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Introduction: The phenomenon of tensegrity in the muscular system still remains theoretical. Research has been mostly performed in vitro. Unfortunately, analyses of this type are focused on this part of the phenomenon. They do not consider, e.g. the presence of body fluids. Study objective: The aim of the study was in vivo verification regarding the occurrence of tensegrity in a model consisting of the latissimus dorsi muscle (LAT), the medial intermuscular septum, muscles of the anterior forearm and muscles of thenar eminence. Material and methods: The study group was divided into an experimental (n =10) and control group (n=10). The experimental group took part in 1 massage session of the thenar eminence muscles for 5 minutes. The control group spent 5 minutes on a couch in the same position as in the experimental group, receiving no intervention. In both groups, at the beginning and end of the session, LAT was tested with a tensiomyograph and algometer. Results: Statistically significant differences between the groups occurred in pressure pain threshold (p=0.02), contraction time (p=0.01), relaxation time (p=0.01) and sustain time (p=0.046) of the latissimus dorsi muscle. The level of statistical significance was p<0.05. Conclusions: In the tested model, the change in the tension of the distal end of the model influenced the displacement of the muscle at the proximal end of the model in accordance with the tensegrity model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common urological diseases affecting men of all ages, and the incidence increases with age. Due to the location of the prostate in the lower urinary tract area, changes within it can impair urinary function. Therefore, early intervention, accurate diagnostics, and appropriate treatment are crucial, especially conservative methods in the first stage. Aim of the study: The study aimed to use and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic massage in BPH. Case report: A 55-year-old patient diagnosed with BPH received a course of therapeutic massage lasting three weeks, with the procedure performed twice a week. Each massage lasted twenty minutes and involved manipulation of the stomach lining. The patient underwent imaging tests before and after the therapy. On the International Prostate Symptom Score scale, the patient scored three points before the therapy and two points after it, which indicates mild symptoms. Prostate-specific antigen level was 1.421 ng/ml, and the patient had normal uroflowmetry results [Qmax=19 ml/s and Qmedium=12 ml/s] before and after treatment. Urine retention after micturition was 0 ml at both intervals. A transrectal ultrasound examination revealed a reduced prostate volume of around 30% after the therapeutic intervention. Conclusions: In the current case, the positive effect of reduced prostate volume obtained after therapeutic intervention shows that massage can serve as a complementary method to reduce BPH symptoms. In the future, it is advisable to continue testing on more patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pain in the spine is one of the most common issues in the musculoskeletal system. 70-80% of the population experiences an acute spine pain incident at least once in their life, and 50% struggle with a chronic form of this health problem. Factors contributing this situation include static work, a sedentary lifestyle, a minimal amount of physical activity, stress, and poor nutrition. Massage is among the many therapeutic methods used for the treatment of back pain. This is a non-invasive method that involves manipulation of the soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system, where symptoms directly related to the disease appear. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of tensegrity massage therapy for lumbar spine pain. The study presents the possibility of cooperation between the physiotherapist and primary care physician as part of primary health care. Material and methods: The study involved 25 participants (15 women and 10 men) diagnosed with pain in the lumbar spine. The participants were aged 23-70 years with a mean age of 50 years (SD±14.77). Pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest and during a functional test, and functional disability was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Measurements were taken before and immediately after therapy. A palpation assessment was performed before each massage session. The therapy consisted of six 45-minute tensegrity massage sessions performed twice a week for three weeks. Results: Pain during the functional test and the subjective feeling of pain measured by the VAS decreased following treatment. The ODI results revealed a significant improvement from moderate to low disability. The results obtained were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusions: Tensegrity massage contributed to a reduction in back pain and improved the functioning of the patient. This therapy can be a complementary method to conservative treatments for spinal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In pregnant women, changes in body posture and higher pelvic anteversion and increase lumbar lordosis are observed. Changes in the arrangement of bony elements result in an alteration in the pelvic floor soft tissue tension, increased resting muscles and ligaments tone in the lumbosacral region and sacral bone. The negative consequences of posture changes in pregnant women is lower back pain. The literature describing a lot of physiotherapeutic procedures and various of type massage which can use in pregnant women. In this study, we present applications of tensegrity massage combined with point manipulation of selected muscle attachments. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of tensegrity massage combined with point manipulation of selected muscle attachments in pregnant women. Material and methods: Two 30-year-old pregnant women received tensegrity massage were qualified for the study. The patients were subjected to a series of nine massage sessions of 45 minutes each, performed three times a week. Pain levels were assessed in both patients using the VAS. Results: The procedure involved normalization of the tone of the system of ligaments, fascia, and muscles in the lumbar spine region, the pelvic girdle, and the lower limbs. The therapy brought pain relief and reduced muscle tone in the lumbosacral region of the spine, as well as in the pelvic girdle and the lower limbs. Conclusions: Tensegrity massage combined with point massage is an effective therapy for pain problems and incorrect resting muscle tone caused by pregnancy-related posture changes within the pelvis and spine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of these guidelines in the scope of physiotherapy in primary healthcare is to suggest simple, uncomplicated and more cost-effective physiotherapeutic activities in patients experiencing pain due to painful shoulder syndrome. A general practitioner should decide whether the treatment undertaken within primary healthcare, including the process of physiotherapy, is effective and sufficient, or whether it requires more advanced activities, such as advanced diagnostics and further specialist treatment. The authors of the recommendations, apart from massage, also include procedures in the scope of kinesiotherapy, physiotherapy and orthopedic equipment. According to the authors, the aim of recovering the correct spatial system, called structural homeostasis, in the shoulder girdle, is, first of all, normalization of muscle tension and then inclusion in a rehabilitation program covering the methods to recover and consolidate the correct models of motor activity. The starting point for determining a rehabilitation program should be the ability to prepare a simple assessment of the patient's condition. This may result from a palpation examination to determine the incorrect distribution of resting tension in the area of the muscles and tendons engaged in the pathology and causing pain. The authors believe that such a solution contains the key to reducing the costs of treatment, providing access to physical therapists and quick assistance in the scope of improvement of a patient's clinical condition. At the same time, they emphasize the need to correct the previous healthcare model, so that it becomes a more effective tool in maintaining health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The purposes of our study were to determine the level of total social support, informational support, instrumental support, appraisal support and emotional support received by patients of primary care as well as factors related to this level with reference to health status and sociodemographic variables. Method. The sample for current analysis included 516 patients of primary care clinics in Poland cooperating with medical universities. Questionnaires: STAI (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), SCL-90 (Symptom Checklist-90), EPQ-R (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire -Revised), GHQ (General Health Questionnaire)and SSS (Social Support Scale)were used in the study. Results from last two questionnaires are presented in the paper. Results. The highest mean levels were obtained for instrumental support, while the lowest levels were observed for emotional support. The highest means were indicated in the GHQ-28 - social dysfunction, the lowest - GHQ-severe depression. Statistically significant relation was found between the level of social support and gender. Less subjectively evaluated total social support as well as instrumental and appraisal support were obtained by women. The highest Spearman score was found in the case of total GHQ-28 score, somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, severe depression and total support. Taking into account the ANOVA findings, it was observed that an increasing GHQ score was associated with intensively increasing emotional support, informative support, appraisal support and the most- instrumental support. Conclusions. The results display the underestimated role of emotional, informational and appraisal support and the overestimated role of instrumental support in primary care. The consequence may be a more frequent using health care accompanied by low level of patients' satisfaction, severity of social dysfunction disorders, particularly in patients with chronic diseases, who constitute an increasingly large group of primary health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Physiotherapy / Fizjoterapia is the property of Physiotherapy 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.)

Copyright of Physiotherapy / Fizjoterapia is the property of Physiotherapy 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.)

Copyright of Physiotherapy / Fizjoterapia is the property of Physiotherapy 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.)

Copyright of Physiotherapy / Fizjoterapia is the property of Physiotherapy 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.)

Background. Medical massage is one of the methods used in present day physiotherapy which effects are based on theoretical and clinical medical disciplines and numerous natural sciences. It is used in the treatment of many motor disorders, particularly spinal pain. Methodology of medical massage allows for very individual approach to the patient and tailoring of therapy for emerged disorder. With good anatomy knowledge and appropriate skills to apply it, medical massage enables identification of causes for many troublesome conditions, which increase chances for efficient treatment. Such approach is very effective and brings long-term benefits in majority of cases. The study was aimed at the assessment of analgetic effect of medical massage in cervical spine pain syndromes. Material and methods. The study involved a group of 30 women aged 28-50 years who attended medical massage sessions because of cervical spine pain. In all of them degenerative changes of this part of vertebral column were present. The women from the study group were subjected to a series of 6 medical massage sessions lasting 50 minutes. The efficacy of the procedures were estimated on the base of surveys given to the patients before and after the treatment. Results. Intensity of pain and the frequency of pain episodes decreased in the studied group. Improvement in general feeling after the treatment was observed, together with improvement in self-evaluation of health and satisfaction from medical care. Psychophysical condition of patients improved significantly, with substantial influence on their quality of life. Great progress was observed in daily life activities like household jobs and car driving as well as in social interactions (family, friends). Conclusions. Medical masage is an effective form of therapy in persons with cervical spine pain disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Properly conducted physiotherapy, also in the area of the musculoskeletal system, is based on the proper knowledge of anatomy, understanding the mutual structural relationships (myofascial-vascular-nerve), affecting biomechanics and then the function of the joint. More research is still needed to better understand the exact anatomy of muscles, fascia, vessels, nerves and their specific function and contribution to the pathogenesis of disorders. The authors of the work, based on previously prepared recommendations for the needs of the National Health Fund, present proposals for model diagnostics and therapy based on the example of pain in the hip and shoulder joints. They also indicate the need for comprehensive physiotherapy and emphasize the importance of self-therapy and prophylaxis in the effectiveness of preserving the effects of therapy for the aforementioned ailments. Objective: Presentation of the model for the development of structures with structural and functional relationships in the therapy and prevention of pain in the hip and shoulder joints at an early stage of changes. Conclusions: Restoring proper relations in the distribution of myofascial tension - a way to reduce pain and improve joint function. Improving the availability of therapy for pain in the hip and shoulder joints including the patient in the active therapy process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The hip joint is one of the most prone to degenerative joint processes. The inclusion of physiotherapy in the treatment of degenerative changes is related to the question: at what stage of clinical advancement should this therapy be taken into account in order to show the greatest effectiveness? According to the authors of the study, actions should be taken before irreversible structural changes occur within the pond. At the initial stage of the development of the degenerative process, the first symptoms may not be characteristic and related to a reduction in muscle flexibility. Abnormal muscle tone will further disrupt biomechanics and consolidate the degenerative process. Therefore, in rehabilitating the patient at the initial stage of the development of ailments, it is necessary to take into account the mechanisms that restore homeostasis in tissues affected by disturbed distribution of resting tension and loss of elasticity. The intention of such an intervention is to slow down the degenerative processes and gradually progressive loss of quality of movement and, consequently, the proper function of the joint. Therapy should include deliberate physiotherapeutic action (research, rehabilitation, education, physioprophylaxis) in order to inhibit the above-mentioned processes. Aim of the study: To present the structural and functional relationships in pain in the hip joint in order to determine which muscles show abnormal resting tension and decreased flexibility. Conclusions: Control of therapy effectiveness during and immediately after therapy. Ongoing monitoring of pain and functional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Painful shoulder syndrome is a complex diagnostic and therapeutic problem. It is caused both by a very complex anatomical structure, biomechanics as well as the structural relationship between muscles and vessels, nerves. A necessary condition for the inclusion of physiotherapy in the treatment process is the correct assessment of both the distribution of resting muscle tension within the shoulder girdle and the determination of the potential influence of individual nerves and arteries on their function. Long-lasting abnormal muscle tension caused, among others, by disturbances in the innervation and blood supply may further affect the disturbance of biomechanics and initiate degenerative processes in the shoulder and neck. Therefore, in rehabilitating the patient at the initial stage of the development of ailments, it is necessary to take into account the mechanisms restoring homeostasis in tissues affected by disturbed distribution of resting tension and loss of elasticity. The intention of such an intervention is to slow down the degenerative processes and gradually progressive loss of the quality of movement and, consequently, the proper function of the joint. Therapy should include deliberate physiotherapeutic action (research, rehabilitation, education, physioprophylaxis) in order to inhibit the above--mentioned processes. Aim of the study: To present the structural and functional relationships in the painful shoulder syndrome in order to determine which muscles show abnormal resting tension and decreased flexibility. Conclusions: Control of therapy effectiveness during and immediately after therapy. Ongoing monitoring of pain and functional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]