Ultrasound imaging and Fascial Manipulation®: 'Adding a twist' on the ankle retinacula.

BACKGROUND: Retinacula of the ankle are thickening of the deep fascia of the leg (crural fascia) and foot i.e. inseparable structures. Recent studies report their crucial role in functional stability and proprioception of the ankle. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38-yr-old Caucasian man - with a history of lateral malleolus fracture 12 years ago, obesity and right ankle osteoarthritis - was referred to a physiatrist for a right ankle pain that had significantly worsened over the last year. During walking, the patient experienced stinging pain in the area of tibialis anterior and peroneus tertius muscles, and the superior extensor retinaculum. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography showed clear thicknening (2.05 mm) of the oblique superomedial band of the inferior extensor retinaculum. Sonopalpation was performed to precisely evaluate/confirm the site of maximum pain. Foot function index (FFI) score was 42. RESULTS: Subsequently, the patient was prescribed fascial manipulation, and he had clinical improvement after the first session (FFI: 21). At 1-month follow-up, the patient was still asymptomatic without any functional limitation (FFI: 24). US imaging confirmed the decreased thickness of the oblique superomedial band of the extensor retinaculum (1.35 mm). CONCLUSION: Fascial Manipulation® appears to be a useful tool to reduce thickness, stiffness, and pain in this case as displayed by the ultrasound Imaging.

Summaries of the Padua symposium on myofascial pain, fibromyalgia, and fascial pain disorders, June 2023, Aula Falloppio at the Human Anatomy Institute of the University of Padova, Italy.

The International Symposium on Myofascial Pain, Fibromyalgia, and Fascial Pain Disorders was held at the University of Padua, Padua, Italy in June of 2023. This report presents a summary of the presentations from scientists and clinicians from around the world who presented to the symposium. The purpose of this symposium and resultant paper is improve health professional's recognition and understanding of the clinical characteristics, co-morbidities, mechanisms, and treatment strategies for these common conditions to better understand and manage their pain, dysfunction, and quality life.

The Effect of Mechanical Stress on Hyaluronan Fragments' Inflammatory Cascade: Clinical Implications.

It is a common experience, reported by patients who have undergone manual therapy that uses deep friction, to perceive soreness in treatment areas; however, it is still not clear what causes it and if it is therapeutically useful or a simple side effect. The purpose of this narrative review is to determine whether manual and physical therapies can catalyze an inflammatory process driven by HA fragments. The literature supports the hypothesis that mechanical stress can depolymerize into small pieces at low molecular weight and have a high inflammatory capacity. Many of these pieces are then further degraded into small oligosaccharides. Recently, it has been demonstrated that oligosaccharides are able to stop this inflammatory process. These data support the hypothesis that manual therapy that uses deep friction could metabolize self-aggregated HA chains responsible for increasing loose connective tissue viscosity, catalyzing a local HA fragment cascade that will generate soreness but, at the same time, facilitate the reconstitution of the physiological loose connective tissue properties. This information can help to explain the meaning of the inflammatory process as well as the requirement for it for the long-lasting resolution of these alterations.

Effectiveness of Deep Cervical Fascial Manipulation® and Sequential Yoga Poses on Pain and Function in Individuals with Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effect of fascial manipulation (FM) of the deep cervical fascia (DCF) and sequential yoga poses (SYP) on pain and function in individuals with mechanical neck pain (MNP). METHOD: Following the predefined criteria, ninety-nine individuals with MNP were recruited, randomised, and assigned to either the intervention group (IG) (n = 51) or the control group (CG) (n = 48). Individuals in the IG received FM (4 sessions in 4 weeks) and the home-based SYP (4 weeks). The CG participants received their usual care (cervical mobilisation and thoracic manipulation (4 sessions in 4 weeks) along with unsupervised therapeutic exercises (4 weeks). The participants underwent baseline and weekly follow-up measurements of pain using a numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) and elbow extension range of motion (EEROM) during the upper limb neurodynamic test 1 (ULNT1). The baseline and the fourth session follow-up measurements of the patient-specific functional scale (PSFS) and fear-avoidance behavior Questionnaire (FABQ) were also taken. RESULTS: A repeated-measures ANOVA was performed. There were statistically significant differences between the IG and CG on the NPRS third and fourth sessions, with mean differences (MD) of -1.009 (p < 0.05) and -1.701 (p < 0.001), respectively. Regarding EEROM, there was a 20.120° difference (p < 0.001) in the fourth session between the groups. The MD in FABQ was -5.036 (p < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in PSFS between the groups during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: FM and SYP can aid in reducing pain and fear-avoidance behaviour and improve the function and extensibility of the upper quarter region.

A model for personalized diagnostics for non-specific low back pain: the role of the myofascial unit.

Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Most LBP is non-specific or idiopathic, which is defined as symptoms of unknown origin without a clear specific cause or pathology. Current guidelines for clinical evaluation are based on ruling out underlying serious medical conditions, but not on addressing underlying potential contributors to pain. Although efforts have been made to identify subgroups within this population based on response to treatment, a comprehensive framework to guide assessment is still lacking. In this paper, we propose a model for a personalized mechanism-based assessment based on the available evidence that seeks to identify the underlying pathologies that may initiate and perpetuate central sensitization associated with chronic non-specific low back pain (nsLBP). We propose that central sensitization can have downstream effects on the "myofascial unit", defined as an integrated anatomical and functional structure that includes muscle fibers, fascia (including endomysium, perimysium and epimysium) and its associated innervations (free nerve endings, muscle spindles), lymphatics, and blood vessels. The tissue-level abnormalities can be perpetuated through a vicious cycle of neurogenic inflammation, impaired fascial gliding, and interstitial inflammatory stasis that manifest as the clinical findings for nsLBP. We postulate that our proposed model offers biological plausibility for the complex spectrum of clinical findings, including tissue-level abnormalities, biomechanical dysfunction and postural asymmetry, ecological and psychosocial factors, associated with nsLBP. The model suggests a multi-domain evaluation that is personalized, feasible and helps rule out specific causes for back pain guiding clinically relevant management. It may also provide a roadmap for future research to elucidate mechanisms underlying this ubiquitous and complex problem.

Evidence for an association of serum microanalytes and myofascial pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a common pain disorder. Diagnostic criteria include physical findings which are often unreliable or not universally accepted. A precise biosignature may improve diagnosis and treatment effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to assess whether microanalytic assays significantly correlate with characteristic clinical findings in people with MPS. METHODS: This descriptive, prospective study included 38 participants (25 women) with greater than 3 months of myofascial pain in the upper trapezius. Assessments were performed at a university laboratory. The main outcome measures were the Beighton Index, shoulder range of motion, strength asymmetries and microanalytes: DHEA, Kynurenine, VEGF, interleukins (IL-1b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-7, IL-8, IL-13), growth factors (IGF-1, IGF2, G-CSF, GM-CSF), MCP-1, MIP-1b, BDNF, Dopamine, Noradrenaline, NPY, and Acetylcholine. Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's multivariate correlation were applied for all variables. The Spearman's analysis results were used to generate a standard correlation matrix and heat map matrix. RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 32 years (20-61). Eight (21%) had widespread pain (Widespread Pain Index ≥ 7). Thirteen (34%) had MPS for 1-3 years, 14 (37%) 3-10 years, and 11 (29%) for > 10 years. The following showed strong correlations: IL1b,2,4,5,7,8; GM-CSF and IL 2,4,5,7; between DHEA and BDNF and between BDNF and Kynurenine, NPY and acetylcholine. The heat map analysis demonstrated strong correlations between the Beighton Index and IL 5,7, GM-CSF, DHEA. Asymmetries of shoulder and cervical spine motion and strength associated with select microanalytes. CONCLUSION: Cytokine levels significantly correlate with selected clinical assessments. This indirectly suggests possible biological relevance for understanding MPS. Correlations among some cytokine clusters; and DHEA, BDNF kynurenine, NPY, and acetylcholine may act together in MPS. These findings should be further investigated for confirmation that link these microanalytes with select clinical findings in people with MPS.

From Muscle to the Myofascial Unit: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives.

The "motor unit" or the "muscle" has long been considered the quantal element in the control of movement. However, in recent years new research has proved the strong interaction between muscle fibers and intramuscular connective tissue, and between muscles and fasciae, suggesting that the muscles can no longer be considered the only elements that organize movement. In addition, innervation and vascularization of muscle is strongly connected with intramuscular connective tissue. This awareness induced Luigi Stecco, in 2002, to create a new term, the "myofascial unit", to describe the bilateral dependent relationship, both anatomical and functional, that occurs between fascia, muscle and accessory elements. The aim of this narrative review is to understand the scientific support for this new term, and whether it is actually correct to consider the myofascial unit the physiological basic element for peripheral motor control.

Change in gliding properties of the iliotibial tract in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Fascial changes in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), a heritable connective tissue disorder, can be used visualized with sonoelastography. The purpose of this study was to explore the inter-fascial gliding characteristics in hEDS. METHODS: In 9 subjects, the right iliotibial tract was examined with ultrasonography. Tissue displacements of the iliotibial tract were estimated from ultrasound data using cross-correlation techniques. RESULTS: In hEDS subjects, shear strain was 46.2%, lower than those with lower limb pain without hEDS (89.5%) and in control subjects without hEDS and without pain (121.1%). CONCLUSION: Extracellular matrix changes in hEDS may manifest as reduced inter-fascial plane gliding.

Facial Pain: RCT between Conventional Treatment and Fascial Manipulation® for Temporomandibular Disorders.

Background: To investigate the effectiveness of a specific manual therapy, Fascial Manipulation® (FM), in comparison with conventional treatments in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients using a two-arm randomized controlled trial. Methods: The study consisted of 28 patients that were divided in two groups (Group 1: Fascial Manipulation® vs. Group 2: conventional TMD treatment). The Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), RDC/TMD, electromyography (EMG) and Pression/Pain Evaluation on Masseter and Temporalis Muscle were assessed with different times. Results: In both groups, the improvement in pain was evident on the VRS scale (p < 0.0001) and pain-free opening (p < 0.001). In Group 1, the recovery of the function was faster; maximum unassisted opening T0 vs. T1 (p = 0.001). Conclusions: FM® can be used as an effective method for facial pain, being a rapid, safe and cost-effective approach to reduce pain, gain function and mouth opening that can be used prior to occlusion stabilization appliances.

Densification: Hyaluronan Aggregation in Different Human Organs.

Hyaluronan (HA) has complex biological roles that have catalyzed clinical interest in several fields of medicine. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of HA aggregation, also called densification, in human organs. The literature suggests that HA aggregation can occur in the liver, eye, lung, kidney, blood vessel, muscle, fascia, skin, pancreatic cancer and malignant melanoma. In all these organs, aggregation of HA leads to an increase in extracellular matrix viscosity, causing stiffness and organ dysfunction. Fibrosis, in some of these organs, may also occur as a direct consequence of densification in the long term. Specific imaging evaluation, such dynamic ultrasonography, elasto-sonography, elasto-MRI and T1ρ MRI can permit early diagnosis to enable the clinician to organize the treatment plan and avoid further progression of the pathology and dysfunction.

Hyaluronan homeostasis and its role in pain and muscle stiffness.

Hyaluronan (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan that consists of single-chain polymers of disaccharide units of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. It is a chief constituent of the extracellular matrix. About 27% of the total HA in the body is expressed in the skeleton and connective tissue, while 8% is expressed in muscles. In physiological conditions, HA functions as a lubricant and viscoelastic shock absorber. Additionally, HA is part of complex cellular signaling which modulates nociception and inflammation. This study aims to understand the role that HA plays in the musculoskeletal system, specifically in muscles and the surrounding fascia. This review is also intended to further understand HA homeostasis and the process of its synthesis, degradation, and clearance from the local tissue. The authors examined muscle pain and stiffness as pathological conditions associated with HA accumulation.

Ultrasound imaging and Fascial Manipulation® for rigid retinacula in two cases of complex regional pain syndrome.

Complex regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a complex disease with articulate impact on the quality of life and its management is challenging. Ultrasound imaging can identify/assess different musculoskeletal structures that might have role in its pathogenesis. We present two cases of CRSP in whom B-mode ultrasonography and sonoelastography showed rigid retinacula associated with the symptomatology. Both patients were also/successfully treated with Fascial Manipulation®.

Fascial thickness and stiffness in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

There is a high prevalence of myofascial pain in people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). The fascial origin of pain may correspond to changes in the extracellular matrix. The objective of this study was to investigate structural changes in fascia in hEDS. A series of 65 patients were examined prospectively-26 with hEDS, and 39 subjects with chronic neck, knee, or back pain without hEDS. The deep fascia of the sternocleidomastoid, iliotibial tract, and iliac fascia were examined with B-mode ultrasound and strain elastography, and the thicknesses were measured. Stiffness (strain index) was measured semi-quantitatively using elastography comparing fascia to muscle. Differences between groups were compared using one-way analysis of variance. hEDS subjects had a higher mean thickness in the deep fascia of the sternocleidomastoid compared with non-hEDS subjects. There was no significant difference in thickness of the iliac fascia and iliotibial tract between groups. Non-hEDS subjects with pain had a higher strain index (more softening of the fascia with relative stiffening of the muscle) compared with hEDS subjects and non-hEDS subjects without back or knee pain. In myofascial pain, softening of the fascia may occur from increase in extracellular matrix content and relative increase in stiffness of the muscle; this change is not as pronounced in hEDS.

The Effect of Low Dose OnabotulinumtoxinA on Cervical Dystonia in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Background: Many patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) suffer from cervical dystonia. Intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin may exacerbate myeloradiculopathy or atlantoaxial subluxation in this patient population. Case: Three patients with hypermobile EDS underwent low-dose OnabotulinumtoxinA injections for cervical dystonia into myofascial sites selected using Fascial Manipulation diagnostic sequencing technique. All patients improved in clinical symptoms without complications. Results: Patients clinically improved on the TWSTRS by 16 points with demonstrated changes in deep fascia thickness decrease of 0.28 mm. Discussion: Low-dose OnabotulinumtoxinA injections into carefully selected sites is a safe and effective treatment in hypermobile EDS patients suffering from cervical dystonia.

Ultrasound Imaging of Crural Fascia and Epimysial Fascia Thicknesses in Basketball Players with Previous Ankle Sprains Versus Healthy Subjects.

BACKGROUND: Fascial layers may play an important role in locomotor mechanics. Recent researches have revealed an association between increases of fascia thickness and reduced joint flexibility in patients with chronic pain. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare, through the use of ultrasound imaging, the thickness of the deep/crural fascia in different points of the leg as well as the epimysial fascia thickness at level 2 of anterior compartment of leg, in male basketball players with history of recurrent ankle sprain and in healthy participants. METHODS: A cross-sectional study has been performed using ultrasound imaging to measure deep/crural fascia thickness of anterior, lateral and posterior compartment of the leg at different levels with a new protocol in a sample of 30 subjects, 15 basketball players and 15 healthy participants. RESULTS: Findings of fascial thickness revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) in epimysial fascia thickness and in deep/crural fascia thickness between levels/compartments of the same group and between two groups. Moreover, Post 3 deep/crural fascia thicknesses (p < 0.001) were decreased showing statistically significant difference for the basketball players group respect the healthy participants group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that the posterior compartment was thicker than anterior compartment, probably due to a postural reason in both groups. Moreover, they showed an increase of thickness of the epimysial fascia in basketball players with previous ankle sprains. This variability underlines the importance to assess the fasciae and to make results comparable.

Ultrasound imaging of a scar on the knee: Sonopalpation for fascia and subcutaneous tissues.

Persistent scar pain associated with healed surgical incisions after a trauma is a common and potentially debilitating type of fascial pain. At present, there is no universally effective treatment for persistent surgical or post-trauma scar pain. Herein we describe the successful objective diagnosis of debilitating scar pain by Ultrasound (US) imaging. The sonopalpation of the fasciae and subcutaneous tissues seems to be relevant to diagnose the real cause of the pain and why not to monitor the treatment.

T1ρ-Mapping for Musculoskeletal Pain Diagnosis: Case Series of Variation of Water Bound Glycosaminoglycans Quantification before and after Fascial Manipulation® in Subjects with Elbow Pain.

Diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal pain is a major clinical challenge. Following this need, the first aim of our study was to provide an innovative magnetic resonance technique called T1ρ to quantify possible alterations in elbow pain, a common musculoskeletal pain syndrome that has not a clear etiology. Five patients were recruited presenting chronic elbow pain (>3 months), with an age between 30 and 70 years old. Patients underwent two T1ρ-mapping evaluations, one before and one after the series of Fascial Manipulation® (FM) treatments. After the first MRI evaluation, a Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire was administered to quantify the symptoms and pain intensity. Patients then received three sessions of FM, once a week for 40 min each. A statistically significant difference was found between bound and unbound water concentration before and after FM treatment. Our preliminary data suggest that the application of the manual method seems to decrease the concentration of unbound water inside the deep fascia in the most chronic patients. This could explain the change in viscosity perceived by many practitioners as well as the decrease of symptoms due to the restoration of the normal property of the loose connective tissue. Being able to identify an altered deep fascial area may better guide therapies, contributing to a more nuanced view of the mechanisms of pain.

Inter and Intra Operator Reliability of Motor and Palpation Evaluation in Fascial Manipulation in individuals with coxarthrosis.

OBJECTIVE: An inter and intra rater reliability (INTERR and INTRAR) study was designed. METHODS: 71 subjects, with primary hip coxarthrosis, were included and randomly divided in a study group (SG= 36) and a control group (CG= 35) to assess the efficacy of the Fascial Manipulation® (FM®) method. The primary objective was the assessment of INTERR and INTRAR about movement verification (MV) and palpation verification (PV) of FM® performed by two physiotherapists (PtA and PtB). The secondary objective was evaluate the efficacy of FM® through MV, PV and pain score. Pain was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). SG received three weekly sessions of FM® byPtA. PtB re-evaluated all the subjects at the end of the study. RESULTS: Results of the INTERR analysis showed for SG: MV (ICC= 0.92, k= 72.7%); PV (ICC= 0.91, k= 75.7%). For CG : MV (ICC= 0.95, k= 84.2%); PV (ICC= 0.90, k= 75%). Results of the INTRAR analysis for SG reported: MV (ICC= 0.82, k= 74,8%); PV (ICC= 0.60, k= 46.8%); for CG: MV (ICC= 0.93, k= 78.7%); PV (ICC= 0.84, k= 53.3%). Statistical significance were reported in NRS (p = 0.001), MV (p = 0.0003) and PV (p < 0.0001) with better results for SG using "Intention To Treat" method. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates that FM® assessment procedures have a high reliability even if applied by practitioners with basic experience. Furthermore FM® treatment can improve pain and ROM in individuals with primary coxarthrosis.

Myofascial Injection Using Fascial Layer-Specific Hydromanipulation Technique (FLuSH) and the Delineation of Multifactorial Myofascial Pain.

Background and objectives: The aims of this study were to delineate the contribution of specific fascial layers of the myofascial unit to myofascial pain and introduce the use of ultrasound-guided fascial layer-specific hydromanipulation (FLuSH) as a novel technique in the treatment of myofascial pain. Materials and Methods: The clinical data of 20 consecutive adult patients who underwent myofascial injections using FLuSH technique for the treatment of myofascial pain were reviewed. The FLuSH technique involved measuring the pain pressure threshold using an analog algometer initially and after each ultrasound guided injection of normal saline into the specific layers of the myofascial unit (superficial fascia, deep fascia, or muscle) in myofascial points corresponding with Centers of Coordination/Fusion (Fascial Manipulation®). The outcome measured was the change in pain pressure threshold after injection of each specific fascial layer. Results: Deep fascia was involved in 73%, superficial fascia in 55%, and muscle in 43% of points. A non-response to treatment of all three layers occurred in 10% of all injected points. The most common combinations of fascial layer involvement were deep fascia alone in 23%, deep fascia and superficial fascia in 22%, and deep fascia and muscle in 18% of injected points. Each individual had on average of 3.0 ± 1.2 different combinations of fascial layers contributing to myofascial pain. Conclusions: The data support the hypothesis that multiple fascial layers are responsible for myofascial pain. In particular, for a given patient, pain may develop from discrete combinations of fascial layers unique to each myofascial point. Non-response to treatment of the myofascial unit may represent a centralized pain process. Adequate treatment of myofascial pain may require treatment of each point as a distinct pathologic entity rather than uniformly in a given patient or across patients.