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Clinical Scenario: Plantar heel pain is a common condition frequently associated with persistent symptoms and functional limitations affecting both the athletic and nonathletic populations. Common interventions target impairments at the foot and ankle and local drivers of symptoms. If symptoms are predominantly perpetuated by alterations in central pain processing, addressing peripheral impairments alone may not be sufficient. Clinical Question: Do individuals with chronic plantar heel pain demonstrate signs potentially associated with altered central pain processing? Summary of Key Findings: After searching 6 electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, SportDiscus, Cochrane, and PEDro) and filtering titles based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 4 case-control studies were included. All studies scored highly on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for quality assessment. Using pressure pain thresholds, each study found decreased pressure pain hypersensitivity locally and at a remote site compared to control groups, suggesting the presence, to some extent, of altered nociceptive pain processing. Clinical Bottom Line: In the studies reviewed, reported results suggest a possible presence of centrally mediated symptoms in persons with plantar heel pain. However, despite findings from these studies, limitations in appropriate matching based on body mass index and measures used suggest additional investigation is warranted. Strength of Recommendation: According to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, there is evidence level C to suggest chronic plantar heel pain is associated with alterations in central pain processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tendinopathy is frequently associated with pain, soft tissue impairments and muscle performance limitations. Dry needling (DN) incorporates a fine filiform needle to penetrate the skin and underlying soft tissue in an effort to decrease pain and improve function. While injectable interventions and gauged-needle tendon fenestration for tendinopathy has been reviewed, DN for tendinopathy has yet to be synthesized. To systematically review the utilization and effects of DN for tendinopathy. Six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, SportDiscus, PEDro and the Cochrane Library) were searched from inception through August 15, 2020, using appropriate keywords and relevant synonyms. After screening 462 articles, 10 studies met inclusion criteria. Study designs included case reports, case series, and randomized clinical trials. DN was used in isolation in 3/10 studies and as part of a multimodal approach in 7/10 studies. DN was associated with improved pain, function, muscle performance and perceived improvement in each study evaluating the relevant outcome. Conflicting results were found in comparative studies evaluating DN. DN may be a useful adjunctive treatment in the conservative management of tendinopathy, although its discrete effect is unclear. Very Low-quality evidence and methodological limitations suggest further investigation is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The nociceptive pain processing of soft-tissue overuse conditions is under debate because no consensus currently exists. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) in symptomatic and distant pain-free areas in 2 groups: participants with symptomatic lower extremity overuse soft-tissue conditions and controls who were pain free. Methods Five databases were searched from inception to December 1, 2021, for case–control studies comparing PPTs between individuals presenting with symptomatic lower extremity tendinopathy/overuse injury and controls who were pain free. Data extraction included population, diagnosis, sample size, outcome, type of algometer, and results. The methodological quality (Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale) and evidence level (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) were assessed. Meta-analyses of symptomatic, segmental related, and distant pain-free areas were compared. Results After screening 730 titles and abstracts, a total of 19 studies evaluating lower extremity overuse conditions (Achilles or patellar tendinopathy, greater trochanteric pain syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and iliotibial band syndrome) were included. The methodological quality ranged from fair (32%) to good (68%). Participants with lower extremity overuse injury had lower PPTs in both the painful and nonpainful areas, mirrored test-site, compared with controls (affected side: mean difference [MD] = −262.92 kPa, 95% CI = 323.78 to −202.05 kPa; nonaffected side: MD = −216.47 kPa, 95% CI = −304.99 to −127.95 kPa). Furthermore, people with plantar fasciitis showed reduced PPTs in the affected and nonaffected sides at segmental-related (MD = −176.39 kPa, 95% CI = −306.11 to −46.68 kPa) and distant pain-free (MD = −97.27 kPa, 95% CI = 133.21 to −61.33 kPa) areas compared with controls. Conclusion Low- to moderate-quality evidence suggests a reduction of PPTs at the symptomatic area and a contralateral/mirror side in lower extremity tendinopathies and overuse conditions compared with pain-free controls, particularly in plantar fasciitis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Participants with plantar fasciitis showed a reduction of PPTs on the affected and non-affected sides at a segmental-related area (very low-quality evidence) and at a remote asymptomatic area (moderate-quality evidence). Impact Some overuse peripheral pain conditions may be more associated with pressure pain sensitivity than others. Accordingly, examination and identification of conditions more peripherally, centrally, or mixed mediated could potentially lead to more specific and different treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is an overuse condition seen among runners. Eccentric exercise can decrease pain and improve function for those with chronic degenerative tendon changes; however, some individuals have continued pain requiring additional intervention. While joint mobilization and manipulation has not been studied in the management in Achilles tendinopathy, other chronic tendon dysfunction, such as lateral epicondylalgia, has responded well to manual therapy (MT). Three runners were seen in physical therapy (PT) for chronic AT. They were prescribed eccentric loading exercises and calf stretching. Joint mobilization and manipulation was implemented to improve foot and ankle mobility, decrease pain, and improve function. Immediate within-session changes in pain, heel raise repetitions, and pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were noted following joint-directed MT in each patient. Each patient improved in self-reported function on the Achilles tendon specific Victorian Institute for Sport Assessment questionnaire (VISA-A), pain levels, PPT, joint mobility, ankle motion, and single-leg heel raises at discharge and 9-month follow-up. The addition of MT directed at local and remote sites may enhance the rehabilitation of patients with AT. Further research is necessary to determine the efficacy of adding joint mobilization to standard care for AT. Level of Evidence: Case series. Therapy, Level 4. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses the study which suggests the effectiveness of using manual therapy for treating plantar heel pain wherein a total of eight articles have been reviewed as subjects for the study.

Background & Purpose: Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) can be a challenging condition to manage conservatively. Eccentric exercise is commonly used in the management of chronic tendinopathy; however, it may not be as helpful for insertional tendon problems as compared to mid-portion dysfunction. While current evidence describing the physical therapy management of IAT is developing, gaps still exist in descriptions of best practice. The purpose of this case report is to describe the management of a patient with persistent IAT utilizing impairment-based joint mobilization, self-mobilization, and exercise. Case description: A 51-year-old male was seen in physical therapy for complaints of posterior heel pain and reduced running capacity. He was seen by multiple physical therapists previously, but reported continued impairment, and functional restriction. Joint-based non-thrust mobilization and self-mobilization exercise were performed to enhance his ability to run and reduce symptoms. Outcomes: The subject was seen for four visits over the course of two months. He made clinically significant improvements on the Foot and Ankle Activity Measure and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment- Achilles tendon outcomes, was asymptomatic, and participated in numerous marathons. Improvements were maintained at one-year follow-up. Discussion: Mobility deficits can contribute to the development of tendinopathy, and without addressing movement restrictions, symptoms and functional decline related to tendinopathy may persist. Joint-directed manual therapy may be a beneficial intervention in a comprehensive plan of care in allowing patients with chronic tendon changes to optimize function. Level of Evidence: Therapy, Level 4 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Proximal humeral fractures are relatively uncommon injuries. While previous research has led to effective clinical and diagnostic evaluation and treatment of proximal fractures, less is currently known regarding the typical evaluation and treatment of midshaft humeral fractures. The purpose of this case is to describe the clinical reasoning and utilization of diagnostic imaging in the physical therapy management of a midshaft humeral fracture, sustained during the course of rehabilitation of a proximal humerus fracture. Case Description: A 63-year-old female recreational tennis player presented to physical therapy, progressing well following a proximal humeral fracture, sustained 18 weeks prior. During the course of care, the patient had a significant regression in range of motion and function, with increased pain, following a seemingly trivial injury. Based on a cluster of subjective and objective flags, the therapist was concerned about a new fracture. The therapist communicated findings with a physician and recommended plain film radiographs before continuing therapy. Outcomes: Radiographs showed an oblique displaced fracture extending through the midshaft of the humerus. The patient ultimately underwent surgical plating. At one-year post injury e-mail follow up, she had functional mobility of her left arm, and was playing tennis recreationally three times a week. Discussion: In this case, a patient who was progressing well following a proximal humeral fracture sustained a separate displaced fracture of the midshaft of the humerus, not associated with therapy. Her reported mechanism was not consistent with a typical injury. This highlights the need for clinicians, specifically physical therapists, to cluster subjective information, objective data, and the patient's medical history when interpreting patient appropriateness for therapy, and to optimize outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Distal biceps brachii tendinosis is a relatively uncommon clinical diagnosis seen by physical therapists. As a result, there is little evidence guiding clinical decisions regarding best practice or effective treatment options to restore individuals to their previous level of function. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of eccentric training as the primary intervention in the rehabilitation of a patient with distal biceps tendinosis. Case Description: A 41-year-old male electrician and collegiate wrestling coach presented to a university outpatient physical therapy clinic with a two month duration of pain in the right antecubital space which occurred when the patient was performing close-grip body weight curl ups for the first time. Sharp pain was noted in the right arm during the lowering phase of the exercise. Following the examination, distal biceps tendinosis appeared to be the likely diagnosis. The patient was educated in eccentric exercise principles and was prescribed eccentric loading exercises for the distal biceps brachii tendon in two different positions of elbow flexion. Outcomes: The patient was seen in physical therapy for three visits over the course of four weeks. Following eccentric training, the patient reported decreased pain, demonstrated increased right elbow flexion and forearm supination strength, was no longer tender to palpation of the distal biceps tendon and showed clinically significant improvement in QuickDASH scores. Discussion: Given the lack of available research on the rehabilitation of distal biceps tendinosis, eccentric training showing benefits with other upper quarter tendinoses and the positive outcomes in this case, it may be appropriate for physical therapists to employ eccentric training for patients with distal biceps tendinosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Quadriceps weakness is a common finding following knee injuries or surgery, and can be associated with significant functional limitations. This weakness or muscle inhibition may be due to central inhibitory mechanisms, rather than local peripheral dysfunction. Lumbopelvic manipulation has been shown to effect efferent muscle output by altering nociceptive processing. The purpose of this report is to describe the physical therapy management of anterior knee pain and chronic quadriceps weakness utilizing side-lying rotational lumbar thrust manipulation and therapeutic exercise for an individual eight months status-post ACL reconstruction., Case Description: A 20 year-old male presented to physical therapy eight months following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction of the left knee with primary complaints of residual anterior knee pain and quadriceps weakness. The subject was treated with a multimodal approach using side-lying rotational lumbar thrust manipulation in addition to therapeutic exercise., Outcomes: The subject was seen in physical therapy for eight sessions over eight weeks. Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) scores improved from 58/80 to 72/80, quadriceps force, measured by hand-held dynamometry (HHD), was improved from 70.6 lbs to 93.5 lbs and the subject was able to return to pain free participation in recreational sports., Discussion: Therapeutic exercises can facilitate improved quadriceps strength, however, in cases where quadriceps weakness persists and there is concurrent pain, other interventions should be considered. In this case, lower quarter stabilization exercise and lumbar thrust manipulation was associated with improved functional outcomes in a subject with anterior knee pain and quadriceps weakness. Side-lying rotational lumbar thrust manipulation may be a beneficial adjunctive intervention to exercise in subjects with quadriceps weakness., Level of Evidence: 5, Single case report.