What are Trigger Points? Trigger points, often called muscle “knots,” are sensitive areas within muscle fibers that can cause pain in other parts of the body. These tight spots form when muscle fibers contract and are unable to release, leading to localized tension and tenderness. Trigger points can be active, where they consistently cause pain,…
Introduction Back stiffness is most often caused by lumbar strains (strains of the muscles or ligaments) or lumbar arthritis. The first episode of the symptoms is the strongest indicator of stiffness in the lumbar spine. Over the years, those with lumbar spine arthritis who have stiffness typically see increased symptoms. Conversely, muscular stiffness is generally…
Trapezitis: What is it? Trapezitis, also known as trapezius muscle strain or trapezius myalgia, is a condition characterized by inflammation and pain in the trapezius muscle, which extends from the back of the neck to the shoulders and upper back. Neck soreness and spasms are further symptoms of trapezius, an inflammation of the trapezius muscles….
What is a Lead Pipe Rigidity? Lead pipe rigidity is a type of muscle stiffness commonly associated with neurological disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease. It refers to a uniform resistance to passive movement throughout the entire range of motion, resembling the resistance encountered when bending a lead pipe. This condition results from the hyperactivity of muscle…
Dermatomes: What are they? Dermatomes are skin sites that receive sensory information from the Afferent nerve fibers that emerge from a certain spinal nerve root’s dorsal root. An external portion of a nerve that “communicates” with the spinal cord is known as a vertebral nerve root. The entire spinal cord is made up of nerve roots…
The Gate Control Theory of Pain, proposed by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall in 1965, revolutionized our understanding of how pain is perceived in the human body. This theory suggests that pain is not merely a direct result of physical injury or tissue damage, but rather is modulated by complex interactions between sensory signals, nerve…
What are muscular knots? Muscle knots, also known as myofascial trigger points, are tight, sensitive areas of muscle that form when muscle fibers tense up and fail to release. These knots can develop due to overuse, poor posture, stress, or injury, and are commonly found in the neck, back, and shoulders. Muscle knots can lead…
Introduction The subtalar joint, located just below the ankle joint, plays a critical role in foot and ankle biomechanics. It connects the talus (a bone in the foot) with the calcaneus (heel bone), enabling the complex movements of inversion and eversion, which allow the foot to adapt to uneven surfaces. As a synovial joint, this…
What is a Carrying Angle of The Elbow? The carrying angle is the angle formed between the long axis of the humerus and the forearm when the arm is extended and the palms face forward. According to anatomy, an adult human’s carrying angle is generally 10° for men and 13° for women. In addition to…
Ankle joints are complex mechanisms that play important roles in allowing movement in the lower extremities and providing stability. Several ligaments support the ankle’s overall stability by joining the bones and ensuring optimal joint function. The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL), and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) comprise the lateral (outside) portion of the ankle joint. These ligaments contribute lateral support to the ankle by attaching the talus and calcaneus, two-foot bones, to the fibula, one of the two lower leg bones. Ankle ligament overstretching or taking produces a sprain. Ankle sprains are…
