Research, Articles & Case Studies
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January 15th, 2011
Tinnitus is the result of the brain trying, but failing, to repair itself
Georgetown University Medical CenterCurriculums:
Tinnitus appears to be produced by an unfortunate confluence of structural and functional changes in the brain, say neuroscientists.
January 4th, 2011
3D reconstruction of the crural and thoracolumbar fasciae
L. Benetazzo • A. Bizzego • R. De Caro • G. Frigo • D. Guidolin • C. SteccoCurriculums:
Abstract Purpose To create computerized three-dimensional models of the crural fascia and of the superficial layer of the thoracolumbar fascia. Methods Serial sections of these two fasciae, stained with Azan-Mallory, van Gieson and anti-S100 antibody stains,were recorded. The resulting images were merged (Image Zone 5.0 software) and aligned (MatLab Image Processing Toolkit). Color thresholding was applied to identify the structures of interest. 3D models were obtained with Tcl/Tk scripts and Paraview 3.2.1 software. From these models,the morphometric features of these fasciae were evaluated with ImageJ. Results In the crural fascia, collagen fibers represent less than 20% of the total volume, arranged in three distinct sub-layers (mean thickness, 115 lm), separated by a layer of loose connective tissue (mean thickness, 43 lm). Inside a single sub-layer, all the fibers are parallel, whereas the angle between the fibers of adjacent layers is about 78. Elastic fibers are less than 1%. Nervous fibers are mostly concentrated in the middle layer. The superficial layer of the thoracolumbar fascia is also formed of three thinner sub-layers, but only the superficial one is similar to the crural fascia sub-layers, the intermediate one is similar to a flat tendon, and the deep one is formed of loose connective tissue. Only the superficial sub-layer has rich innervation and a few elastic fibers. Discussion Computerized three-dimensional models provide a detailed representation of the fascial structure, for better understanding of the interactions among the different components. This is a fundamental step in understanding the mechanical behavior of the fasciae and their role in pathology.
January 1st, 2011
Placebo response to manual therapy: something out of nothing?
Joel E Bialosky, Mark D Bishop, Steven Z George, Michael E RobinsonCurriculums:
The mechanisms through which manual therapy inhibits musculoskeletal pain are likely multifaceted and related to the interaction between the intervention, the patient, the practitioner, and the environment. Placebo is traditionally considered an inert intervention; however, the pain research literature suggests that placebo is an active hypoalgesic agent.
January 1st, 2011
The palpated cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI): Its normative rate and examiner experience
Nicette Sergueef; Melissa A. Greer; Kenneth E. Nelson; Thomas GlonekCurriculums:
The study review involves data regarding the palpation of the normal range of the cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI) by different examiners, all in different levels of experience and expertise. Results showed that the more experienced examiners palpated the rhythm with more accuracy and consistency.
January 1st, 2011
A randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of craniosacral therapy on pain and heart rate variability in fibromyalgia patients
Mataran-Penarrocha, G.A., Castro-Sanchez, A.M., Carballo Garcıa, G., Moreno-Lorenzo, C., Parron Carreno, T., & Onieva Zafra, M.D.Curriculums:
This article explores the influence of Craniosacral Therapy on anxiety, depression and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. Synopsis: Craniosacral therapy improves the quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia, reducing their perception of pain and fatigue and improving their night rest and mood, with an increase in physical function. Craniosacral therapy . . . also reduces anxiety levels, partially improving the depressive state.
January 1st, 2011
Influence of Craniosacral Therapy on Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia
Mataran-Penarrocha, G.A., Castro-Sanchez, A.M., Carballo Garcıa, G., Moreno-Lorenzo, C., Parron Carreno, T., & Onieva Zafra, M.DCurriculums:
This article studies the influence of Craniosacral Therapy on anxiety, depression and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. Synopsis: Craniosacral therapy improves the quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia, reducing their perception of pain and fatigue and improving their night rest and mood, with an increase in physical function. Craniosacral therapy . . . also reduces anxiety levels, partially improving the depressive state.
December 23rd, 2010
Layers of the abdominal wall: anatomical investigation of subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia
Luca Lancerotto • Carla Stecco • Veronica Macchi • Andrea Porzionato • Antonio Stecco • Raffaele De CaroCurriculums:
Abstract: Introduction In recent times new surgical approaches have been developed, in which subcutaneous tissue is the primary object, such as flaps and fat removal techniques, but different descriptions and abundance of terminology persist in Literature about this tissue. Aim and methods In order to investigate the structure of abdominal subcutaneous tissue, macroscopic and microscopic analyses of its layers were performed in 10 fresh cadavers. Results were compared with in vivo CT images of the abdomen of 10 subjects. Results The subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen comprises three layers: a superficial adipose layer (SAT), a membranous layer, and a deep adipose layer (DAT). The SAT presented fibrous septa that defined polygonal-oval lobes of fat cells with a mean circularity factor of 0.856 ± 0.113. The membranous layer is a continuous fibrous membrane rich in elastic fibers with a mean thickness of 847.4 ± 295 lm. In the DAT the fibrous septa were predominantly obliquely-horizontally oriented, defining large, flat, polygonal lobes of fat cells (circularity factor: mean 0.473 ± 0.07). The CT scans confirm these findings, showing a variation of the thickness of the SAT, DAT and membranous layer according with the subjects and with the regions. Discussion: The distinction of SAT and DAT and their anatomic differences are key elements in modern approaches to liposuction. The membranous layer appears to be also a dissection plane which merits further attention. According with the revision of Literature, the Authors propose that the term ‘‘superficial fascia’’ should only be used as a synonym for the membranous layer.
September 29th, 2010
Hands On Research: The Science of Touch
Dacher KeltnerCurriculums:
Dacher Keltner explains how compassion is literally at our fingertips. He elaborates on cutting-edge research into the ways everyday forms of touch can bring us emotional balance and better health.
September 1st, 2010
Objectification of differences in cranial mobility through the alternative rocking of temporal bones
Gines Domenech Ratto, MD PhD; Matilde Moreno Cascales, MD PhD; Donato Martinez Mateo, PT DO MROCurriculums:
This abstract, written in Spanish and translated into English, describes a study wherein alternative rocking of the temporal bones was used to assess the different degree of mobility of the temporal bones in different age groups.
July 26th, 2010
Alleviating Ear Infections Through Craniosacral Therapy
Tad Wanveer, L.M.B.T., C.S.T.-DCurriculums:
Craniosacral therapy can help children overcome ear infections by improving Eustachian tube (ET) shape. Chronic ear infections may be related to speech, language and learning disabilities, plus over time they can excessively strain the immune system. Craniosacral therapy is a gentle method of freeing a child’s ET of obstruction or congestion, which can promote drainage of substances out of the middle ear and relieve excessive pressure from inside the middle ear.