Mobilisation with movement: a step towards understanding the importance of peripheral mechanoreceptors

Mobilisation with movement (MWM) is a form of manual therapy treatment that has been gaining popularity among physiotherapists due to their reported instant improvements in pain-free range of motion and pain alleviation. Several theories have been proposed in an attempt to explain the mechanisms of action of these procedures. Irrespective of the alternate explanations for the mechanisms of action, clinical studies provide reasonable support for some of the MWM techniques. This paper attempts to review key aspects of the mechanisms of action proposed in the literature and further explore the possible effects of MWM on articular and periarticular mechanoreceptors. The clinical implication of this knowledge is also illustrated in order to alert clinicians about specific aspects of these procedures.     

Naloxone fails to antagonize initial hypoalgesic effect of a manual therapy treatment for lateral epicondylalgia

BACKGROUND: Recent research has shown that Mulligan's Mobilization With Movement treatment technique for the elbow (MWM), a peripheral joint mobilization technique, produces a substantial and immediate pain relief in chronic lateral epicondylalgia (48% increase in pain-free grip strength).([1]) This hypoalgesic effect is far greater than that previously reported with spinal manual therapy treatments, prompting speculation that peripheral manual therapy treatments may differ in mechanism of action to spinal manual therapy techniques. Naloxone antagonism and tolerance studies, which employ widely accepted tests for the identification of endogenous opioid-mediated pain control mechanisms, have shown that spinal manual therapy-induced hypoalgesia does not involve an opioid mechanism. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of naloxone administration on the hypoalgesic effect of MWM. METHODS: A randomized, controlled trial evaluated the effect of administering naloxone, saline, or no-substance control injection on the MWM-induced hypoalgesia in 18 participants with lateral epicondylalgia. Pain-free grip strength, pressure pain threshold, thermal pain threshold, and upper limb neural tissue provocation test 2b were the outcome measures. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the initial hypoalgesic effect of the MWM was not antagonized by naloxone, suggesting a nonopioid mechanism of action. CONCLUSIONS: The studied peripheral mobilization treatment technique appears to have a similar effect profile to previously studied spinal manual therapy techniques, suggesting a nonopioid-mediated hypoalgesia following manual therapy.     

The Efficacy of the Mulligan Concept to Treat Meniscal Pathology: A Systematic Review

BackgroundMeniscal pathologies are common knee injuries and arthroscopic surgery is the current accepted gold standard for treatment. However, there is evidence to support the use of the Mulligan Concept (MC) Mobilization with Movement (MWM) for meniscal pathologies including the ‘Squeeze’ technique, tibial internal rotation (IR), and tibial external rotation (ER).Hypothesis/PurposeThe purpose of this systematic review was to critically appraise the literature to investigate the effectiveness of MC MWMs for meniscal lesions on patient reported pain, function, and multi-dimensional health status in patients with clinically diagnosed meniscal pathologies.Study DesignSystematic ReviewMethodsA literature search was completed across multiple databases using combinations of the words “knee, function, mobilization with movement, MWM, mulligan concept, MC, meniscal pathology, meniscal derangement, and meniscal tear.” Studies written within the prior 10 years that examined MC MWM techniques to treat knee meniscal injury were included. Articles that met the inclusion criteria (used MC MWM ‘Squeeze’ technique, tibial IR, or tibial ER for treatment of clinically diagnosed meniscal pathologies; Patient reported outcome [PRO] measures had to be used in the assessment of knee pain or function) were analyzed for quality. Randomized control trials were analyzed using the PEDro scale and the Downs & Black (D&B) checklist, case series were analyzed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist, and case reports were analyzed using the CARES checklist.ResultsSix articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review, two randomized controlled studies, two case series, and two case reports consisting of 72 subjects. All six papers included reports of improvements in pain and function that were either statistically significant or met the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Five studies reported the Disablement in the Physically Active (DPA) scale that also demonstrated statistically significant differences or met the MCID. The MC MWM ‘Squeeze’ technique, tibial IR, or tibial ER demonstrated the ability to reduce pain, improve function, and improve patient perceived disability following treatment of a clinically diagnosed meniscal pathology. These studies demonstrated short term results lasting from one week to 21 weeks.ConclusionTreatment interventions incorporating MC MWM techniques demonstrated reduction of pain and improvement in function in the short term in patients with clinically diagnosed meniscal pathologies.Level of Evidence2a     

Effects of a manual therapy technique in experimental lateral epicondylalgia

In patients with lateral epicondylalgia, mobilization-with-movement (MWM) is used as an intervention aimed at achieving analgesia and enhancing grip force, although the mechanisms underlying these effects are unclear. The present study investigated the acute sensory and motor effects of an MWM intervention in healthy controls with experimentally induced lateral epicondylalgia. Twenty-four subjects were randomly allocated to either a MWM or a placebo group (n=12). In both groups, to generate the model of lateral epicondylalgia, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) was provoked in one arm 24h prior (Day 0) to hypertonic saline-induced pain in the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle (Day 1). Either a MWM or placebo intervention was applied during the saline-induced pain period. Saline-induced pain intensity (visual analogue scale: VAS), pain distribution and pain quality were assessed quantitatively. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were recorded at the common extensor origin and the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle. Maximal measures of grip and wrist extension force were recorded. In both groups (pooled data), DOMS was efficiently induced as demonstrated by a significant decrease in pre-exercise to pre-injection PPT at the common extensor origin (-45+/-19%) and at the extensor carpi radialis brevis (-61+/-23%; P<0.05), and a significant decrease in maximal grip force (-25+/-6%) and maximal wrist extension force (-40+/-12%; P<0.001). Moreover, both groups experienced a significant increase in muscle soreness (3.9+/-0.2; P<0.0001) at Day 1 compared to pre-exercise. During saline-induced pain and in response to intervention, there were no significant between-group differences in VAS profiles, pain distributions, induced deep tissue hyperalgesia or force attenuation. These data suggest that the lateral glide-MWM does not activate mechanisms associated with analgesia or force augmentation in subjects with experimentally induced features simulating lateral epicondylalgia.     

Use of Mobilization with Movement in the Treatment of a Patient with Subacromial Impingement: A Case Report

Abstract

Mobilization with movement (MWM) is a fairly new therapeutic technique commonly used by physical therapists. The purpose of this case report was to describe the use of MWM in the treatment of a 27-year old left-hand dominant male patient referred to physical therapy with a diagnosis of supraspinatus tendinopathy secondary to impingement. Interventions consisted of MWM and other manual therapy techniques, modalities, and therapeutic exercises. Outcome measures used included goniometric active range of motion (AROM) measurements and manual muscle tests of the shoulder, impingement tests, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires. Specific outcome measures used to describe the response to MWM of the glenohumeral joint included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and goniometric measurement of abduction AROM. After the first MWM treatment (session 2/12), the 6/10 pre-application NPRS score during shoulder abduction was reduced to 3/10 post-application; however, abduction AROM did not improve (95°). At the final MWM treatment (session 6/12), the pre-application NPRS score during abduction was reduced from 3/10 to 0/10 post-application; abduction AROM increased from 130° to 175°. After 12 sessions, there was a decrease from moderate pain (7/10) to little or no pain (0-1/10) during active shoulder abduction; restricted (95°) to full shoulder abduction active range of motion (180°); and an improvement in the SPADI score from 45% to 8% with no pain or ADL activity difficulty scores >2. This case report indicates that MWM may be an effective treatment intervention for patients with subacromial impingement. Future research is needed to study the efficacy and mechanisms of this treatment technique.     

The initial effects of a Mulligan's mobilization with movement technique on dorsiflexion and pain in subacute ankle sprains

Physiotherapists frequently use manipulative therapy techniques to treat dysfunction and pain resulting from ankle sprain. This study investigated whether a Mulligan's mobilization with movement (MWM) technique improves talocrural dorsiflexion, a major impairment following ankle sprain, and relieves pain in subacute populations. Fourteen subjects with subacute grade II lateral ankle sprains served as their own control in a repeated measures, double-blind randomized controlled trial that measured the initial effects of the MWM treatment on weight bearing dorsiflexion and pressure and thermal pain threshold. The subacute ankle sprain group studied displayed deficits in dorsiflexion and local pressure pain threshold in the symptomatic ankle. Significant improvements in dorsiflexion occurred initially post-MWM ( F(2,26) = 7.82, P = 0.002 ), but no significant changes in pressure or thermal pain threshold were observed after the treatment condition. Results indicate that the MWM treatment for ankle dorsiflexion has a mechanical rather than hypoalgesic effect in subacute ankle sprains. The mechanism by which this occurs requires investigation if we are to better understand the role of manipulative therapy in ankle sprain management.     

Evidence for central sensitization in patients with osteoarthritis pain: A systematic literature review

Hyperexcitability of the central nervous system (CNS) has been suggested to play an important role in the chronic pain experienced by osteoarthritis (OA) patients. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was performed to evaluate the existing evidence from the literature related to the presence of central sensitization (CS) in patients with OA.Electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science were searched to identify relevant articles using pre‐defined keywords regarding CS and OA. Full‐text clinical reports addressing studies of CS in human adults with chronic complaints due to osteoarthritis were included and screened for methodological quality by two independent reviewers. From the 40 articles that were initially eligible for methodological quality assessment, 36 articles achieved sufficient scores and therefore were discussed. The majority of these studies were case–control studies and addressed OA of the knee joint. Different subjective and objective parameters considered manifestations of CS, which have been previously reported in other chronic pain conditions such as whiplash or rheumatoid arthritis, were established in subjects with OA pain. Overall results suggest that, although peripheral mechanisms are involved in OA pain, hypersensitivity of the CNS plays a significant role in a subgroup of subjects within this population. Although the majority of the literature provides evidence for the presence of CS in chronic OA pain, clinical identification and treatment of CS in OA is still in its infancy, and future studies with good methodological quality are necessary.     

Effectiveness of Mulligan’s Mobilization With Movement Techniques on Range of Motion in Peripheral Joint Pathologies: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis Between 2008 and 2018

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to provide an updated systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the effectiveness of mobilization with movement (MWM) techniques on range of motion (ROM).MethodsAn electronic search strategy of the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar, and CINAHL was performed between August 2008 and January 2018. Two independent reviewers selected the studies. Only randomized controlled trials were included. The methodology was independently assessed by 2 reviewers using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. The Z indicator was considered for the assessment of statistical significance of ROM change, whereas for each meta-analysis referring to a specific joint pathology, the total mean difference (95% confidence interval) was compared against minimum detectable change values from relevant studies conducted in similar populations to assess clinical significance.ResultsIncluded were 18 studies with 753 participants in 10 separate meta-analyses for ROM. All studies were classified as high quality or medium quality. Peripheral joint MWM seems to produce better therapeutic results in comparison to sham, passive, other active, or no therapeutic approach, regarding improvement of joint ROM in specific peripheral joint pathologies, consistently in all movement directions for shoulder adhesive capsulitis (mean improvement 12.30^o-26.09^o, P < .02) and hip pain (mean improvement 4.50^o-14.80^o, P < .0001).ConclusionMobilization with movement produced a statistically and clinically significant ROM increase consistently in all movement directions for shoulder adhesive capsulitis and hip pain. However, for shoulder impingement, shoulder pain/dysfunction, hamstring tightness, knee osteoarthritis, and chronic ankle instability pathologies, a therapeutic benefit regarding ROM could not be clearly established. Owing to the small number of individual studies included within the separate groups of pathologies examined in our systematic review, methodologically rigorous studies with longer follow-up periods are warranted to better inform the evidence base on the effects of MWM on ROM.     

The initial effects of a Mulligan's mobilization with movement technique on range of movement and pressure pain threshold in pain-limited shoulders

There is little known about the specific manual therapy techniques used to treat painfully limited shoulders and their effects on range of movement (ROM) and pressure pain threshold (PPT). The objective of this study was to investigate the initial effects of a Mulligan's mobilization with movement (MWM) technique on shoulder ROM in the plane of the scapula and PPT in participants with anterior shoulder pain. A repeated measures, double-blind randomized-controlled trial with a crossover design was conducted with 24 subjects (11 males and 13 females). ROM and PPT were measured before and after the application of MWM, sham and control conditions. Significant and clinically meaningful improvements in both ROM (15.3%, F (2,46)=16.31 P=0.00) and PPT (20.2%, F(2,46)=3.44, P=0.04) occurred immediately after post treatment. The results indicate that this specific manual therapy treatment has an immediate positive effect on both ROM and pain in subjects with painful limitation of shoulder movement. Further study is needed to evaluate the duration of such effects and the mechanism by which this occurs.     

Assessment of electric differential treatment (EDiT) and Endosan treatment for ovarian cysts and concomitant symptoms

The mechanisms of action and clinical applications of electric differential treatment (EDiT) and Endosan in the treatment of ovarian cysts and concomitant symptoms are reviewed. Possible mechanisms of action include an increased level of cyclic AMP, stimulation of endorphin release, anti-inflammatory action, and steroidogenesis resulting from normalization of intercellular communication. Favorable results in the clinical setting were achieved in the treatment of ovarian cysts. Treatment success was reflected in a significant reduction in overall cyst size as well as amelioration of various concomitant symptoms, including fever, chills, inflammation, and abdominal pain. EDiT and Endosan were shown to have potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. No adverse effects have been reported.     

Sex,Gender, and Pain: A Review of Recent Clinical and Experimental Findings

Sex-related influences on pain and analgesia have become a topic of tremendous scientific and clinical interest, especially in the last 10 to 15 years. Members of our research group published reviews of this literature more than a decade ago, and the intervening time period has witnessed robust growth in research regarding sex, gender, and pain. Therefore, it seems timely to revisit this literature. Abundant evidence from recent epidemiologic studies clearly demonstrates that women are at substantially greater risk for many clinical pain conditions, and there is some suggestion that postoperative and procedural pain may be more severe among women than men. Consistent with our previous reviews, current human findings regarding sex differences in experimental pain indicate greater pain sensitivity among females compared with males for most pain modalities, including more recently implemented clinically relevant pain models such as temporal summation of pain and intramuscular injection of algesic substances. The evidence regarding sex differences in laboratory measures of endogenous pain modulation is mixed, as are findings from studies using functional brain imaging to ascertain sex differences in pain-related cerebral activation. Also inconsistent are findings regarding sex differences in responses to pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic pain treatments. The article concludes with a discussion of potential biopsychosocial mechanisms that may underlie sex differences in pain, and considerations for future research are discussed.PerspectiveThis article reviews the recent literature regarding sex, gender, and pain. The growing body of evidence that has accumulated in the past 10 to 15 years continues to indicate substantial sex differences in clinical and experimental pain responses, and some evidence suggests that pain treatment responses may differ for women versus men.     

Ketamine for pain relief in acute pancreatitis

Patients with acute pancreatitis are often admitted to critical care unit and present with a spectrum of multiorgan problems. The commonest presenting symptom of acute pancreatitis is upper abdominal pain. The pain can be very severe and refractory to the treatment with conventional analgesics. The pain not only adds to the patient's distress but may also have adverse effects on the cardio-respiratory systems, which can be affected by acute pancreatitis itself. The pain in acute pancreatits is usually controlled by conventional analgesics, morphine/pethidine PCA or epidural analgesia. But at times all these measures of pain control fail and additional methods of pain relief become necessary. We encountered a patient with acute pancreatits with severe abdominal pain in whom conventional methods of pain relief failed to provide adequate analgesia. The patient had respiratory impairment secondary to upper abdominal pain and improved pain relief avoided the possible need for invasive ventilation. We used an intravenous ketamine infusion to supplement the analgesic regimen with a significant improvement in pain relief without any adverse psycho mimetic effects. The probable mechanisms of action of ketamine in improving pain relief are discussed. On search of the literature, the use of ketamine for pain relief in acute pancreatitis has never been reported.     

The role of tramadol in cancer pain treatment—a review

In most cancer patients pain can be successfully treated with pharmacological measures using opioid analgesics alone or in combination with adjuvant analgesics (coanalgesics). Weak opioids are usually recommended in the treatment of moderate cancer pain. There is still a debate as to whether the second step of the WHO analgesic ladder comprising opioid analgesics such as tramadol, codeine, dihydrocodeine, and dextropropoxyphene is still needed for the treatment of cancer pain. On the basis of our experience and review of the literature we think that there is definitely a place for weak opioids in the treatment of moderate cancer pain. One of the most interesting and useful weak opioids is tramadol (Adolonta, Contramal, Nobligan, Top-Algic, Tramal, Tramal Long, Tramal Retard, Tramundin, Trodon, Ultram, Zydol). Its unique mechanism of action, analgesic efficacy and profile of adverse reactions have been the reason of performing many experimental and clinical studies with tramadol. In this article we summarize data on pharmacology, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, side effects and clinical experience assessing analgesic efficacy, adverse reactions and safety of tramadol in cancer pain.     

Neglected factors in chronic pain treatment outcome studies--referral patterns, failure to enter treatment, and attrition

An increasing number of chronic pain treatment outcome studies have appeared in the literature. In general, these studies support the efficacy of multidisciplinary pain programs, as well as specific treatment modalities such as biofeedback and relaxation. Reviews of this literature have tended to be cautiously optimistic. Some concerns, however, have been raised about the methodological adequacy of these studies, particularly in terms of the lack of control groups, the brief duration of follow-up periods, and the vague criteria used for establishing the success of the therapeutic interventions. Other factors that mitigate conclusions regarding the generalizability of the favorable results reported need to be considered. In this paper 3 rarely discussed topics that are implicit within most treatment outcome studies and that need to be given greater attention are examined. These topics include: (1) referral patterns to pain clinics (who are referred to pain clinics, when, and how representative is the referred sample?); (2) failure to enter treatment (e.g., exclusion criteria, lack of available financial support to cover the cost of treatment, patient's refusal to accept recommendations), and consequently, the representativeness of the treated sample; and (3) patient's attrition. In this paper we discuss each of these factors as they underscore important qualifications that have to be made in evaluating treatment outcome studies.