Background: Myofascial pain syndrome of upper trapezius muscle is common; reports about successful treatment with dry needling and PHYSICAL THERAPY have been published. This study was performed with the objective of comparing the efficacy of these two treatment MODALITIES in relieving the symptoms in patients with myofascial pain in the trapezius referred to the PHYSICAL Medicine and Rehabilitation Center at the Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital from Apr 2009 to March 2010.Methods: It was a randomized controlled trial performed on 28 patients. After matching age, sex, duration of symptoms, pain severity, pain pressure threshold of trigger point and quality of life measures, subjects were randomly put in to subgroups of case (dry needling) or control (PHYSICAL THERAPY). One week and one month after receiving treatment, outcomes and intra and inter group changes in pain severity, pain pressure threshold of trigger point and quality of life measures were evaluated and compared.Results: 28 subjects in two 14 patients groups took part in this study. After one month of both PHYSICAL THERAPY and dry needling, there was a decrease in resting, night and activity pain levels, (p<0.05). Pain pressure threshold of trigger point, scores of PHYSICAL functioning, role limitation due to PHYSICAL problems, social functioning and bodily pain were improved (p<0.05). Results were similar in the two groups, (p<0.4).Conclusion: It seems that both PHYSICAL THERAPY MODALITIES and dry needling have equal effect in decreasing myofascial pain of upper trapezius muscle.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of breastfeeding (BF) knowledge and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders associated with BF among mothers. Materials and Methods: The participants were given a questionnaire containing 20 questions regarding their knowledge of BF practices and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. The responses were reported as mean, standard deviation (SD), number (n), frequencies (f), and percentages (%). Results: The study included 941 participants aged 18 to 49, with a median age of 31-35. Nearly half (47. 9%,n = 451) of participants had no knowledge of the health advantages of BF. Furthermore, 82. 6% (n = 777) of participants did not receive educational courses or information about childbirth during pregnancy or postnatal. Moreover, 42. 7% (n = 402) reported BF-related musculoskeletal pain. The results showed that the least common information provided by doctors or other healthcare providers to mothers was that BF could reduce the risk of some types of cancer (13. 6%,n = 128) and asthma and shortness of breath in children (14. 1%,n = 133). The most common information was that breastfed children are at a lower risk of getting sick than formula-fed children (41. 7%,n = 392). Conclusions: The study showed a lack of knowledge regarding the benefits of BF and a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among BF mothers in Saudi Arabia. We strongly recommend increasing the number of educational courses that provide knowledge and skills related to BF practices and appropriate positioning during BF.

AbstractBackground: Despite the direct access to clients in physioTHERAPY worldwide, Iran has yet to achieve significant improvements in the educational standards and professional responsibilities of physiotherapists. Currently, Iranian physiotherapists do not have direct access to patients. This study aims to present solutions for the professional development of physioTHERAPY, based on the perspectives of scholars in this field.Methods: This qualitative content analysis study explored the experiences of 12 physioTHERAPY scholars from three levels of study (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate) through structured and semi-in-depth face-to-face interviews. Data analysis was conducted concurrently with data collection using Granheim and Ludman’s content analysis method. Results: The identified potential solutions include continuous review of the curriculum, strengthening clinical education, elevation of the basic level of physioTHERAPY education to a professional doctorate or master’s degree, post-graduation competency assessment, revision of educational priorities, establishing a strong presence in hospital and community departments, preventing the influence and interference of other disciplines, raising public awareness of the capabilities and potential of the profession, and paying greater attention to professional ethics.Conclusion: In the absence of entry-level general doctor of physioTHERAPY and direct access to patients, the quality of physioTHERAPY services will not improve, leading to suboptimal health outcomes for clients and consequent waste of time and financial resources for both patients and insurance providers.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disorder often managed with pharmacological therapies, which may cause adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of magnet THERAPY (MT) and electroacupuncture (EA) in the treatment of KOA.Methods: A randomized, double-blind trial involved 93 KOA patients divided into three groups: MT, EA, and routine treatment (RT). Eligible participants had confirmed KOA, pain lasting over three months, and walking ability. Outcomes, assessed by a specialist, included pain intensity, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and knee function, stiffness, and pain via the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at baseline, after 10 treatment sessions, and one-month post-treatment. The trial was registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20100129003220N11).Results: Participants had a mean age of 67.44 ± 5.18 years. Significant differences were observed across groups in pain, 6-minute walk test, WOMAC scores, stiffness, and PHYSICAL function (P < 0.001). All variables showed significant changes over the three time points (P < 0.05), with distinct trends in mean changes among groups (P < 0.001).Conclusion: MT outperformed EA and RT in reducing pain, stiffness, and WOMAC scores while improving PHYSICAL function and 6MWT outcomes in KOA patients.

2Background and aims: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of absenteeism and increased reliance on health insurance and healthcare services, impacting individuals' daily lives and overall quality of life. This study aimed to examine the impacts of aquatic open and closed kinetic chain exercises on psychological factors, pain, and lumbo-pelvic stability in men with non-specific CLBP. Methods: In a randomized controlled clinical trial, 60 men with non-specific CLBP (diagnosed by a specialist) were randomly assigned to three groups: closed chain exercises in water, open chain exercises in water, and a control group. The intervention groups followed a prescribed exercise regimen for eight weeks, with three sessions per week in the pool. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), lumbo-pelvic stability was measured with the Pressure Biofeedback Stability device, and psychological variables were evaluated using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The ANCOVA test was used to compare post-test values among groups while controlling for pre-test effects. Results: Significant differences were observed between the control group and both the open chain and closed chain exercise groups in terms of pain, lumbo-pelvic stability, and psychological variables (p<0. 05). Conclusion: The implementation of open and closed chain exercise programs in aquatic environments proved effective in reducing pain among individuals with CLBP, also showing potential for improving lumbo-pelvic stability and psychological well-being. HydroTHERAPY programs, as part of comprehensive rehabilitation strategies, may be beneficial for patients with CLBP.

Background: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction following Mandibular fractures can lead to limitation of jaw movement especially month opening, pain, and muscular atrophy. In this regard, the current study aimed to determine the effect of manual mobilization along with other physioTHERAPY MODALITIES on the improved function of TMJ in a patient with Mandibular symphyseal fracture. Case Presentation: A 16-year-old girl with a complaint of severe jaw pain and disability of mouth opening was referred to PHYSICAL THERAPY clinic of Besat Hospital affiliated to Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. The patient underwent an open surgical treatment due to mandibular symphyseal fracture. A visual analog scale was used for the measurement of pain intensity and the maximal mouth opening was obtained by measuring the distance of the maxillary and mandibular central incisal edges using a dental ruler scaled in millimeters. Thereafter, PHYSICAL THERAPY treatment was administered to both TM joints for five sessions every other day. The physioTHERAPY sessions included Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), ultrasound, hot pack, and Maitland manual mobilization techniques. The patient demonstrated significant reduction in pain and improved maximal mouth opening upon the completion of 5-session PHYSICAL THERAPY treatment. Conclusion: PHYSICAL THERAPY treatment which includes PHYSICAL MODALITIES along with manual mobilization techniques may be an effective method in the management of TMJ dysfunctions following mandibular symphyseal fracture leading to faster improvement in the function of this joint.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of balance training in combination with PHYSICAL MODALITIES in patients with knee OA. Materials and Methods: In this single-blinded randomized clinical trial, 60 patients (mean age: 56. 5± 0. 90 years) with primary knee osteoarthritis were recruited. Participants were assigned to two groups. PhysioTHERAPY (PT) group received routine PHYSICAL THERAPY (hot pack, ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and exercise) while balance training group (BT) received conventional PHYSICAL THERAPY plus balance training using Biodex balance system (BBS). Results: The comparison between two groups revealed significant differences with regard to the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score (P = 0. 023), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) pain score (P = 0. 018), WOMAC total score (P = 0. 042), Lequesne index (P=0. 015) as well as the score of Timed Up and Go (TUG) test (P = 0. 003). Similar results were observed for the fall risk score (P < 0. 001). The WOMAC stiffness score in the BT group significantly decreased from 2. 80± 0. 34 to 1. 70± 0. 32 (P < 0. 0 1), but it did not decrease in the PT group (P = 0. 096). Conclusions: The combination of balance training and PHYSICAL THERAPY provided more pain relief and development of functional abilities in patients with knee OA.

Background: Transfer energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) THERAPY (TT) is a newly developed deep heating THERAPY that can generate heat within tissues through high-frequency wave stimulation. Compared to conventional physioTHERAPY methods, the application of TT especially in sports rehabilitation is becoming more popular. This study aimed to investigate the comparative effect of TT and therapeutic ultrasound (US) on hamstring muscle shortness. Additionally, the effects of TT with static stretching (SS) were compared with US combined with SS. Materials and Methods: Totally, 39 male athletes with hamstring shortness were randomly assigned into three groups: A, B, and C. Group A received 15 minutes of TT plus SS, while Group B received 15 minutes of US with SS, and Group C only performed SS. Hamstring flexibility was measured by active knee extension (AKE), passive knee extension (PKE), and the sit and Reach (SR) tests before the intervention, and following the first, and third treatment sessions. Results: The range of motion of the AKE and PKE, and displacement range in the SR test improved significantly after the first and third sessions in all three groups (P<0. 0001). The improvement of the three flexibility indices in the TT group was greater than in the other two groups. Conclusion: The present study showed that TT could increase the flexibility of hamstring muscles more than US THERAPY. However, TT in combination with SS had a similar effect to SS alone.