The results of connective tissue manipulation in the treatment of tension type headache

Connective tissue manipulation (CTM) is a manual therapy which stimulates responses of the autonomic nervous system and corrects the changes in skin, underlying connective tissue and muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine the results of CTM in the treatment of tension type headache (TTH). CTM was applied to 20 TTH patients for a total of 20 treatments in four weeks. Before the treatment, all subjects were evaluated retrospectively for pain intensity (using visual analogue scale), duration and frequency, analgesic usage and accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sleep disorders, muscle tenderness and the presence of connective tissue tension. It was observed that there was a significant decrease in pain intensity, duration and frequency (p < 0.05) at the end of 6 months follow-up period. In addition, we observed an improvement in the accompanying symptoms. It can be concluded that, because CTM reduces the drug overuse in TTH patients, it can be used as a non-pharmacological approach in the treatment of TTH

Relation of intensity and frequency of headache with general health status of patients with chronic tension-type headache

This study was performed in order to investigate the relation between chronic tension type headache and general health status of 90 subjects. Duration of headache since onset (year), pain intensity (VAS: visual analogue scale), frequency, headache index values (severity of headache x frequency) and general health questionnaire results were recorded. When data were analysed, positive correlations were found among pain intensity, frequency, headache index value and general health questionnaire results (p < 0.01). We consider that as the intensity and frequency of headache increase, general health worsens

Physiotherapy results in a baby with congenital lymphedema: a follow-up study

Physiotherapy results of a 6.5-month-old baby with congenital lymphedema in the lower limbs are presented in this study. Her motor developmental level and reflexes were evaluated and test results did not show any abnormal findings. Assessment of limb volume included circumferential and volumetric. measurements, and photographs showing the changes in macroscopic view are presented. The physiotherapy program consisted of manual lymphatic massage, remedial exercises, multilayered inelastic compression bandaging, meticulous skin care and education of parents. The treatment lasted for 2.5 months, five days per week. Evaluations were done immediately after treatment and six months after treatment. The evaluations showed reduction in swelling after the treatment and this reduction continued during the follow-up period. It can be concluded that this physiotherapy program reduces the swelling in a baby with congenital lymphedema. Further studies are required in order to see the effectiveness of this therapy program in a greater number of subjects

Results of two different manual therapy techniques in chronic tension-type headache

This study was performed in order to compare the effectiveness of two different manual treatment methods in patients with chronic tension type headache (TTH). A total of 35 patients were randomly assigned into two groups; 30 of them completed the treatment programs. Superficial heat and classical massage were applied to both groups. In addition to these methods, connective tissue manipulation (CTM) was performed to Group I (n = 15) and Dr. James Cyriax's vertebral mobilisation to Group 11 (n = 15). Treatment consisted of 20 sessions during four weeks. The following parameters were evaluated before treatment, immediately after treatment, and one month after the treatment in order to compare the effectiveness of the methods: headache index values, active cervical range of motion, and pressure pain threshold values. Results of the study indicated that all of the parameters showed significant improvements in both groups: there were no differences between the groups as regards the headache index, the pressure pain threshold values and the active range of motion (p > 0.05). In conclusion, both treatments can be used in patients with chronic tension-type headache

The role of high voltage electrical stimulation in the rehabilitation of patellofemoral pain

The purpose of this study was to investigate the additional effects of high voltage pulsed galvanic simulation (HVPGS) on conventional exercise programs for reduction of pain in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The subjects were treated either with HVPGS and exercise (n = 22), or only with exercise (control group, n = 22). The supervised program continued for six weeks, and 30 treatment sessions were applied. The exercise program included isometric and eccentric quadriceps exercises. The vastus medialis obliquus muscle was selectively stimulated with HVPGS, five times a week for six weeks. The patients were evaluated at the first visit and every three weeks during the rehabilitation program. At the 3(rd) week, pain reduction in the HVPGS group was significantly greater than in controls, but no significant difference was found between the groups (p > 0.05) at the 6(th) week. All patients had significant increase in the quadriceps muscle strength at the end of the treatment period but there was no difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Results of this study indicate that HVPGS does not provide additional benefit. However, decrease in pain intensity over a short period allows a more rapid exercise progression

High Independence Level In Functional Activities Reduces Hospital Stay After Total Hip Arthroplasty Regardless Of Pain Intensity

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between independence level in functional activities and pain, and length of hospital stay in the early postoperative period in patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: The study was performed over 26 end stage hip arthritis patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hacettepe University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, between January 2000 and July 2003 for THA and operated with the same surgical technique by the same surgeon. All patients were mobilized in the first postoperative day and a standard rehabilitation protocol was applied to all patients. The independence level in functional activities of the cases was assessed with Iowa Level of Assistance Scale (ILAS). Iowa Ambulation Speed Scale (IASS) was used to evaluate the speed of ambulation in the early postoperative period. Pain was assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: There was no statistically significant relation between pain intensity and independence level in functional activities on the second and sixth postoperative days (p>0.05), but independence level scores in functional activities on the second and sixth days were correlated with hospital stay length (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that in patients with THA, pain does not affect the independence level in functional activities in the early postoperative period. In the same period as the independence level improves, the hospital stay length decreases. This is an important factor that may reduce both the hospital costs and the possible complications due to prolonged hospital stay.Wo

High independence level in functional activities reduces hospital stay after total hip arthroplasty regardless of pain intensity

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between independence level in functional activities and pain, and length of hospital stay in the early postoperative period in patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA)

Effects on the independence level in functional activities in the early postoperative period in patients with total knee arthroplasty

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of single injection femoral nerve block (FNB) on the independence level in functional activities in the early postoperative period in patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: We conducted this prospective, randomized, blinded trial in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hacettepe University Hospital Ankara, Turkey, between June 2003 and April 2004. Twenty-three patients scheduled for elective TKA were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group I received preemptive single injection FNB, group II received postoperative single injection FNB, and group III served as a control group. Intravenous morphine patient controlled analgesia (PCA) was used following surgery in all groups. Morphine dose and pain score defined by the visual analog scale (VAS) were recorded postoperatively at the 15th minute, 30th minute, 1st, 4th, 6th, 12th, 24th, and 48th hours. A standard rehabilitation protocol was applied for all patients. The independence level in functional activities was assessed during the first 2 postoperative days and at discharge with the Iowa Level of Assistance Scale (ILAS) and the Iowa Ambulation Speed Scale (IASS). Physical therapists that enrolled in the study were blinded to the groups. Results: Pain scores were significantly different between the groups (p0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in any of the functional scores in the first 2 postoperative days, and at discharge (p>0.05). Conclusion: Single injection FNB provided effective analgesia in patients undergoing TKA. However, the independence level in functional activities in the early postoperative period was not influenced by the analgesia method