantial evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of Western acupuncture and dry needling in managing MSK conditions. A systematic review by Tough et al. (2021) indicates that both therapies significantly reduce pain and improve function in various musculoskeletal disorders. Their findings revealed notable reductions in pain intensity and enhancements in mobility following treatment (Tough et al., 2021).

In a randomized controlled trial, Cummings et al. (2022) examined the effects of dry needling on chronic shoulder pain. The results indicated that participants who received dry needling experienced a significant decrease in pain levels and improved shoulder function compared to a control group not receiving treatment.

The mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of both western acupuncture and dry needling involve the stimulation of the nervous system, which promotes the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters helping to mitigate pain. This neurophysiological response not only alleviates immediate discomfort but may also facilitate long-term healing through enhanced blood flow to affected areas (Dyer et al., 2023).

Additionally, acupuncture and dry needling can induce muscle relaxation and restore proper movement patterns. This is particularly beneficial for conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome, characterized by tight muscles and trigger points. A study by Lee et al. (2020) demonstrated that patients undergoing dry needling exhibited significantly reduced muscle stiffness and improved range of motion, leading to an enhanced overall quality of life (Lee et al., 2020).

The safety of Western acupuncture and dry needling is another significant advantage. When administered by trained professionals, the risks associated with these treatments are minimal, making them suitable for a wide range of patients. A review by Johnson et al. (2022) reported that adverse effects are generally mild, such as temporary soreness or bruising at the needle sites, with serious complications being rare. It is also reported that  when combined with physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or other modalities, overall treatment outcomes for MSK conditions can be enhanced (Johnson et al., 2022).

In conclusion, Western acupuncture and dry needling present promising benefits for the management of musculoskeletal conditions. With a growing body of evidence supporting their effectiveness and safety, these therapies can be valuable additions to treatment options.

Reference List

 

  • Cummings, T. M., et al. (2022). “Efficacy of dry needling in the management of chronic shoulder pain: A randomized controlled trial.” Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain, 30(2), 89-96.
  • Dyer, D. L., et al. (2023). “The neurophysiological mechanisms of acupuncture: A review of the evidence.” Acupuncture in Medicine, 41(1), 15-22.
  • Johnson, C. D., et al. (2022). “Safety and efficacy of acupuncture and dry needling in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review.” Physical Therapy Reviews, 27(4), 230-240.
  • Lee, J. H., et al. (2020). “Effects of dry needling on muscle stiffness and range of motion: A systematic review.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 24(4), 328-335.
  • Tough, E. A., et al. (2021). “The efficacy of acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” European Journal of Pain, 25(7), 1345-1359.

Importance of calf capacity

Importance of calf capacity

Oct 29, 2024

The Importance of Good Calf Muscle Capacity in Preventing and Rehabilitating Lower Limb Injuries

Calf muscles, primarily consisting of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, play a vital role in lower limb function and overall biomechanics. These muscles are essential for movements such as walking, running, and jumping, contributing to ankle stability, propulsion, and shock absorption. Strong and flexible calf muscles not only enhance athletic performance but also prevent lower limb injuries and support rehabilitation after injury. This article outlines the importance of calf muscle capacity, provides data on its impact on joint loading, and explains how to assess calf capacity in clinical settings.

The Role of Calf Muscles in Lower Limb Function

The calf muscles work as a dynamic powerhouse during movement. The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, in conjunction with the Achilles tendon, drive plantarflexion, which is the action of pushing the foot off the ground. This movement is crucial for walking, running, and jumping, as it propels the body forward. Additionally, the calf muscles play a role in absorbing the impact forces generated when the foot strikes the ground, thus reducing stress on other structures like the knee, hip, and lower back.

By acting as shock absorbers and stabilizers, the calf muscles influence the load distribution across the entire lower limb. Proper calf function ensures that forces are dispersed evenly, preventing overloading of other structures and contributing to balanced biomechanics. When calf muscles are weak or fatigued, they fail to perform this role efficiently, leading to improper movement patterns and potentially contributing to injuries of the lower limb, such as ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, anterior knee pain, and plantar fasciitis. Weak calf musculature may also exacerbate symptoms such as osteoarthritis in the foot, ankle and knee.  A study by Alshami and Alhassany (2020) 1, found that calf muscle strength was significantly reduced in the patients with knee OA compared with that in the healthy control participants. Therefore it could be a good idea to ensure that within an OA knee patient’s exercise programme, there is targeted calf strengthening.

Impact of Strong Calf Muscles on Knee Joint Loading

Strong calf muscles not only support the ankle but also significantly reduce the load on the knee joint during various activities. Research has shown that adequate calf strength can reduce knee joint loading by absorbing the ground reaction forces that occur during walking or running. The soleus muscle, in particular, is known to play a key role in reducing the stress on the knee by generating posterior shear forces at the tibia, which counteract the forward forces that tend to overwork the knee.

A 2019 study by A. Bohm, 2,  found that the soleus muscle can contribute up to 50% of the force needed to decelerate the body during walking and running, thereby offloading the knee joint considerably. Research indicates that strong calf muscles can reduce the load on the knee by up to 20-25% during activities like walking and stair climbing . This effect is critical in both preventing injuries such as patellofemoral pain syndrome and in managing conditions like osteoarthritis, where reduced joint loading can slow the progression of cartilage wear.

In individuals with weakened calf muscles, this offloading effect is diminished, forcing the knee and other structures to take on additional load, which increases the risk of injury. Athletes, in particular, benefit from strong calf muscles, as these muscles allow them to handle high-impact activities like running and jumping without overstressing the knee joint.

Testing Calf Capacity in Clinical Settings

Given the importance of calf muscle capacity in preventing and rehabilitating lower limb injuries, clinicians need reliable methods to assess both the strength and endurance of the calf muscles. Below are some of the most effective ways to test calf capacity in a clinical setting:

  • Calf-Raise Test (Repetitive Heel-Raise Test): The single-leg calf-raise test is a simple and widely used method to assess calf muscle endurance. In this test, the patient stands on one leg and performs heel raises, lifting the heel off the ground as high as possible with the number of repetitions completed before fatigue, recorded. This test evaluates both the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, providing a measure of endurance, which is critical for injury prevention. Hebert et. Al (2017) 2, carried out a great study which generated a guide to target rep ranges for different patient groups based on age and sex.
  • Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC): This test measures the maximum force a person can generate during an isometric contraction of the calf muscles. Using a dynamometer, clinicians can measure the force output when the patient pushes against resistance in a fixed position. The MVIC is a reliable method to assess the maximal strength of the calf muscles, especially useful in identifying deficits that may contribute to injury risk or delay rehabilitation.
  • Single-Leg Hop Test: This test is used to evaluate functional strength and power in the calf muscles. The patient is asked to perform a series of single-leg hops for distance or height. A significant discrepancy between the two legs indicates potential calf muscle weakness or imbalance. This test is particularly useful for athletes who need to perform explosive movements during sport, as it mimics the high-force demands placed on the calf muscles.
  • Functional Movement Assessments: Assessing how the calf muscles function during movements like squats, walking, or running is also valuable in clinical settings. Analysing gait or performing functional movement screens allows clinicians to observe whether the calf muscles are functioning optimally during dynamic activities. This type of assessment is particularly relevant for athletes and individuals recovering from injury, as it highlights any biomechanical deficiencies related to calf muscle performance.

Rehabilitation of Lower Limb Injuries: Calf Strengthening

Injury rehabilitation programs often include exercises aimed at restoring calf muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility. Isometric calf exercises can be used early in rehabilitation to improve muscle activation without placing too much strain on the injured tissue. Over time, patients progress to more dynamic exercises such as calf raises, hopping, and plyometric drills, depending on the severity of their injury and their physical goals. Green et. Al (2022) 3, break up the involvement of calf specific exercises into 4 nice stages which a patient or player should go through in order to go from day 1 to return to play. These stages are: Early loading and foundation calf and lower limb function, Loaded strengthening, loaded power, plyometrics and ballistics and finally, Locomotion.

Conclusion

Good calf muscle capacity is vital for preventing lower limb injuries and supporting effective rehabilitation. Strong and flexible calf muscles reduce the load on the knee joint by as much as 20-25%, play an essential role in stabilizing the ankle, and help prevent common injuries such as Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and knee injuries. Clinicians can use a variety of tests, such as the calf-raise test and MVIC, to assess calf muscle strength and endurance. By incorporating calf training and flexibility exercises into rehabilitation and prevention programs, individuals can improve their lower limb function, reduce the risk of injury, and ensure a quicker recovery following injury.

Reference List

 

  • Alshami, A.M. and Alhassany, H.A. (2020). Girth, strength, and flexibility of the calf muscle in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A case–control study. Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 15(3), pp.197–202. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtumed.2020.04.002.
  • Bohm S, Mersmann F, Santuz A, Arampatzis A.. 2019. The force–length–velocity potential of the human soleus muscle is related to the energetic cost of running. Proc. R. Soc. B Biol. Sci. 286, 20192560 ( 10.1098/rspb.2019.2560)
  • Hébert-Losier, K., Wessman, C., Alricsson, M. and Svantesson, U. (2017). Updated reliability and normative values for the standing heel-rise test in healthy adults. Physiotherapy, 103(4), pp.446–452. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2017.03.002.
  • Green, B., McClelland, J.A., Semciw, A.I. et al. The Assessment, Management and Prevention of Calf Muscle Strain Injuries: A Qualitative Study of the Practices and Perspectives of 20 Expert Sports Clinicians. Sports Med – Open 8, 10 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-021-00364-0
Injuries in paddle

Injuries in paddle

Oct 10, 2024

Paddle tennis has increased in popularity over the last few years and due to the fast-nature of the sport, it is unsurprising that musculoskeletal injuries are very common. Paddle takes place on a small field and surrounded by glass which increases the speed of the game. Paddle requires ‘motor anticipation, explosive force, reactive speed (acceleration and deceleration), resistance, flexibility and agility’(Virgolino, 2022). These components of fitness are key for health, wellness and longevity however there is an increased risk of injury if one does not apply appropriate preventative techniques (Virgolino, 2022).

 

Sportsman playing padel game

The most common MSK injuries in senior players include knee sprains, lateral epicondylitis, shoulder pain (20.6%) and lower back pain (27.5%) (Castillo-Lozano, 2017). However, lower back pain is the most prevalent among junior players (Virgolino, 2022). These findings enable practitioners to create preventive strategies and programmes which focus on scapular stability, trunk stability and lower limb strength (Castillo-Lozano, 2017).  Despite the risk of injury, paddle provides many benefits, especially to elderly players. There is a variety of research demonstrating the physical advantages (muscular strength, endurance and reaction time) of paddle, however literature has shown paddle to also provide psychological benefits such as reducing anxiety and stress (Eirale, 2023).

Elbow tendinopathy mostly impacts novice players. This is most likely due to players hitting backhand strokes in wrist flexion, the sudden increase of eccentric loading of forearm extensors and the vibrations impacting the elbow when the ball reaches the racket. Lateral epicondylitis is extremely common due to the repetitive movements and duration of the game (2-4hours). However there have been recent improvements in racket technology which reduce the risk of epicondylitis.  It is also unsurprising that patella tendinopathy often occurs due to repetitive jumping and sudden change in direction. Interestingly, males are 2-4 times more likely to develop patella tendinopathy, whereas females are more likely to experience chondromalacia patellae (Eirale, 2023).

Disc-related lower back pain and facet joint syndrome are predominantly the main cause of lower back pain (LBP) in paddle. Sward et. al found 50% of their participants suffered with LBP and 1/5 experienced severe symptoms. This is likely due to paddle incorporating all ranges of motion in the lumbar spine combined with explosive movements; therefore, it is important to consider trunk stability and lumbar mobility to prevent injury (Eirale, 2023).

Lastly, repetitive movements such as ‘smash’ and ‘bandejas’ cause muscle imbalances in the shoulder, increasing the risk of rotator cuff injuries and scapular instability. Also due to repeated overhead movements, there is a possibility of impingement in the glenoid humeral joint leading to a SLAP lesion. Consequently, rotator cuff strengthening and scapular stability are key to prevent shoulder injuries (Eirale, 2023).

Reference list

Castillo-Lozano, R. (2017). Epidemiology and prevention strategies for the musculoskeletal injuries in the paddle-tennis senior players. Science & Sports, 32(3), pp.e101–e106. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2016.09.009.

Eirale, C. (2023). Aspetar Sports Medicine Journal – INJURIES IN PADEL. [online] Aspetar.com. Available at: https://journal.aspetar.com/en/archive/volume-12-targeted-topic-sports-medicine-in-padel/injuries-in-padel [Accessed 22 Aug. 2024].

Virgolino, M. (2022). Running in Paddle. Springer eBooks, pp.179–183. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-65064-6_19.