The Utilization of Joint Mobilization As Part of a Comprehensive Program to Manage Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review is to identify the role of joint mobilization for individuals with Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: A systematic search of 5 electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and SPORTDiscus) was performed to identify eligible full-text randomized clinical trials related to the clinical question. Joint mobilization had to be included in one arm of the randomized clinical trials to be included. Two reviewers independently participated in each step of the screening process. A blinded third reviewer assisted in cases of discrepancy. The PEDro scale was used to assess quality. RESULTS: Ten articles were included after screening 2068 titles. In each article where joint mobilization was used, positive effects in pain, function, or additional outcomes were noted. In most cases, the intervention group integrating joint mobilization performed better than the comparison group not receiving joint techniques. CONCLUSION: In the articles reviewed, joint mobilization was associated with positive clinical effects for persons with CTS. No studies used joint mobilization in isolation; therefore, results must be interpreted cautiously. This review indicates that joint mobilization might be a useful adjunctive intervention in the management of CTS.

The symptomatic and functional effects of manual physical therapy on plantar heel pain: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Plantar heel pain is common and can be severely disabling. Unfortunately, a gap in the literature exists regarding the optimal intervention for this painful condition. Consequently, a systematic review of the current literature regarding manual therapy for the treatment of plantar heel pain was performed. METHODS: A computer-assisted literature search for randomized controlled trials in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Source, was concluded on 7 January 2014. After identification of titles, three independent reviewers selected abstracts and then full-text articles for review. RESULTS: Eight articles were selected for the final review and underwent PEDro scale assessment for quality. Heterogeneity of the articles did not allow for quantitative analysis. Only two studies scored ≥7/10 on the PEDro scale and included joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. These two studies showed statistically greater symptomatic and functional outcomes in the manual therapy group. DISCUSSION: This review suggests that manual therapy is effective in the treatment of plantar heel pain; however, further research is needed to validate these findings given the preponderance of low quality studies.

Validity of a commercially available load cell dynamometer in measuring isometric knee extension torque in patients with knee disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the validity of hand-held dynamometry (HHD) and the Tindeq Progressor (TP) in assessing peak isometric knee extension torque and limb symmetry index (LSI) versus isokinetic dynamometer (IKD). DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 31 individuals with unilateral knee disorders (21 female; 28.3 ± 11 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Peak isometric knee extension torque; Knee extension LSI. RESULTS: Strong to almost perfect (p < 0.001) correlations (Cohen's Kappa k) with IKD were found for both devices for peak torque of the uninvolved limb (HHD [k = 0.84], TP [k = 0.91]) and involved limb (HHD [k = 0.93], TP [k = 0.98]). For LSI, moderate to strong (p < 0.001) correlations with IKD were found for HHD (k = 0.79) and TP (k = 0.89). Mean bias errors were equivalent for determining LSI (HHD = 0.02%; TP = 0.03%). Both HHD and TP were highly sensitive (96.2-100.0%) and specific (100.0%) at the 70% LSI threshold. TP showed higher sensitivity and specificity at the 90% LSI threshold. CONCLUSION: HHD and TP are valid in measuring isometric knee extension torque with the reference standard IKD. TP showed superior validity in identifying LSI. TP also shows greater specificity in identifying the 90% LSI threshold.

Desmoid fibromatosis presenting as lateral hip pain in an outpatient physical therapy clinic: A case report.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 21-year-old healthy female presented with severe left lateral hip pain beginning suddenly two weeks prior. Physical examination revealed zero degrees of left hip external rotation passive range of motion with a firm end feel and pain severity and irritability out of proportion to an expected musculoskeletal presentation. She was referred to her physician with a recommendation for imaging to determine the source of pain and appropriateness of physical therapy. OUTCOME: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a foreign mass in her left gluteus medius muscle which biopsy revealed to be a desmoid fibromatosis. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates a thorough differential diagnostic process leading to medical imaging referral in a patient with a non-musculoskeletal source of pain. Physical therapists must be diligent in their differential diagnostic process to ensure appropriateness of their treatments or the need for referral.

Eccentric Exercise for Achilles Tendinopathy: A Narrative Review and Clinical Decision-Making Considerations.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendinopathy is a common health condition encountered in the orthopedic and sports medicine settings. Eccentric exercise is a common intervention in the management of pain and limited function for this patient population, although contemporary evidence suggests additional exercise methods may be effective as well. STUDY DESIGN: Narrative review: Methods: A literature review was performed using the electronic databases Pubmed and PEDRO for articles through February 2019. Randomized clinical trials integrating eccentric exercise, with or without co-interventions, were evaluated. Outcomes related to pain and/or function were considered. A patient case is provided to highlight decision making processes related to clinical prescription of eccentrics for Achilles tendinopathy. RESULTS: After screening titles and abstracts, seven studies were included for full review. Two articles compared eccentric exercise to a control group, four compared eccentrics to the use of modalities, while one used eccentric exercise as part of a multimodal intervention. In each case, eccentric exercise was effective in reducing pain and improving function. In comparison to other forms of exercise or additional interventions, eccentric exercise was frequently not more effective than other options. DISCUSSION: Eccentric exercise has been associated with clinical benefit in improving pain and function for patients with Achilles tendinopathy. Despite the available evidence reporting effectiveness of eccentrics, other options may be equally useful. Appropriate load modification and exercise prescription for patients with Achilles tendinopathy requires systematic clinical reasoning and incorporation of patient values to optimize outcomes.

JOINT MOBILIZATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PERSISTENT INSERTIONAL ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY: A CASE REPORT.

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE: Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) can be a challenging condition to manage conservatively. Eccentric exercise is commonly used in the management of chronic tendinopathy; however, it may not be as helpful for insertional tendon problems as compared to mid-portion dysfunction. While current evidence describing the physical therapy management of IAT is developing, gaps still exist in descriptions of best practice. The purpose of this case report is to describe the management of a patient with persistent IAT utilizing impairment-based joint mobilization, self-mobilization, and exercise. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 51-year-old male was seen in physical therapy for complaints of posterior heel pain and reduced running capacity. He was seen by multiple physical therapists previously, but reported continued impairment, and functional restriction. Joint-based non-thrust mobilization and self-mobilization exercise were performed to enhance his ability to run and reduce symptoms. OUTCOMES: The subject was seen for four visits over the course of two months. He made clinically significant improvements on the Foot and Ankle Activity Measure and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles tendon outcomes, was asymptomatic, and participated in numerous marathons. Improvements were maintained at one-year follow-up. DISCUSSION: Mobility deficits can contribute to the development of tendinopathy, and without addressing movement restrictions, symptoms and functional decline related to tendinopathy may persist. Joint-directed manual therapy may be a beneficial intervention in a comprehensive plan of care in allowing patients with chronic tendon changes to optimize function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, Level 4.

TIBIOFEMORAL JOINT MOBILIZATION IN THE SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common source of anterior knee pain. Controversy exists over the exact clinical findings which define PFPS, thus, diagnosis and management can be challenging for clinicians. There is paucity in the literature concerning joint mobilization as treatment for PFPS, particularly at the tibiofemoral joint, as standard management is currently focused on therapeutic exercise, orthotics, bracing and taping. Therefore, the purpose of this case report is to describe the effects of tibiofemoral joint mobilization in the successful treatment of an individual with chronic PFPS as it relates to pain, function and central processing of pain. STUDY DESIGN: Case Report. CASE DESCRIPTION: The subject was a 28-year-old female with a two year history of left anterior, inferior patellar knee pain consistent with chronic PFPS. She demonstrated diminished pressure pain threshold (PPT) and allodynia at the anterior knee, suggesting a component of central sensitization to her pain. She met several common diagnostic criteria for PFPS, however, only tibiofemoral anterior-posterior joint mobilization increased her pain. Subsequent treatment sessions (Visits 1-6) consisted of solely joint mobilization supplemented by instruction in a home exercise program (therapeutic exercise and balance training). As outcomes improved, treatment sessions (Visits 7-8) consisted of solely therapeutic exercise and balance training with focus on return to independent pain free functional activity. OUTCOMES: Improvements consistent with the minimally clinically important difference were noted on the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Global Rating of Change (GROC). Scores on the Fear Avoidance-Belief Questionnaire (6/24 to 2/24 PA, 31/42 to 5/42 W), PPT (119 to 386 kPa) and Step Down Test (11 to 40 steps) also demonstrated improvement. At a two month follow up, the subject reported continued improvement in functional activity, 0/10 pain and GROC = +5. DISCUSSION: This case describes the successful use of tibiofemoral joint mobilization in a subject with chronic PFPS and supports the use of joint mobilization as management in PFPS, particularly in cases where a centrally mediated component of pain may be present. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, Level 5.