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Sensors (Basel) 2021 Apr 21;21(9). Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.

Several studies have shown that gastrocnemius is frequently injured in triathletes. The causes of these injuries are similar to those that cause the appearance of the myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). The ischemic compression technique (ICT) and deep dry needling (DDN) are considered two of the main MPS treatment methods in latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Read More

BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2021 Apr 22;13(1):43. Epub 2021 Apr 22.

Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité EA 7424, F-69622, Villeurbanne Cedex, France.

Background: Self-myofascial release is an emerging technique in strength and conditioning. Yet, there is no consensus regarding optimal practice guidelines. Here, we investigated the acute effects of various foam rolling interventions targeting quadriceps muscles, with or without sliding pressures. Read More

Curr Sports Med Rep 2021 Mar;20(3):150-156

Department of PM&R, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.

Abstract: Trunk pain is a common cause of performance limitation and time away from sport in athletes. However, atraumatic trunk injuries are underrepresented in medical literature and underrecognized clinically. Delays in diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment can increase injury morbidity and return-to-play time. Read More

Int J Sports Phys Ther 2020 Aug;15(4):579-592

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Department of Athletic Training, School of Allied Health, 1111 W. 17 Street, Tulsa, OK 74107.

Background: Myofascial decompression (MFD), or cupping, and self-myofascial release (SMR) are common techniques utilized to treat soft tissue injuries and increase flexibility. MFD is a negative pressure soft tissue treatment technique using suction to manipulate the skin and underlying soft tissues. One method of SMR is a foam roller, where a patient rolls his/her bodyweight over a dense foam cylinder in a self-massaging fashion to mobilize soft tissues for the body part treated. Read More

PLoS One 2020 19;15(11):e0242371. Epub 2020 Nov 19.

Department of Physical Therapy, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a quantitative dry cupping system that can monitor negative pressure attenuation and soft tissue pull-up during cupping to quantify soft tissue compliance.

Methods: Baseball players with myofascial pain syndrome were recruited to validate the benefits of cupping therapy. Nine of 40 baseball players on the same team were diagnosed with trapezius myofascial pain syndrome; another nine players from the same team were recruited as controls. Read More

J Strength Cond Res 2020 Dec;34(12):3377-3385

Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.

San-Antolín, M, Rodríguez-Sanz, D, Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo, R, Losa-Iglesias, ME, Martínez-Jiménez, EM, López-López, D, and Calvo-Lobo, C. Neuroticism traits and anxiety symptoms are exhibited in athletes with chronic gastrocnemius myofascial pain syndrome. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3377-3385, 2020-Common psychological factors, such as anxiety or neurotic personality traits, seem to be associated with pain suffered by athletes. Read More

J Chiropr Med 2019 Dec 3;18(4):335-342. Epub 2020 Sep 3.

Radiology Department, Logan University, Chesterfield, Missouri.

Objective: Spondylolysis is 1 of the most common sources of low back pain in children and adolescents; however, there is still a great deal of confusion in regard to etiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic imaging findings. It is imperative for clinicians to recognize that persistent low back pain is strongly indicative of spondylolysis, especially in high-performance athletes. This case series demonstrates a comprehensive diagnostic spectrum of spondylolysis and its treatment in 2 competitive adolescent cheerleaders. Read More

Curr Sports Med Rep 2020 Jun;19(6):217-222

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD.

Rehabilitation from musculoskeletal injuries is challenging with multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing athletes, conditions, and length of recovery. Multidisciplinary treatment strategies aim to address pathophysiology, mechanical, and psychosocial factors of injuries. An essential element in the recovery from musculoskeletal injuries is pain control and the return of physiologic function. Read More

J Bodyw Mov Ther 2020 Apr 27;24(2):18-25. Epub 2020 Feb 27.

Le Gitalet, Route de La Vie Neuve, 39310, Septmoncel, France.

Background: Ballet dancers, contortionists, gymnasts, or other sportspeople spend long hours performing stretches while training. Although most studies on stretching consider fascia lengthening to be difficult, athletes manage to lengthen their fascia.

Aim: To assess the relationship between lengthening fascial structures of the anterior compartment of the thigh and the self-reported sensation of discomfort and pain during a sustained and repeated high intensity stretch. Read More

Pilot Feasibility Stud 2020 16;6:47. Epub 2020 Apr 16.

6Conservative and Rehabilitative Orthopaedics, Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.

Background: Myofascial (self-)treatments, such as foam rollers to therapeutic instruments in manual therapy, are utilized increasingly in prevention and therapy in healthy people, athletes, and patients suffering from chronic back pain. However, there is limited knowledge about the effectiveness of treatment and the underlying mechanisms of myofascial therapies, especially for instrument-assisted manual therapy (IAMT). Therefore, this pilot study will investigate the feasibility and impact of IAMT for the lumbar area compared with heat application and placebo treatment as a basis for calculating the sample size for further full studies. Read More

Phys Ther Sport 2020 May 10;43:166-172. Epub 2020 Mar 10.

Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. Electronic address:

Objective: To determine the influence of depression symptoms and levels in athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain with respect to healthy athletes. In addition, to determine a prediction model for kinesiophobia symptoms based on descriptive data and gastrocnemius myofascial pain presence.

Design: Secondary case-control. Read More

Pain Med 2020 08;21(8):1626-1635

Research, Health and Podiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, Universidade da Coruña, Spain.

Objective: To compare and predict kinesiophobia and fear avoidance beliefs between athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and healthy athletes.

Design: Case-control.

Setting: Outpatient clinic. Read More

J Bodyw Mov Ther 2020 Jan 14;24(1):31-38. Epub 2019 May 14.

Department of Physical Therapy, Recanati School for Community Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.

Background: Anterior knee pain (AKP) is a widespread problem among young athletes and soldiers. There are many theories on the etiology of AKP but there is little reference to myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) as a possible contributor.

Aim: To evaluate the association between AKP and prevalence of active and latent MTrPs in the hip and thigh muscles in soldiers. Read More

Pain Med 2020 08;21(8):1616-1625

Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.

Objective: To compare central sensitization symptoms, presence of central sensitivity syndrome (CSS), catastrophism, rumination, magnification, and helplessness symptoms between athletes with gastrocnemius myofascial pain and healthy athletes. Furthermore, to predict central sensitization symptoms based on sociodemographic and descriptive data, catastrophism features, and presence of gastrocnemius myofascial pain in athletes.

Design: Case-control study. Read More

Int J Sports Phys Ther 2019 Jun;14(3):468-486

Brisbane Hip Clinic, Queensland, Australia. School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.

Hip pathology is common amongst athletes and the general population. The mechanics of cycling have the potential to exacerbate symptomatic hip pathology and progress articular pathology in patients with morphologic risk factors such as femoroacetabular impingement. A professional fit of the bicycle to the individual which aims to optimize hip joint function can allow patients with hip pathology to exercise in comfort when alternative high impact exercise such as running may not be possible. Read More

J Clin Med 2019 Oct 5;8(10). Epub 2019 Oct 5.

Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040 Spain.

Background: Deep dry needling (DDN) and ischemic compression technic (ICT) may be considered as interventions used for the treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) in latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). The immediate effectiveness of both DDN and ICT on pressure pain threshold (PPT) and skin temperature of the latent MTrPs of the triceps surae has not yet been determined, especially in athletes due to their treatment requirements during training and competition.

Objective: To compare the immediate efficacy between DDN and ICT in the latent MTrPs of triathletes considering PPT and thermography measurements. Read More

Pain Med 2020 02;21(2):e172-e181

Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.

Objective: To determine the immediate efficacy of a single session of deep dry needling (DDN) vs ischemic compression (ICT) in a latent myofascial trigger point (MTrP) of the shortened triceps surae from triathletes for ankle dorsiflexion and redistribution of plantar pressures and stability.

Design: A randomized simple blind clinical trial (NCT03273985).

Setting: An outpatient clinic. Read More

Gen Dent 2019 Jul-Aug;67(4):72-74

Rugby is played by more than 3 million people in over 100 countries on 5 continents. Playing rugby can result in 2-3 times more dental and facial trauma than American football or other contact sports. Facial trauma in sports has been associated with the development of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Read More

Biol Sport 2018 Dec 31;35(4):349-354. Epub 2018 Aug 31.

Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Department of Sports Medicine, Frankfurt am Main.

Latent myofascial trigger points (MTrP) have been linked to several impairments of muscle function. The present study was conducted in order to examine whether a single bout of self-myofascial release using a foam roller is effective in reducing MTrP sensitivity. Fifty healthy, pain-free subjects (26. Read More

J Bodyw Mov Ther 2019 Jan 11;23(1):82-88. Epub 2018 Feb 11.

United Physiotherapy, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland.

Objectives: Latent myofascial trigger points (TrP) can alter joint kinematics, reduce strength and alter activation patterns, affecting athletic performance. TrP sensitivity can be measured with the pressure pain threshold (PPT). Dry needling (DN) has been used to treat latent TrPs, but may cause post-needling soreness. Read More

Braz J Phys Ther 2020 Jan - Feb;24(1):46-53. Epub 2018 Dec 19.

Physical Therapy Department, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil; Postgraduate Program of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil.

Objectives: (1) To identify the type and frequency of interventions used by Brazilian physical therapists to treat and prevent the occurrence of patellar tendinopathy in athletes and the criteria used to return to sport; (2) to compare the interventions used to the grade of recommendation of current evidence.

Methods: Design: cross-sectional study.

Setting: online survey throughout sports physical therapy association. Read More

J Hum Kinet 2018 Sep 15;64:35-45. Epub 2018 Oct 15.

Department of Sport Science, University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw; Wrocław, Poland.

The study aimed to assess the effects of compression trigger point therapy on the stiffness of the trapezius muscle in professional basketball players (Part A), and the reliability of the MyotonPRO device in clinical evaluation of athletes (Part B). Twelve professional basketball players participated in Part A of the study (mean age: 19.8 ± 2. Read More

J Strength Cond Res 2020 Jan;34(1):79-88

Psychology Department, Gannon University, Erie, Pennsylvania.

Stroiney, DA, Mokris, RL, Hanna, GR, and Ranney, JD. Examination of self-myofascial release vs. instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization techniques on vertical and horizontal power in recreational athletes. Read More

J Sport Rehabil 2019 Aug;28(6):640-649

Background: In sports medicine, the interprofessional care of athletes has become a frequent practice. This type of care often involves different interventions used among professionals. One common intervention prescribed is roller massage (RM) or self-myofascial release. Read More

J Strength Cond Res 2019 Sep;33(9):2453-2463

Department of Science and Health, Institute of Technology Carlow, Carlow, Ireland.

Devereux, F, O'Rourke, B, Byrne, PJ, Byrne, D, and Kinsella, S. Effects of myofascial trigger point release on power and force production in the lower limb kinetic chain. J Strength Cond Res 33(9): 2453-2463, 2019-The purpose of this study was to first investigate the effects of treating latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the lower limb kinetic chain with respect to performance during sporting actions, as opposed to the traditional goal of pain management with active MTrPs. Read More

J Sport Rehabil 2019 Mar 30;28(3):243-249. Epub 2018 Nov 30.

Context: Chronic musculoskeletal disorders in the shoulder joint are often associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), particularly in the upper trapezius (UT) muscle. Dry needling (DN) is a treatment of choice for myofascial pain syndrome. However, local lesions and severe postneedle soreness sometimes hamper the direct application of DN in the UT. Read More

J Bodyw Mov Ther 2015 Oct 28;19(4):747-58. Epub 2015 Aug 28.

Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Finland.

Background: Self-myofascial release (SMFR) is a type of myofascial release performed by the individual themselves rather than by a clinician, typically using a tool.

Objectives: To review the literature regarding studies exploring acute and chronic clinical effects of SMFR.

Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched during February 2015 for studies containing words related to the topic of SMFR. Read More

Asian J Sports Med 2015 Sep 28;6(3):e23806. Epub 2015 Sep 28.

Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Background: Musculoskeletal pain is a common problem among athletes. Apart from sport injuries, the myofascial pain syndrome is another important problem that affects performance of the athlete.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of therapeutic sequences of the hot pack in combination with ultrasound on the physiological responses over the latent myofascial trigger point (LMTrP) of upper trapezius muscle. Read More

Br J Sports Med 2014 Sep 16;48(18):1347-51. Epub 2014 Jul 16.

British Athletics Medical Team, British Athletics National Performance Centre, LoughboroughUniversity, Loughborough, UK.

The commonly used muscle injury grading systems based on three grades of injury, representing minor, moderate and complete injuries to the muscle, are lacking in diagnostic accuracy and provide limited prognostic information to the clinician. In recent years, there have been a number of proposals for alternative grading systems. While there is recent evidence regarding the prognostic features of muscle injuries, this evidence has not often been incorporated into the grading proposals. Read More

Curr Sports Med Rep 2012 Nov-Dec;11(6):335-40

Department of Orthopedics, University Orthopaedic Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84121, USA.

Back pain is common in athletes and a source of missed time from practice and competition. Pain generators include muscle (strain), ligament (myofascial sprain and strain), intervertebral disc (herniation and degeneration), nerve (radiculopathy), joint (facet and sacroiliac (SI) joint), and bones (pars interarticularis defect). The goal of treatment of an athlete with back pain is to relieve symptoms and facilitate safe but rapid return to play with no change in performance. Read More