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Copyright of Paliatia: Journal of Palliative Care is the property of HOSPICE Casa Sperantei Foundation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common peripheral neuropathy. The anatomical configuration of the carpal tunnel is that of an inelastic channel. Any increase in its volume or alteration in shape will usually result in a significant increase in interstitial pressure. Systemic associated diseases (for example diabetes) can be considered cause CTS. The efficacy of different types of electrotherapy for painful peripheral neuropathy has been evaluated in many studies. We describe the rehabilitation treatment effect in the CTS with diabetes mellitus etiology. Case report. A 52-years-old female person, with diabetes mellitus type II, non-insulin dependent, with symptoms of CTS, that do not yield to treatment with NSAIDs and analgesics. Electrodiagnostic evaluation confirmed diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, radiography of the wrist and right hand and the carpal tunnel sonography do not revealed changes which would suggest a local cause of the carpal tunnel syndrome. Rehabilitation program (electrotherapy, massage, physical exercises, occupational therapy) is aimed to reducing pain and numbness, maintain the pain-free range of motion and muscle toning, increase the ability of the hand. Conclusion. Rehabilitation treatment has had a favorable impact on patient's symptoms, leading to pain and numbness disappearance, daily activities can be performed without difficulty and the Sensory Nerve Conduction Velocity (CV) increased with 36 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to examine the efficiency of two interventions for neck-shoulder complaints to computer workers: a short-term physical therapeutic program and a home exercises program. Material and method. We performed a 6-month interventional therapeutic study on 164 computer workers with musculoskeletal neck-shoulder complaints who were divided in two groups. In the first phase (2 weeks) group I (92 subjects) followed a physical therapy intervention (electrotherapy and massage) and group II (72 subjects) followed the same physical therapy intervention and an exercise program. In the second phase (6 month) group I was the control group without therapeutic intervention and group II continued the home exercises program aimed to increase force and endurance for neck muscles. We monitored the evolution of pain scores Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) measured by algometry. Results. After 10 sessions of physicall therapy all parameters were significantly better for both groups. Group II had a better evolution on functional score NDI. After 6 month all parameters (VAS, NDI, PPT) were significantly better for group II who performed a home exercises program. For the control group, the evolution was also good for VAS and NDI, but non significant for PPT. Conclusions. Analgesic electrotherapy and massage improves the symptoms for short and medium term, but strength and endurance exercises for neck muscles improves also physical functions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Fibromyalgia is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by widespread chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disorders, depression or anxiety and cognitive alterations. It has several therapy options, physical exercise being one of the most recommended. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a combined training program on pain and associated symptoms in fibromyalgia patients. Methods The study included 34 patients who underwent a 12-week physical training program. The program included 3 weeks of flexibility exercises, 3 weeks of postural hygiene and balance exercises, 3 weeks of aerobic exercises and 3 weeks of Pilates. We monitored the number of tender points, pain rated by the patient and measured with a digital algometer in 6 points of the body, level of anxiety and depression and disease impact. All the parameters were evaluated before and after the program, as well as 4 months after the program was over. Results: The average number of tender points dropped from an initial 12 to 5.6, scores for pain registered a 43% decrease and disease impact diminished from 53.1 to 39.1 (p<0.001). The pain threshold indicated by the algometer improved on all measured points. Positive results in these parameters were still observed at follow-up. No significant results were found for depression and anxiety. Conclusion: a mixed training program improves the level of pain, number of tender points, disease impact and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]