The relative risk to the femoral nerve as a function of patient positioning: potential implications for trigger point dry needling of the iliacus muscle.

: Prudent dry needling techniques are commonly practiced with the intent to avoid large neurovascular structures, thereby minimizing potential excessive bleeding and neural injury. Patient position is one factor thought to affect the size of the safe zone during dry needling of some muscles. This study aimed to compare the size of the needle safe zone of the iliacus muscle during two different patient positions using ultrasound imaging.

The effects of lumbar extensor strength on disability and mobility in patients with persistent low back pain.

Background: It is assumed that low back pain patients who use pain-avoiding immobilizing strategies may benefit from specific back flexion and extension exercises aimed at reducing sagittal lumbar hypomobility. The aim of this study was to test this potential working mechanism in chronic low back pain patients undergoing lumbar extensor strengthening training.

Methods: A single-group prospective cohort design was used in this study.

Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of subacromial pain syndrome: a multidisciplinary review by the Dutch Orthopaedic Association.

Treatment of "subacromial impingement syndrome" of the shoulder has changed drastically in the past decade. The anatomical explanation as "impingement" of the rotator cuff is not sufficient to cover the pathology. "Subacromial pain syndrome", SAPS, describes the condition better.

Etiology of myofascial trigger points.

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is described as the sensory, motor, and autonomic symptoms caused by myofascial trigger points (TrPs). Knowing the potential causes of TrPs is important to prevent their development and recurrence, but also to inactivate and eliminate existing TrPs. There is general agreement that muscle overuse or direct trauma to the muscle can lead to the development of TrPs.

High prevalence of shoulder girdle muscles with myofascial trigger points in patients with shoulder pain.

Background: Shoulder pain is reported to be highly prevalent and tends to be recurrent or persistent despite medical treatment. The pathophysiological mechanisms of shoulder pain are poorly understood. Furthermore, there is little evidence supporting the effectiveness of current treatment protocols.

Treatment of myofascial trigger points in patients with chronic shoulder pain: a randomized, controlled trial.

Background: Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal problem that is often chronic or recurrent. Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) cause shoulder pain and are prevalent in patients with shoulder pain. However, few studies have focused on MTrP therapy.

Interrater reliability of palpation of myofascial trigger points in three shoulder muscles.

This observational study included both asymptomatic subjects (n=8) and patients with unilateral or bilateral shoulder pain (n=32). Patient diagnoses provided by the referring medical physicians included subacromial impingement, rotator cuff disease, tendonitis, tendinopathy, and chronic subdeltoid-subacromial bursitis. Three raters bilaterally palpated the infraspinatus, the anterior deltoid, and the biceps brachii muscles for clinical characteristics of a total of 12 myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) as described by Simons et al.

Treatment of myofascial trigger points in common shoulder disorders by physical therapy: a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN75722066].

Background: Shoulder disorders are a common health problem in western societies. Several treatment protocols have been developed for the clinical management of persons with shoulder pain. However available evidence does not support any protocol as being superior over others.