Coincidence between the distribution of myofascial trigger points and the presence of blood vessels in the gastrocnemius muscle: Implications for invasive procedures.

Purpose: The gastrocnemius venous system presents different anatomical variants. There have been described four locations of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in this muscle. However, no studies have analyzed the coincidence between vessels and MTrPs present in the gastrocnemius.

Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Neuromodulation of Sciatic Nerve on Hip Muscle Strength in Chronic Low Back Pain Sufferers: A Pilot Study.

Limited hip internal rotation range of motion (IR-ROM) and hip abductor weakness are recognized in low back pain (LBP) sufferers. The main aim was to investigate the effect of a ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (PNM) technique on hip strength in people with LBP. A second purpose was to discover whether the location along the sciatic nerve, where percutaneous neuromodulation was applied, could influence the change of strength response in these patients.

Correct Sciatic Nerve Management to Apply Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Neuromodulation in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study.

Background: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of an ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (PNM) intervention on the sciatic nerve, regarding pain, hip range of motion (ROM), balance, and functionality in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP); and to determine the optimal anatomical location of sciatic nerve stimulation to obtain therapeutic benefits in such patients.

Materials And Methods: Thirty patients with chronic LBP were recruited and divided randomly into three groups. All patients received a single percutaneous electrical stimulation intervention on the sciatic nerve, with a different anatomical application location for each group (proximal, middle, and distal).

Safety analysis of percutaneous needle electrolysis: a study of needle composition, morphology, and electrical resistance.

Background: Percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) consists of a galvanic current combined with the insertion of a solid needle into the tissues of the musculoskeletal system. The application of a galvanic current through a needle can alter the morphology and composition during treatment application. This procedure may also provoke a localized temperature increase.

Crossover effects of ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation on contralateral hamstring flexibility.

Background: Crossover effects refer to the responses of a non-exercised contralateral limb. There is evidence of this effect, as it relates to muscle fatigue, strength, and stretch, but not as it relates to neuromodulation.

Objectives: To compare the crossover effects of percutaneous neuromodulation (PNM) on hip range of motion (ROM), observed in a straight leg raise (SLR) test, in asymptomatic participants with bilateral reduced hamstring flexibility, versus the neurodynamic sciatic sliding technique, hamstring stretching and mechanical stimulation of the sciatic nerve using a needle (without electrical stimulation).

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis in chronic lateral epicondylitis: short-term and long-term results.

Background: Ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) is a novel minimally invasive approach which consists of the application of a galvanic current through an acupuncture needle.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and ultrasonographic effectiveness of a multimodal programme (PNE, eccentric exercise (EccEx) and stretching) in the short term for patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis, and to determine whether the clinical outcomes achieved decline over time.

Methods: A one-way repeated measures study was performed in a clinical setting in 36 patients presenting with lateral epicondylitis.

Quality measures for the care of patients with lateral epicondylalgia.

Background: Lateral epicondylalgia (LE) defines a condition of varying degrees of pain near the lateral epicondyle. Studies on the management of LE indicated unexplained variations in the use of pharmacologic, non-pharmacological and surgical treatments. The main aim of this paper was to develop and evaluate clinical quality measures (QMs) or quality indicators, which may be used to assess the quality of the processes of examination, education and treatment of patients with LE.