Here is some of the information I recently shared in the January newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus.  This newsletter is focused on the chronic pain and fibroymylagia research. If you would be interested in receiving my other newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Myofascial therapy vs Maitland's Mobilization approach
  2. Trigger Point Dry Needling
  3. Melatonin improves rheumatological disease activity
  4. Effects of resistance training on sleep
  5. Effect of pre-biotic and pro-biotics on fibromyalgia
  6. Effects of Vitamin D on quality of life
  7. Low-calorie keto diet for obese women with fibroymyalgia
  8. Saffron for pain management
  9. Effect of scapular stabilization on posture
  10. Yoga for chronic pain

STUDIES and ARTICLES

1. An article titled What Concept of Manual Therapy is More Effective to Improve the Health Status in Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome? A Study Protocol with Preliminary Results published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in Jan 2023 compares treatment via Myofscial techniques approach vs Maitland’s mobilization approach and concludes: patients who received MTA had significantly improved pain and health status outcomes after treatment and at 1 month follow-up, with no significant change in those who received MMA.

2.  An article titled Impact of Trigger Point Dry Needling on Neck Pain, Sleep, and Depression in Patients with Fibromyalgia published in in 2023 concludes: in patients with FMS with neck discomfort, DN therapy administered to MTrPs in the trapezius muscle once per week for four sessions was beneficial in the short term. With this treatment quality of sleep and life of the patients were improved; anxiety, depression levels, and pain severity were also significantly reduced.

3. An article titled Melatonin supplementation improves rheumatological disease activity: a systematic review published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN in Jun 2023 concludes: there were positive results of melatonin administration in fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis/osteopenia but not in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

4. A review titled Effects of resistance training on sleep of patients with fibromyalgia: a systematic review published in Journal of Health Psychology in May 2023 concludes: compared with other exercise modalities, Resistance training proved tone superior to flexibility training and equivalent to aerobic exercise.

5. A study titled Effect of prebiotic and probiotic supplementation on reduced pain in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, published in Psychology, Health & Medicine in May 2023 conclude: Probiotic supplementation significantly decreased the Beck Depression Index, Beck Anxiety Index, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores compared to baseline, while prebiotic supplementation only significantly decreased Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. Moreover, participants who received probiotic treatment presented a significantly reduced Visual Analogue Scale score compared with those who received placebo treatment.

6. A study, titled Effects of Vitamin D therapy on quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia: a study from North India published in Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol in 2023 concludes: 70% of patients were deficient in vitamin D among fibromyalgia. We found that there was significant differences in visual analog score and SF-36 questionnaire after giving vitamin D therapy among fibromyalgia patients.

7.  A study titled Efficacy, safety and tolerability of very low-calorie ketogenic diet in obese women with fibromyalgia: a pilot interventional study published in Frontiers in Nutrition in Jul 2023 concludes: All patient lost weight during the first period of the diet and the achievement was maintained upon reintroduction of carbohydrates. The reduction of Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was clinically meaningful in 16 of 18 patients during the veto phase and 14 once carbohydrates were reintroduced. No significant association was observed between change in BMI and improvement in patient-reported outcomes over time.

8. A study titled Saffron (Crocus sativus) and its constituents for pain management; a review of current evidence published in Phytotherapy Research in Aug 2023 concludes: Saffron analgesic activities affected several targets, including ion channels of nociceptors; the adrenergic system and central histaminic system; inhibition of inflammatory pathways, apoptotic pathways, and oxidative stress; regulation of NO pathway, and the endocannabinoid system. Clinical studies showed analgesic of Saffron in rheumatoid arthritis, after-pain following childbirth, dysmenorrhea, and fibromyalgia.

9. A study titled The effect of scapular stabilization exercises on posture and pain in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial published in International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation in Aug 2023 compares conventional exercise vs scapular stabilization exercises and concludes: both exercise programs reduced pain levels in patient with fibromyalgia. However, scapular stabilization exercises were more effective at both reducing pain and improving posture.

10. An article titled Yoga is effective for treating chronic pain in veterans with Gulf War Illness at long-term follow-up published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies in Sept 2023 concludes:compares yoga and cognitive-behavioral therapy and concludes: compared to the CBT group, yoga was associated with greater reductions in pain severity during the 6-month follow-up period.

Here is some of the information I recently shared in the December newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus.  This newsletter is focused on the neck, neck pain, and whiplash research. If you would be interested in receiving my other newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. IASTM vs myofascial release for neck pain
  2. McKenzie Neck exercises vs Contract-relax stretch
  3. Defining text neck
  4. Effect of diaphragmic breathing
  5. Exercise therapy including extensors for neck pain
  6. Low-level laser therapies for neck pain
  7. Effectiveness of McKenzie approach
  8. Effectiveness of Pilates
  9. Hatha yoga vs stretching exercise
  10. Effect of myofascial release

TIDBIT

Video of neck and upper back muscles

STUDIES and ARTICLES

1. A study titled Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization vs myofascial release therapy in treatment of neck pain: a randomized clinical trial, published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders in Jun 2023 concludes: This study showed insignificant differences between groups.

2.  A study titled The Difference Between the Effects of McKenzie Neck Exercise and Contract-Relax Stretching on Neck Function in Onion Peelers with Myofascial Pain Syndrome, published in Health Sciences International Conference in Jun 2023 concludes: The McKenzie neck exercise intervention is better in improving the functional ability of the neck in onion peel workers with myofascial pain syndrome compared to the intervention contract-relax stretching.

3. A scoping review titled Defining Text Neck: A Scoping Review, published in European Spine Journal in Jul 2023 “text neck is regarded as a global epidemic Yet, there is a lack of consensus concerning the definition of text neck which challenges researchers and clinicians alike.” This study showed that posture is the defining characteristic of text neck in the academic literature. For research purposes, it seems that text neck is a habit of texting on the smartphone in a flexed neck position. Since there is no scientific evidence linking text neck with neck pain regardless of the definition used, adjectives like inappropriate or incorrect should be avoided when intended to qualify posture.

4. A study titled Effect of diaphragmatic breathing, respiratory muscle stretch gymnastics and conventional physiotherapy on chest expansion, pulmonary function and pain in patients with mechanical neck pain: A single group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental pilot study, published in Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies in Oct 2023 concludes: rehabilitation strategies should emphasize breathing exercises to improve the lung function and pain scores in addition to conventional physiotherapy in rehabilitation of mechanical neck pain patients.

5. A study titled Exercise therapy including cervical extensor muscles in individuals with neck pain: a systematic review, published in Clinical Rehabilitation in Jul 2023 concludes: cervical extensor muscle exercises may reduce neck pain and disability…

6. A study titled Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Management of Neck Pain: Systematic Review, published in The Healer in 2022 concludes: laser therapy decreases pain in participants with persistent neck discomfort shortly after therapy. Laser therapy is proven to be more effective than placebo therapy in relieving arm and pain and improving cervical strength and flexibility in participants with severe pain and increasing the quality of life when compared to patients treated with a placebo laser therapy.

7.  A study, titled Effectiveness of McKenzie approach and segmental spinal stabilization exercises on neck pain in individuals with cervical postural syndrome: An experimental study, published in Journal of Education and Health Promotion in July 2023 concludes: McKenzie approach and segmental spinal stabilization exercises were effective on nick pain in individuals with cervical postural syndrome, but on comparing both techniques, McKenzie protocol is more beneficial than segmental spinal stabilization exercises.

8. A study titled Effect of Pilates exercise on balance and spinal curvature in subjects with upper cross syndrome: a randomized controlled clinical trial, published in Physiotherapy Quarterly of Wroclaw University in 2023 concludes: Pilates exercise program proved better than traditional physical therapy program in improving spinal curvature, balance, and function and reducing pain in UCS.

9. A study titled Pain reduction, physical performance, and psychological status compared between Hatha yoga and stretching exercise to treat sedentary office workers with mild/moderate neck/shoulder pain: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial, published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine in Dec 2023 concludes:
• Both Hath yoga and stretching can decrease pain, anxiety/depression, and improve flexibility and neck functions.
• Hatha yoga was found to be non-inferior to stretching exercise
• Most of the participants reported being satisfied and most rated themselves as improved or much improved
• Concerning adverse events, Hatha yoga as well as stretching exercises was a safe regimen
• Hatha yoga can be an alternative or adjunct to stretching exercises for the treatment of mild to moderate MSK pain

10. A study titled Effect of Myofascial Release Therapy on Pain, Tissue Hardness, Range of Motion and Disability among patients with Text Neck Syndrome, published in Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology in 2023 concludes: Myofascial release has a better impact on treating pain, cervical range of motion, disability, and tissue hardness among patients with text neck syndrome.

TIDBIT

Short video from Francois Albaranes Osteopathe of neck and upper back muscles during movements.

Here is some of the information I recently shared in the October newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus.  This newsletter is focused on the fascia, myofascia and trigger point research. If you would be interested in receiving my other newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Strain/Counter-strain vs Ischemic Compression
  2. Effect of Myofascial Release and Muscle Stretching on pain
  3. Shock Wave Therapy vs Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition technique
  4. IASTM vs myofascial release therapy in chronic neck pain
  5. Effect of ISBT-Bowen Therapy in treatment of neck pain
  6. Pressure Algometer to identify Myofascail trigger points
  7. Correlation of myofascial trigger points with upper limb disability post mastectomy
  8. Effects of Foam Rolling on micro blood flow
  9. Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques in relieving low back pain
  10. Myofascial Release vs Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in chronic neck pain

STUDIES and ARTICLES

1. An article titled Comparative Effects of Strain Counter-strain and Ischemic Compression Technique in Patients with Upper Trapezius Trigger Points, published in Pakistan Journal of Medical & Health Sciences in 2023 concludes: A 4-week intervention of the ischemic compression and strain counter-strain produced significant results in reducing the intensity of pain, the cervical disability and improving the cervical range of motion, but the intergroup comparison showed that both the ischemic compression and strain counter-strain were equally effective and none of them produced significant results as compared to others on patients with upper trapezius trigger points.

2.  An article titled Effect of Myofascial Release Technique and Muscle Stretching on Pain and Cervical Range of Motion in Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points, published in International Journal of Current Science in April 2023 concludes: Myofascial release technique is an effective therapeutic option in the treatment of active myofascial trigger points in upper trapezius muscles.

3. A student dissertation titled Shock Wave Therapy versus Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique in Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points, published in Eur. Chem. Bull. May 2023 concludes:  In terms of pain intensity level, pressure pain threshold, cervical range of motion, and function ability level for the upper trapezius myofascial trigger point patients, Shock Wave Therapy shows more improvement than the Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique.

4. A study titled Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization versus myofascial release therapy in the treatment of chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial, published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders in Jun 2023 concludes: This study showed insignificant differences between groups. However, we did not use a control group, indicating that the improvement in outcomes may not have been caused by the intervention.

5. A study titled The Effect of ISBT-Bowen Therapy in the Treatment of Myofascial Neck Pain—a Randomized, Single-Blinded Clinical Trial, published in Int J There Massage Bodywork in Jun 2023 concludes: This study confirmed the efficacy of ISBT-Bowen Therapy for patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome. It alleviates pain, improves functional outcomes, enhances quality of life, and relieves mood symptoms.

6. A study titled Pressure Algometer: An Effective Diagnostic Tool to Identify Latent Myofascial Trigger Points, published in Special Issue of National Conference on Humanity and Social Sciences in Sept 2022 concludes:  …we observed that the pressure algometer is a very useful, reliable, and inexpensive device to identify myofascial trigger points as compared to ultrasonography. Many authors recommend using this device.

7.  A study titled Correlation of Myofascial Trigger Points with Upper Limb Disability in Post Mastectomy Females in Pakistan, published in Pakistan Journal of Rehabilitation in Feb 2023 concludes: …there is a highly significant relation between trigger points in muscles and disability of upper extremity in female patients after mastectomy.

8. A study titled Effects of foam rolling on vastus intermedius and lateralis microvascular blood flow, published in Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies in Jul 2023 concludes: The common assumption of intramuscular Micro Blood Flow improvement due to Foam Rolling could not be confirmed for up to 30 min after the intervention. If an increase in intramuscular metabolism or Micro Blood Flow is intended, we recommend that alternative methods (i.e., traditional warm-up) should be preferred.

9. A student dissertation titled The Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques in Relieving Low Back Pain of Quadratus Lumborum Myofascial Origin, published in Eur. Chem. Bull in 2023 concludes: MET’s are an effective treatment for Lower Back Pain of the Quadratus Lumborum myofascial origin.

10. A student dissertation titled Myofascial Release versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain; A Randomized Controlled Trial, published in Eur. Chem. Bull in 2023 concludes:  Myofascial release is more beneficial than proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation regarding pain and disability and high upper trapezius pain pressure threshold while in suboccipital pain pressure threshold proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation was more effective after six sessions while after twelve sessions both techniques are equally effective. Regarding range of motion both techniques are equally effective except in right rotation: myofascial release was more effective.

Here is some of the information I recently shared in the September newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus.  This newsletter is focused on the lymph system and lymphatic drainage. If you would be interested in receiving my other newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Lymphatic Function Decreases over time in arms on breast cancer patients
  2. Imaging of the Tricipital lymphatic pathway
  3. lymph vessels in superficial fascia of abdomen
  4. Axillo-inguinal lymphatic pathwars
  5. Manual Lymph Drainage vs Compression Bandage
  6. Kinesio tape for facial swelling following orthagnathic surgery

Resources

  1. The Lymphatic vascular system
  2. Meningeal lymphatics role

STUDIES and ARTICLES

1. A study titled Lymphatic Function Decreases Over Time in the Arms on Breast Cancer Patients Following Treatment, published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Sept 2022 concludes: Lymphatic function in the ipsilateral arm deteriorated over time after adjuvant breast cancer therapy. Furthermore, the presence of abnormal torturous lymphatic vessels in asymptomatic arms appeared to be associated with weak lymphatic reserve pumping capacity.

2.  A study, titled Superficial and functional imaging of the tricipital lymphatic pathway: a modern reintroduction published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment in Nov 2022 concludes: When present, the tricipital pathway coursed along the posterior upper arm with variability in its connections to the forearm distally, and the torso proximally. It may drain lymphatic fluid directly to the scapular lymph nodes, avoiding the axillary lymph node groups.

3. A study, Detection of Lymphatic Vessels in the Superficial Fascia of the Abdomen published in MDPI in March 2023 states: The evaluation of specific characteristics of cells, fibers, blood circulation, and innervation has shown that the superficial fascia has a clear and distinct anatomical identity, but knowledge about lymphatic vessels in relation to the superficial fascia has not been described. In the papillary dermis, a huge presence of lymphatic vessels was highlighted, parallel to the skin surface and embedded in the loose connective tissue. In the superficial adipose tissue, thin lymphatic vessels were found, close to the fibrous septa connecting the dermis to the deeper layers. The deep adipose tissue showed a comparable overall content of lymphatic vessels with respect to the superficial layer; they followed the blood vessel and had a larger diameter. In the superficial fascia, the lymphatic vessels showed higher density and a larger diameter, in both the longitudinal and transverse directions along the fibers, as well as vessels that intertwined with one another, forming a rich network of vessels.

4. A study titled The Prevalence of the Axillo-Inguinal Lymphatic Pathway in Lymphedema of the Extremities and Potential Therapeutic Implications published in Lymphatic Research and Biology in Mar 2023 states: The axillo-inguinal (or inguino-axillary) is a compensatory lymphatic drainage pathway regularly utilized by lymphedema therapists when applying manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) for upper and lower extremity lymphedema. The findings suggest that the axillo-inguinal pathway is an infrequent compensatory drainage pathway in lower extremity lymphedema and rare in upper extremity lymphedema

5. A study, The Effect of Manual Lymph Drainage and Compression Bandaging for Stage 2 Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Randomized Controlled Trial, published in Lymphatic Research and Biology in May 2023 concludes: MLD or CB alone could effectively reduce the volume of affected arms for patients with stage 2 BCRL, and CB also could reduce the LTW( Local tissue water) more significantly. CDT did not seem to show an extra advantage. Therefore, CB may be the first choice for stage 2 BCRL. But for patients who are unwilling or intolerant to CB, MLD can be selected.

6. A study titled The effects of Kinesio tapes on facial swelling following bimaxillary orthognatic surgery in the supraclavicular region, published in Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Jun 2023 concludes: As a result of taping lymphatic Kinesio tape on the affected area, tension was reduced, and lymphatic circulation was restored. Blood and lymph microcirculation was improved, enabling the body to heal itself.Kinesio tape reduced swelling after orthognathic surgery in a positive way.

RESOURCES

  1. A great review of the lymphatic system and a deeper look at its function and structures. The lymphatic vascular system: much more than just a sewer in Cell & Bioscience Sept 2022.
  2. An article titled Meningeal lymphatics and their role in CNS disorder treatment: moving past misconceptions, published in Front Neurosci in Jul 2023 states: The central nervous system (CNS) was previously thought to lack lymphatics and shielded from the free diffusion of molecular and cellular components by the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCB). However, recent findings have redefined the roles played by meningeal lymphatic vessels in the recruitment and drainage of lymphocytes from the periphery into the brain and the potentiation of an immune response. Emerging knowledge surrounding the importance of meningeal lymphatics has the potential to transform the treatment of CNS disorders. This review details the most recent understanding of the CNS-lymphatic network and its immunologic implications in both the healthy and diseased brain. Moreover, the review provides in-depth coverage of several exciting avenues for future therapeutic treatments that involve the meningeal lymphatic system.

Here is some of the information I recently shared in the August newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus.  This newsletter is focused on cupping. If you would be interested in receiving my other newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Dry cupping effect on Chronic Knee Pain
  2. Cupping massage vs dry static cupping for musculoskeletal pain
  3. Cupping vs Kinesio-taping for carpal tunnel
  4. IASTM, electro dry needling, and cupping for Tennis Elbow
  5. Cupping vs integrated neuromuscular inhibition
  6. Anti-obesity effect of cupping
  7. Static vs Dynamic Decompression Muscle Power
  8. Compression vs decompression for low back pain

STUDIES and ARTICLES

1. A study titled The Effect of Dry Cupping Therapy on Chronic Knee Pain and Activities of Daily Living in Elderly Women, published in Journal of Gerontology in Mar 2023 concludes: dry cupping therapy is effective in reducing chronic knee pain and increasing daily activities of elderly women.

2.  A study titled Effects of Dry Cupping Massage Compared to Static Dry Cupping on Musculoskeletal Pain: A Meta-Analysis, published in Fresno ProQuest Dissertations Publishing in 2023 concludes: The Visual Analogue Scale and Physical Component Score grand effect sizes were small and statistically insignificant while the Neck Disability Index had a large effect size favoring cupping massage. Therefore, we can conclude that there is no difference in effect between the 2 interventions on pain and quality of life. However, cupping massage appears to be superior to decreasing disability in the neck.

3. A study titled Comparison of 4 weeks of cupping and Kinesio-taping on clinical and ultrasound outcomes of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy, published in Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies in Jul 2023 concludes: Both cupping and Kinesio-taping improved clinical and ultrasound outcomes of CTS. However, efficacy of cupping compared to Kinesio-taping was better in improvement of median nerve cross-sectional area at hamate hook and pisiform levels, symptoms severity scale, and functional status scale…

4. A study titled Effect of IASTM, Electro dry Needling, and Cupping Therapy in the Treatment of Tennis Elbow, published in International Journal of Development Research in April 2022 concludes: The combination of IASTM, electro dry needling and cupping therapy results in better improvement in Tennis Elbow treatment than conventional therapy, electro dry needling, and cupping therapy alone.

5. A study titled Effect of myofascial cupping vs integrated neuromuscular inhibition techniques on pain and neck movement in individuals with latent trigger point in trapezius, published in Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal in March 2023 concludes; Myofascial cupping was more effective than Integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique in improving pain. However, both interventions showed similar effects on pressure pain threshold and neck lateral flexion on latent TrP in the trapezius.

6. A study titled Systematic review and meta-analysis of the anti-obesity effect of cupping therapy published in Medicine in Jun 2023 concludes: Overall, our results show that cupping therapy can be used to treat obesity in terms of Body Weight, Body Mass Index, Hip Circumference, and Waist Circumference and is a safe intervention for the treatment of obesity

7.  A study titled Comparison of Static and Dynamic Myofascial Decompression on Gastrosoleus Muscle Power and Latent Trigger Point Pain in Normal Healthy Women, published in Medical Journal Of Dr. D.Y.Patil Vidyapeeth in Jun 2023 concludes: Static and Dynamic myofascial decompression are equally effective in reducing pain and improving gastro-soleus muscle power in subjects with latent trigger points. There was a sustained carry-over effect seen in the vertical jump height test in the dynamic myofascial decompression group after 5 days of intervention.

8.  A study titled Effects of Instrument-Assisted Compressive Versus Decompressive Myofascial Release in Patient with Non-Specific Low Back Pain, published in The Therapist in Jun 2023 concludes: Pain severity and disability score in the decompressive myofascial release group reduced significantly compared to the compressive myofascial release group at the end of the third week and first week respectively. Lumbar flexion and extension ROM improved significantly in the compressive release group as compared to the decompressive release group after 1 and 2 weeks respectively.

Here is some of the information I recently shared in the June newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus.  This newsletter is focused on PTSD and trauma. This is the final newsletter on this topic. If you would be interested in receiving my other newsletters, which include links to the studies as well as special offers and sales coupons, please head over to my contact page and sign up.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Emotional numbing in PTSD with lower reactivity to pain
  2. Forgetting of trauma-like event after hydrocortisone
  3. PTSD stress symptoms relationship to chronic pain
  4. Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy for treatment-resistant PTSD
  5. Effects of diet low in excitotoxins on PTSD
  6. Melatonin alleviates PTSD-like behaviors and restores serum GABA
  7. Comparing Service dogs vs Emotional support dogs
  8. PTSD-induced inflammation impacts cardiac homeostatsis

TIDBIT

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing part 1: theory, procedure, and use in PTSD

STUDIES and ARTICLES

1. A research paper, titled Emotional numbing in PTSD is associated with lower amygdala reactivity to pain, published in Neuropsychopharacology in Aug 2022 concludes: …the PTSD group showed a robust reduction in amygdala reactivity to shock compared to the control group. Furthermore, amygdala activation was negatively correlated with emotional numbing severity. These patterns were unique to the amygdala, and did not appear in comparison to a control region, the insula, a pivotal region for the processing of pain. To conclude, amygdala response to pain is lower in individuals with PTSD, and is associated with emotional numbing symptoms. Lower amygdala reactivity to mild pain may contribute to the “all-or-none” reaction to stressful situations often observed in PTSD.

2.  A study titled Accelerated forgetting of a trauma-like event in healthy men and women after a single dose of hydrocortisone, published in Translational Psychiatry in Aug 2022, concludes: …participants receiving hydrocortisone showed a faster reduction in daily intrusion frequency. Voluntary memory was assessed once, at the end of the week, but was unaffected by hydrocortisone Exploratory analyses indicated sex-dependent associations between intrusions and baseline estradiol and progesterone levels. In men given hydrocortisone, higher baseline estradiol levels were associated with fewer intrusions, whereas women exhibited the opposite pattern. By contrast, progesterone levels were positively associated with intrusions only in men treated with hydrocortisone. The finding suggests that hydrocortisone promotes an accelerated degradation of sensory-perceptual representation underlying traumatic intrusive memories. In addition, while sex alone was not an important moderator, the combination of sex and sex-hormone levels influenced hydrocortisone’s effects on involuntary aversive memories

3. A study titled The role of post-trauma stress symptoms in the development of chronic musculoskeletal pain and disability: a systematic review, published in European Journal of Pain in Oct 2022 concludes: Findings support a clear relationship between PTSD post-injury and future pain/disability with the potential importance of certain PTSD clusters (hyper-arousal and numbing).

4. A study titled Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Veterans with Treatment-resistant PTSD: A longitudinal Follow-up Study, published in Military Medicine in November 2022 concludes: the beneficial clinical effects of HBOT are persistent and were not attenuated at long-term follow-up of about 2 years after completion of HBOT. Additional long-term effects of the treatment were observed in social function and in decreased medication use.

5. A research article titled Effects of a diet low in excitotoxins on PTSD symptoms and related biomarkers published in Nutritional Neuroscience in Dec 2022 concludes: while no serum biomarkers significantly changed post-diet (low glutamate), cortisol increased as dietary excitotoxin consumption decreased…reduced dietary excitotoxin consumption was also associated with reduced hyperarousal symptoms. Cortisol increase was associated with reduced avoidance symptoms…

6. A study titled Melatonin alleviates PTSD-like behaviors and restores serum GABA and cortisol levels in mice, published in Psychopharmacology in Jan 2023 concluded: melatonin has a potential therapeutic effect on PTSD-like symptoms and melatonin receptor 1 mediated the effect.

7.  A study titled Therapeutic and Economic Benefits of Service Dogs versus Emotional Support Dogs for Veterans with PTSD, published in Psychiatric Services in Jan 2023 concludes: both groups appeared to benefit from having a service or emotional support dog. No significant differences in improved functioning or quality of life were observed between the groups. Those in the service dog group had a greater reduction in PTSD symptoms and better antidepressant adherence.

8.  A study titled PTSD-induced inflammation negatively impacts cardiac homeostasis, published in Physiology in May 2023 concludes: PTSD-induced cardiac stress is leading to macrophage recruitment and cardiac fibrosis which likely over time will lead to deterioration of myocardial function.

TIDBIT

An article titled Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: part 1 - theory, procedure and use in PTSD, published by Cambridge University Press in Jun 2022 “reviews the theory behind how EMDR works, how it is conducted, the evidence supporting its use in the treatment of PTSD and its approved indications and contraindications.”

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