Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Journal

Objective: Trapezitis is an inflammatory process of the trapezius muscle. The discomfort aggravates during exercise and exists throughout rest. The most prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting those who spend a lot of time working with an unnatural posture of the neck and repeated motions is trapezius muscle discomfort and spasm. Pain and secure spasm in an antagonist muscle group may cause a limited and unpleasant passive range of motion. Male-tofemale frequency in India is 1:10; worldwide influence impacts 3–5% of people. Materials and Methods: We used a simple random sampling approach in a single blinded experimental study project. Forty persons in total were recruited for the study based on the requirements for inclusion and exclusion and divided into two groups. Apart from the positional release technique, Group A, comprising twenty people, will also have laser therapy. Twenty members of Group B will get laser therapy in addition to muscle energy technique. For both groups, the intervention ran for four weeks. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were the outcome tests used. Results and Discussion: Following a baseline assessment of outcome measures, post-test research was undertaken four weeks later. using a paired t-test. Independent t-tests were conducted in the intergroup study. From both groups, post-test results were obviously better. When weighed against Group A, Group B obviously outperformed the other group. Conclusion: In treating trapezitis by reducing pain and improving cervical range of motion, the study indicates that Group B muscle energy technique coupled with laser therapy is more effective than the Group A approach.

Background: Non-specific neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder among physiotherapists, particularly associated with prolonged static postures and manual therapy techniques. Objectives: To assess non-specific neck pain and its correlation with cervical mobility, core strength, posture, functional performance, and scapular asymmetry in practicing physiotherapists. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 113 physiotherapists (100 females, 13 males) with minimum 3 years of experience and current neck pain were recruited through purposive sampling. Assessments included cervical range of motion (universal goniometer), core strength (pressure biofeedback), craniovertebral angle (MBRuler 5.0 Software), scapular symmetry (Lateral Scapular Slide test), pain intensity (Numerical Pain Rating Scale), and functional performance (Neck Disability Index). Results: Significant correlations were found between pain intensity and functional disability (r=0.385, p<0.001), cervical core strength (r=-0.219, p=0.020), and right lateral flexion (r=-0.69, p=-0.82). Most participants (51.3%) reported acute episodes of chronic neck pain, predominantly intermittent (70.8%), with prolonged static positioning (56.6%) as the primary risk factor. Conclusions: Non-specific neck pain in physiotherapists demonstrates significant associations with reduced cervical core strength and functional performance. Pain intensity negatively correlates with cervical range of motion, particularly right lateral flexion, suggesting the need for preventive strategies and postural awareness in clinical practice.

Aims: Evaluation of correlation between forward head posture and Temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Settings and Design: It is an observational study. Methods and Material: Image J Software, Plastic Scale (Ruler), Measure tape, Data collection form, Consent form Statistical analysis used: Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to find the correlations of: a.FHP with Mouth Opening, b.FHP with Left deviation of TMJ, c.FHP with Right deviation of TMJ, c.FHP with Protrusion of TMJ. Results: This study shows that there is moderate correlation between forward head posture and mouth deviation in all side. Conclusions: The finding suggests that, there is significant correlation of FHP and TMD. Further, the outcome revealed that TMD was seen in young adults aged between 20 years to 30 years, compared to older age groups. Moreover, among total of 50 individuals, 60% were FEMALES. Our study supports the all previous article stating the moderate to modest correlation. Limitation of the study: The individuals were not divided in different groups according to their complaint of TMD. So, the conclusion can be generalized to large group of patients.

Background: Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) disorders, including fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and chronic low back pain, are prevalent conditions that result in substantial disability, psychological distress, and reduced quality of life (QoL). Emerging evidence identifies central sensitization (CS), characterized by heightened responsiveness of the central nervous system to nociceptive stimuli, as a key mechanism in the persistence and amplification of pain. However, the broader biopsychosocial impact of CS in a single integrated framework remains underexplored. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between central sensitization and disability, sleep disturbance, depression, and quality of life in individuals with CMP. Additionally, it assessed whether demographic factors age, sex, and pain duration moderate these relationships. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 150 participants aged 25–75 years with chronic musculoskeletal pain for ≥3 months. Participants completed the validated Gujarati versions of the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI-G), RolandMorris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ-G), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-G), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Short Form-12 (SF-12) for physical and mental QoL. Correlation and regression analyses were performed using SPSS v20.0, with moderation analyses evaluating the demographic influences. Results: Twenty percent of the participants exhibited clinically significant CS and were predominantly female. The CSI-G scores were significantly correlated with increased disability (ρ = 0.530), poor sleep quality (ρ = 0.363), higher depression (ρ = 0.656), and reduced QoL (SF-12 PCS: ρ = -0.467; MCS: ρ = -0.406) (all p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified depression, disability, sleep quality, pain duration, and sex as the significant predictors of CS. Age moderated the CS–disability link, while longer pain duration intensified the CS–depression association. Conclusion: Central sensitization is a major contributor to functional, psychological, and quality of life impairments in CMP.These findings emphasize the need for multidimensional personalized interventions targeting central mechanisms, particularly in females and patients with prolonged pain.Routine CS screening and integrated management strategies may improve the outcomes and enhance the overall well-being of the population.

Background of the study: Tailors are creative workers who stitch clothing and have exceptional machine and hand abilities. These employees who operate in a hunched posture for extended periods of time impair tension, stretching and ligaments around neck. Reduced hand function in tailors may be caused by forward head posture during sewing. Objective: To find the association between forward head posture and hand function in tailors. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted on 29 subjects aged between 40–65 years, who met with inclusion criteria. Based on the experience, the subjects were grouped into three classes of Skilled tailors, Expert tailors, and Master tailors. The forward head posture and hand function were assessed by craniovertebral angle [CVA] and nine-hole peg test [NHPT] respectively. The obtained data was statistically evaluated to find out whether forward head posture was correlated with hand function in tailors. Results: The mean scores obtained for CVA and Hand Function were 45.18 ± 7.87, 29.89 ± 5.21, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient was computed to assess the correlation between the obtained variables among skilled, expert and master tailors. The obtained correlational values were [r = -0.244] in skilled tailors and [r = -0.272] in expert tailors, whereas a weak positive correlation [r = 0.279] in master tailors. This shows there was no significant correlation between hand function and forward head posture in tailors. Conclusion: The study concluded that there was no correlation between forward head posture and hand function in tailors.

Introduction: Cervical postural syndrome is a common unpleasant and painful posture problem characterized by a protruding chin and rounded shoulders. Neck pain is associated with decreased health-related quality of life. Quality of Life assessed with HRQOL assessment scales. With the newly available International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), a universal framework of functioning and health, the representation of items and scales of SF36 can be compared better. Objective of study: • The assessment of patient with cervical postural syndrome through International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health corset and short form health survey in Cervical Postural Syndrome. • To evaluate and measure the differences in the Quality of Life through the activity and participations component International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health corset and short form health survey 36 in Cervical Postural Syndrome. • To compare the differences in Quality of Life through the activity and participations component of International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health corset and short form health survey 36 in Cervical Postural Syndrome. Method: This observational study was carried out with sixty subjects of cervical postural syndrome with mean age group 30 at PMR, Physiotherapy and Orthopedics OPD of SMIH, Dehradun. After thorough assessment and consent form was signed. Patients were assessed with domain of activities and participants of ICF and Quality of life is assessed by using SF-36 questionnaire simultaneously. Conclusion: Most of the domain of SF 36 of health related questionnaires align well with the activities and participations domains of ICF when it assessing the individual with cervical postural syndrome. Domains of SF36 linked with the domains of ICF, through which related domains, unrelated and gaps were founded. Related domains of SF 36 compared with the related domains of activities and participations of ICF. Result was significant which shows that the ICF was the better assessment tool as compared to the SF36.

Chronic pain represents one of the most significant global health challenges of our time, affecting over half of the world’s population and imposing substantial socioeconomic burdens on healthcare systems. Traditional physiotherapy approaches focusing primarily on tissue based interventions have proven inadequate for addressing the complex, multidimensional nature of persistent pain conditions. This review examines Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) as a transformative clinical approach that aligns with contemporary understanding of pain neurobiology and the biopsychosocial model. Through a critical analysis of current evidence, this paper explores how PNE reconceptualizes pain, its integration into physiotherapy practice, and its potential to revolutionize pain management. Evidence demonstrates that PNE represents not merely an adjunct to conventional treatment, but also a fundamental paradigm shift in physiotherapy that empowers patients, addresses cognitive-emotional dimensions of pain, and achieves superior clinical outcomes.

DRA (Diastasis rectus abdominis) is a gynecological condition that can manifest with symptoms with a visible bulge in the abdomen, especially when contracting abdominal muscles, and may be accompanied by lower back pain, poor posture, and difficulty with daily tasks. While the classic presentation of DRA involves deficits, it is essential to recognize the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in postpartum women with diastasis recti. This manuscript comprehensively reviews the literature examining the effectiveness of Physiotherapy interventions in postpartum women with diastasis recti. A thorough search of Pubmed and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant articles published between 2013 and 2023. Seven studies were selected for analysis, illustrating various interventions in postpartum women with diastasis recti. It may lead to the timely diagnosis and physiotherapy management in postpartum women. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimal physiotherapy treatment strategies for postpartum women with diastasis recti.

Air pollution poses a critical threat to global health, particularly impacting the cardiopulmonary system through oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and immune dysregulation. Key pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exacerbate conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular diseases. This review examines the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, highlighting the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammatory mediators, and epigenetic modifications. Additionally, we explore mitigation strategies, including environmental policies, technological advancements in air quality improvement, and personal protective measures. A significant focus is placed on the role of physiotherapy in managing air pollution-related respiratory complications, emphasizing pulmonary rehabilitation techniques, breathing exercises, and airway clearance strategies. Understanding these mechanisms and interventions is crucial for developing comprehensive public health policies and clinical guidelines aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality associated with air pollution exposure. By integrating molecular research with preventive and therapeutic approaches, we can enhance patient outcomes and reduce the burden of air pollution-related diseases.

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are condition that can manifest with symptoms jaw pain or tenderness, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, difficulty chewing or opening the mouth, and headaches While the classic presentation of TMJ Disorders involves deficits, it is essential to recognize the effectiveness of low level laser therapy in the management of temporomanadibular joint disorders. This manuscript comprehensively reviews the literature examining the effectiveness of low level laser therapy in the management of TMJ disorders. A thorough search of Pubmed and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant articles published between 2014 and 2024. Six studies were selected for analysis, illustrating various interventions in TMJ disorders. It may lead to the timely diagnosis and physiotherapy management in TMJ disorders. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimal physiotherapy treatment strategies like low level laser therapy in the management of temporomandibular joint disorders.

Leadership in physiotherapy is essential for improving patient care, advancing the profession, and influencing healthcare policies. Strong leadership enables physiotherapists to guide teams, make informed decisions, and uphold high standards of practice. This narrative review examines leadership in physiotherapy, focusing on key leadership traits, common leadership models, challenges, and future directions for leadership development. Successful physiotherapy leaders possess qualities such as effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. Leadership models in healthcare, such as transformational and servant leadership, are particularly relevant to physiotherapy. Transformational leaders drive positive changes, while servant leaders focus on the growth and well-being of their team members. Despite its importance, leadership in physiotherapy faces challenges, including limited leadership training, workplace barriers, time constraints, and a lack of recognition for leadership roles. Many physiotherapists may not receive formal leadership education, making it difficult for them to take on leadership positions confidently. To promote leadership development, physiotherapists should have access to structured training programs, mentorship opportunities, and leadership roles within clinical, academic, and research settings. Support from professional organizations and healthcare institutions is crucial in fostering leadership skills. By reviewing existing literature, this paper highlights the need for leadership growth in physiotherapy and suggests strategies to help physiotherapists develop into effective leaders.