https://absmari.dspaces.org/jspui/handle/123456789/126 Sun, 26 Apr 2026 09:40:36 GMT 2026-04-26T09:40:36Z https://absmari.dspaces.org/jspui/handle/123456789/484 Title: Scapular pain in cervical radiculopathy: A scoping review Authors: Carmichael, Joel; Weber II, Kenneth A.; Rubinstein, Sidney; Svoboda, Ellie; Bade, Michael Abstract: Background: Controversy persists regarding the relationship between scapular pain and cervical radiculopathy, with no consensus on cervical radiculopathy’s definition, radicular pain distribution, or the diagnostic value of scapular pain. This review aims to map the literature describing scapular pain distribution in cervical radiculopathy in clinical practice and research. Methods: This scoping review followed JBI methodology, guided by the PRISMA-ScR extension. Studies reporting on cervical radiculopathies with described radicular pain distribution were included. Exclusions applied to radicular pain from peripheral neuropathy, fracture, cancer, rheumatologic, or vascular disorders, and inadequately described scapular pain. Information sources included Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL. JBI methodology was followed, guided by the PRISMA-ScR extension. Pain distributions were mapped by region, cervical nerve root level, and diagnostic confirmation methods. Results: The review included 86 studies (1957–2022). Among the 81 studies describing pain distribution, neck (88%), arm (85%), and scapula (72%) were most frequently reported. Of 60 studies documenting pain by nerve root level, C6 (82%), C7 (77%), and C8 (63%) were most common, with C7 showing the highest percentage of scapular pain descriptions. Evidence indicates scapular pain may precede arm pain by several weeks in cervical radiculopathy. Conclusions: Evidence supports scapular pain as a symptom of cervical radiculopathy, potentially preceding arm pain by weeks. Future studies should document symptoms at onset, define radicular pain distributions, include participants with scapular pain, and assess the diagnostic utility of scapular pain in cervical radiculopathy Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://absmari.dspaces.org/jspui/handle/123456789/484 2025-05-29T00:00:00Z https://absmari.dspaces.org/jspui/handle/123456789/467 Title: Is it all About the Quads? Implications of the Calf Musculature Post-ACL Injury in Return to Sport Rehab Authors: Christman, Devin; Jayaseelan, Dhinu J. Abstract: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a significant injury for athletes participating in cutting and pivoting sports requiring lengthy rehabilitation. Athletes undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) continue to be limited in the ability to return to their sport and to their prior level of performance despite undergoing postoperative rehabilitation. For those that do return to sport, re-injury rates remain high (~20%). Current rehabilitation guidelines address knee joint impairments and neurocognitive/sensorimotor factors, but do not address how the triceps surae muscles are also affected following ACL injury. This clinical commentary aims to examine the potential mechanisms surrounding the contributions of the gastrocnemius and soleus musculature on tibial kinematics, the effects ACL injury has on the calf musculature, and the potential clinical implications for prevention of subsequent injuries in the post ACLR rehabilitation framework. Sex differences and rehab considerations across the pre- and post-surgical ACLR timeline are also addressed. Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://absmari.dspaces.org/jspui/handle/123456789/467 2025-06-01T00:00:00Z https://absmari.dspaces.org/jspui/handle/123456789/466 Title: Pneumothorax After Dry Needling of Intrascapular Muscles Using a Rib Bracketing Technique Insights from the Clinician, Patient, and Clinical Expert Authors: Warneke [et. al.], Konstantin Abstract: Background: Stretching has wide appeal, but there seems to exist some mismatch between its purported applications and what the evidence shows. There is compelling evidence for some stretching applications, but for others, the evidence seems heterogeneous or unsupportive. The discrepancies even affect some systematic reviews, possibly due to heterogeneous eligibility criteria and search strategies. This consensus paper seeks to unify the divergent findings on stretching and its implications for both athletic performance and clinical practices by delivering evidence-based recommendations. Methods: A panel of 20 experts with a blend of practical experience and scholarly knowledge was assembled. The panel meticulously reviewed existing systematic reviews, defined key terminologies (e.g., consensus definitions for different stretching modes), and crafted guidelines using a Delphi consensus approach (minimum required agreement: 80%). The analysis focused on 8 topics, including stretching’s acute and chronic (long-term) effects on range of motion, strength performance, muscle hypertrophy, stiffness, injury prevention, muscle recovery, posture correction, and cardiovascular health. Results: There was consensus that chronic and acute stretching (a) improves range of motion (although alternatives exist) and (b) reduces muscle stiffness (which may not always be desirable); the panel also agreed that chronic stretching (c) may promote vascular health, but more research is warranted. In contrast, consensus was found that stretch training does not (a) contribute substantively to muscle growth, (b) serve as an all-encompassing injury prevention strategy, (c) improve posture, or (d) acutely enhance post-exercise recovery. Conclusion: These recommendations provide guidance for athletes and practitioners, highlighting research gaps that should be addressed to more comprehensively understand the full scope of stretching effects. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://absmari.dspaces.org/jspui/handle/123456789/466 2025-04-28T00:00:00Z https://absmari.dspaces.org/jspui/handle/123456789/465 Title: Pneumothorax After Dry Needling of Intrascapular Muscles Using a Rib Bracketing Technique: Insights from the Clinician, Patient, and Clinical Expert Authors: Mintken, Paul E; Denman, Blair; Dommerholt, Jan Abstract: Importance This case report emphasizes the importance of recognizing and preventing adverse events, specifically pneumothorax related to dry needling (DN), particularly when using rib bracketing techniques in the intrascapular region. It highlights the need for greater clinician awareness to enhance patient safety and minimize the risk of complications during DN interventions. Objective The objective of this case report was to describe the clinical presentation, progression, and outcome of a patient who developed a pneumothorax following DN, and to propose alternative methods for safer needling in the intrascapular musculature. Design:This case report presents a detailed account of a single patient’s clinical experience—including the adverse event, its management, and outcome— supplemented by expert commentary from a clinician specializing in dry needling. Setting The setting of this case report was an outpatient physical therapy clinic. Participants A 24-year-old woman undergoing physical therapy for chronic neck and shoulder pain. Intervention(s) or Exposure(s) The physical therapist administered DN to the left intrascapular muscles using a rib bracketing technique to treat trigger points. Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s) The primary outcome was the development of a pneumothorax, identified through clinical symptoms and confirmed by radiographic imaging. Outcomes included hospitalization, symptom resolution, and return to physical activity. Results The patient experienced an unusually sharp pain during needle insertion. Over the following 2 days, she developed dyspnea, thoracic pain, dry cough, and chest discomfort. A radiograph confirmed a moderate left-sided pneumothorax, which was treated with chest tube reinflation and 1 night of hospitalization. Post-discharge, the patient had residual symptoms for 2 weeks but achieved complete recovery by 1 month, returning to activities like hiking and skiing. Conclusions DN can result in serious complications such as pneumothorax. Early recognition and immediate treatment can lead to full recovery. This case raises concerns about the safety of the rib bracketing technique for DN in the thoracic intrascapular region. Relevance Physical therapists should exercise caution when performing DN, especially in high-risk anatomical areas. Safer techniques should be considered, and vigilance is crucial to detect and manage adverse events promptly. Enhancing practitioner awareness can significantly improve patient outcomes and safety during rehabilitation interventions. Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://absmari.dspaces.org/jspui/handle/123456789/465 2025-06-05T00:00:00Z