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Piriformis syndrome (PS) is a neuromuscular condition caused by the entrapment of the sciatic nerve at the level of the piriformis muscle (PM) and can cause significant discomfort and disability.PS is often misdiagnosed due to its overlapping symptoms with other lumbar and sciatic issues, and, as such, diagnosing PS remains challenging despite recent invasive and non-invasive diagnostic methods. Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) offers a non-invasive, cost-effective alternative for the identification and evaluation of PS, providing dynamic, realtime imaging of the PM and adjacent structures. This article reviews the applications, advantages, and procedural insights of MSK US in the diagnosis of PS, emphasizing its relevance in rehabilitation settings. We discuss the technical aspects of ultrasound use, interpretation of findings, and integration into clinical practice, aiming to enhance the diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes for patients with suspected PS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gluteus medius tendon pathology, encompassing tendinopathy and tears, is a significant source of lateral hip pain and functional impairment. Traditional diagnostic approaches have relied on clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the advent of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound MSKUS has transformed the evaluation process. Musculoskeletal ultrasound MSKUS has emerged as a highly valuable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of gluteus medius tendon pathology, offering a non-invasive, cost-effective, and dynamic assessment method. This modality provides real-time visualization of soft tissue, enabling the detailed examination of tendon structure, vascularity, and associated musculature. For rehabilitation providers, understanding the application, strengths, and limitations of diagnostic MSKUS can enhance clinical decision-making, facilitate targeted therapeutic interventions, and potentially expedite the recovery process. This article reviews the application of MSKUS in diagnosing gluteus medius tendon pathology and its implications for rehabilitation practice. This should help to equip rehabilitation professionals with knowledge to better integrate this diagnostic tool into their clinical repertoire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are prevalent in sports and other physical activities and constitute a significant cause of knee pain and dysfunction. Traditional diagnostic modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are often utilized for their detailed visualization capabilities. However, musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US) has emerged as a pivotal diagnostic tool in the evaluation of MCL injuries due to its non-invasive nature, cost-effectiveness, and dynamic imaging capabilities. This article reviews the utility and advantages of MSK-US in diagnosing MCL injuries, with a specific focus on its implications for rehabilitation providers. We discuss the technical aspects of ultrasound (US) imaging, including the sonographic appearance of MCL injuries across various grades, and compare its diagnostic accuracy with other imaging modalities such as MRI. Additionally, the role of US in monitoring the healing process and guiding rehabilitation strategies is explored. This review emphasizes the practical application of MSK-US in clinical settings, offering rehabilitation providers a comprehensive understanding of how US can be integrated into patient management protocols to enhance outcomes in patients with MCL injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Both health professionals and consumers use menthol-based topical analgesics extensively for the temporary relief of pain from musculoskeletal ailments or injury. However, there are no reports of differences in the pain pressure threshold (PPT) or the relative effectiveness of topical analgesics to reduce pain in the upper and lower body muscles and tendons. The objective of this study was to investigate whether differences existed in PPT and relative pain attenuation associated with a menthol-based topical analgesic over a variety of upper and lower body muscles and tendons. Design: Randomized allocation, controlled, intervention study. Methods: Sixteen participants (10 females and 6 males) were tested on their dominant or nondominant side. The order of specific muscle/tendon testing was also randomized, which included upper body (middle deltoid, biceps brachii, and lateral epicondylar tendon) and lower body locations (quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemius, lumbosacral erector spinae muscles, and patellar and Achilles tendons). The PPT was monitored before and 15 minutes following the application of a menthol-based topical analgesic. Results: A menthol-based topical analgesic increased PPT (decreased pain sensitivity) overall (P = .05; 11.6% [2.4%]; d = 1.05) and PPT was higher (P < .0001; 31.5%-44.2%; d = 1.03-1.8) for lower versus upper body locations. Conclusions: Health professionals and the public can be assured of similar reductions in pain sensitivity independent of the location of application of a menthol-based topical analgesic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound has emerged as a valuable tool for sports physical therapists in the assessment and treatment of various knee pathologies. Its ability to provide high-resolution images of soft tissue and superficial bone surfaces makes it especially useful for sports physical therapists and orthopedic clinicians. Specifically, MSK-ultrasound is increasingly recognized as a potent tool for the assessment of the femoral trochlea. Its non-invasive nature and dynamic imaging capabilities make it particularly suited for visualizing the femoral trochlea, a critical component in knee function and biomechanics. The use of MSK ultrasound in the evaluating the femoral trochlea provides sports medicine professionals with a dynamic, non-invasive, and cost-effective means to diagnose, and monitor knee-related injuries. This article delves into the utility of MSK ultrasound in the anatomical and functional assessment of the femoral trochlea, elucidating its benefits, limitations, and clinical implications for athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy published abstracts from the thirteenth Orthopedic Summit (OSET) in Boston, U.S., from September 19-23, 2023. It mentions the sponsored by ATI Physical Therapy and Hyperice, the conference featured research abstracts on contemporary orthopedic and rehabilitation topics. It emphasizes the importance of sharing new ideas and advancements in the field and encourages authors to publish their research as full manuscripts.

Byline: Andrew. Robertson, Andrew J. Cameron, Brian. Joyce, Phil. Le Page, Bruce. Tulloh, Andrew. de Beaux, Peter. Lamb Introduction: There are concerns that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) can cause severe [...]

The shoulder is an area that can be prone to a variety of injuries, including subscapularis tendon tears. The subscapularis muscle is one of the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff in the shoulder and plays an essential role in stabilizing the shoulder joint while at the same time facilitating internal rotation of the humerus. Injuries to the subscapularis can occur due to trauma, overuse, or degeneration, leading to pain, weakness, and limited mobility. When injury occurs, subscapularis tendon tears are often difficult to diagnose and evaluate due to their location deep within the shoulder joint. While traditional imaging techniques like radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging may give us insight into the structures present, they do not always provide detailed enough information for clinicians. Ultrasound has become increasingly popular in musculoskeletal (MSK) rehabilitation as it allows for direct visualization of soft tissue abnormalities like tendinopathies or subtle rotator cuff tear patterns. In this Ultrasound Bites article, we will discuss how MSK ultrasound can be used in the evaluation of subscapularis tendon pathology with a specific focus on its utility in the physical therapy clinic. MSK ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging modality that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This non-invasive imaging method provides clear and highly detailed images of the soft tissues in the shoulder area, allowing for a more precise diagnosis. Specifically, MSK ultrasound is a valuable tool in the evaluation of subscapularis injuries by allowing for a detailed assessment of the muscle's structure and function. This technique can accurately identify the extent and severity of subscapularis damage, which is essential for effective treatment. By using MSK ultrasound, clinicians can assess both the structure and function of the subscapu- [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CONTEXT. Environmental factors are suggested to play a major role in physical activity CPA) and other obesity-related behaviors, yet there is no national research on the relationship between disparity in access to recreational facilities and additional impact on PA and overweight patterns in US adolescents. OBJECTIVE. In a nationally representative cohort, we sought to assess the geographic and social distribution of PA facilities and how disparity in access might underlie population-level PA and overweight patterns. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS. Residential locations of US adolescents in wave I (1994-1995) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 20 745) were geocoded, and a 8.05-km buffer around each residence was drawn (N = 42 857 census-block groups [19% of US block groups]). PA facilities, measured by national databases and satellite data, were linked with Geographic Information Systems technology to each respondent. Logistic-regression analyses tested the relationship of PA-related facilities with block-group socioeconomic status (SES) (at the community level) and the subsequent association of facilities with overweight and PA (at the individual level), controlling for population density. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES. Outcome measures were overweight (BMI [greater than or equal to] 95th percentile of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics growth curves) and achievement of [greater than or equal to] 5 bouts per week of moderate-vigorous PA. RESULTS. Higher-SES block groups had a significantly greater relative odds of having 1 or more facilities. Low-SES and high-minority block groups were less likely to have facilities. Relative to zero facilities per block group, an increasing number of facilities was associated with decreased overweight and increased relative odds of achieving [greater than or equal to] 5 bouts per week of moderate-vigorous PA. CONCLUSIONS. Lower-SES and high-minority block groups had reduced access to facilities, which in turn was associated with decreased PA and increased overweight. Inequality in availability of PA facilities may contribute to ethnic and SES disparities in PA and overweight patterns. Key Words environment, health disparities, adolescence, environmental health. population-based studies Abbreviations PA--physical activity SES--socioeconomic status GIS--Geographic Information Systems SIC--Standard Industrial Classification MVPA--moderate-vigorous physical activity MET--metabolic equivalent CDC--Centers for Disease Control and Prevention NCHS--National Center for Health Statistics OR--odds ratio CI--confidence interval, UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES of health disparities is critical for improving health and reducing social inequality. Inequality in obesity and its underlying factors, in particular physical activity (PA) and inactivity, contribute [...]