Efficacy of Selected Electrical Therapies on Chronic Low Back Pain: A Comparative Clinical Pilot Study
Background: In the currently available research publications on electrical therapy of low back pain, generally no control groups or detailed randomization were used, and such studies were often conducted with relatively small groups of patients, based solely on subjective questionnaires and pain assessment scales (lacking measurement methods to objectify the therapeutic progress). The available literature also lacks a comprehensive and large-scale clinical study. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of treating low back pain using selected electrotherapy methods. The study assesses the influence of individual electrotherapeutic treatments on reduction of pain, improvement of …
Efficacy of Focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Prospective Randomized 3-Month Follow-Up Study.
BACKGROUND Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a modern physiotherapeutic method that is useful for treating musculoskeletal conditions. There are still limited data from well-designed studies evaluating the clinical efficiency of ESWT in low back pain (LBP). Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the focused ESWT (fESWT) in reducing pain and improving the functional status of patients with chronic LBP. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 40 patients with L5-S1 discopathy with chronic LBP pain who were randomized into 2 groups: group A (n=20, mean age of 42.3±13.1 years) and group B (n=20, mean age of 45.4±14 years). Group A was an experimental group treated …
The use of dry needling to treat painful shoulder syndrome: a case report
Background. Painful shoulder syndrome is a common condition in society. Most patients experience pain and reduced mobility of the affected limb, which can have an impact on the quality of life. This report presents a case of a patient with pain and reduced range of motion in the left shoulder. Aim of the study. The study aim was to evaluate the efficacy of dry needling in the treatment of painful shoulder syndrome, based on functional measures of pain, disability and range of motion. Case report. A 42-year old patient reported pain in her left shoulder. A series of 6 dry needling sessions were performed, twice a week, for a period of 3 weeks. Prior to, and immediately after, the therapy a s…
Selected needling techniques in pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders: a narrative review
Background: Therapies involving various needling techniques are becoming more common treatment methods for musculoskeletal disorders. Aim of the study: To review the most commonly used needling techniques and their effect on the level of pain and functional status of patients with selected musculoskeletal disorders, i.e., lower back pain, upper trapezius muscle (UT) pain, cervicogenic headaches, myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), and chronic pain localized to the knee joint. Material and methods: A review of the academic literature was conducted between December 2021 and January 2022. The needle therapy methods used in the treatment of pain ailments were selected based on publications availabl…
An assesment of body posture of children aged 3-6 years
Background: A posture defect may be defined as a syndrome of abnormalities occurring in a relaxed upright position of the body. Deviations from the typical body shape are specific for given age and gender. Life determinants and social situation have a very significant impact on the development of body posture in young people. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to analyse the occurrence of spinal defects in children aged 3–6 years. Material and methods: The study included 75 children aged 3–6 years. The children were examined for spinal defects using the MORA computer system. Results: Boys in the study showed a correlation between height and the inclination of the upper thoracic segm…
Photobiomodulation using high- or low-level laser irradiations in patients with lumbar disc degenerative changes: disappointing outcomes and remarks
Jakub Taradaj,1,2 Katarzyna Rajfur,3 Barbara Shay,2 Joanna Rajfur,3 Kuba Ptaszkowski,4 Karolina Walewicz,3 Robert Dymarek,5 MirosÅaw Sopel,5 Joanna RosiÅczuk5 1Department of Physiotherapy Basics, Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland; 2College of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; 3Public Higher Medical Professional School, Opole, Poland; 4Department of Clinical Biomechanics and Physiotherapy in Motor System Disorders, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; 5Department of Nervous System Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland Background: Laser therapy seems to be a beneficial physical agent for chronic low back pain (LBP), …