Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Post-breast Surgery Pain Syndrome
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to provide a practical framework for the diagnosis and treatment of post-breast surgery pain syndrome.Recent FindingsThere has been increasing evidence that nerve blocks, regional anesthetic blocks, and surgeries including fat grafting and targeted muscle reinnervation may be effective in treating post-breast surgery pain syndrome.SummaryPost-breast surgery pain syndrome is identified as clinically affecting the upper extremity and chest wall on the post-surgical side. There are several treatment options including topicals, oral medications, therapeutic interventions, ...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - February 3, 2024 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Rehabilitation Protocols Following Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in the Hip
AbstractPurposeof ReviewThe field of orthobiologics has developed markedly over the past decade, particularly with respect to the applications of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in chronic musculoskeletal injuries. This review will cover the current understanding of PRP and focus on the post-procedure rehabilitation phase to augment outcomes in hip pathologies.Recent FindingsNumerous level 1 studies support the role of PRP as a superior treatment for several chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as knee osteoarthritis, lateral epicondylopathy, gluteus medius tendinopathy, etc. Additionally, the optimal components and refineme...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - February 3, 2024 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Sports-Specific Prostheses: An Overview
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this manuscript is to provide an update and review new technologic advances in adaptive sports-specific prostheses. The review focused on how a sports-specific prosthesis may differ from a general, everyday prosthesis as well as how the modifications to the prosthesis improve performance in the given sport.Recent FindingsThe majority of the new advances in sports-specific prosthesis occurred in the immediate time following the September 11th attack and the subsequent military conflicts leading to an increase in the number of persons with traumatic amputations. There was a spike in the n...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - January 25, 2024 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

The Role of Rehabilitation for the Dying Cancer Patient
This article aims to expand on the role of rehabilitation clinicians in providing whole-person care to the dying cancer patient. We identify symptoms common at the end of life in patients with cancer and demonstrate how rehabilitation specialists can use medications and interventions to ease the dying process.Recent FindingsAchieving adequate pain and symptom control can be done through a collaborative, multidisciplinary model with physiatrists, nurses, and therapists in all disciplines. Addressing anxiety, depression, and existential distress can and must be part of the whole-person rehabilitation care.SummaryAchieving a ...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - January 22, 2024 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Lower Extremity Bone Stress Injuries in Athletes: an Update on Current Guidelines
AbstractPurpose of reviewThis review aims to provide concise updated bone stress injury management based on anatomical location and severity, while also discussing adjunct treatment options.Recent FindingsEmergence of newer adjunct treatments includes orthobiologics, blood flow restriction, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy to aid bone healing.SummaryBone stress injuries of the lower extremities can lead to time away from sport and often represent a larger health concern. Patient presentations can often be vague, so a high clinical suspicion is necessary. While each treatment plan should be individualized, the overall m...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - January 18, 2024 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Current Quality of Life Metrics and Their Feasibility and Applicability in Adaptive Sports
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThere is already widespread evidence that participation in adaptive sports contributes to a significant improvement in quality of life. This review will cover the current metrics in assessing quality of life and determine their feasibility in evaluating large-scale adaptive sports organizations, which can serve populations with very diverse types of disabilities.Recent FindingsQuality of life has historically been studied in patients with a spinal cord injury, leaving many groups under researched in terms of the benefit from adaptive sports. Multiple metrics have been developed to address different...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - January 12, 2024 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Combined with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo examine the effects of combining non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on upper limb function in patients with a stroke.Recent FindingsOf 580 articles, five studies met the eligibility criteria, involving 226 patients (mean age  = 58.73 years), 45% of whom were female. Three studies considered"good" quality, one exhibited"excellent" quality, and one considered"poor" quality on the PEDro scale. There is heterogeneous evidence regarding the effects of the combined NIBS and NMES intervention on upper limb function i...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - January 11, 2024 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Dermatologic Conditions in Persons with Lower Limb Amputations: a Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of our paper was to examine literature and innovations made regarding dermatologic conditions in patients with lower limb amputations. We aimed to examine the most common skin problems as well as their prevalence among this patient population. Furthermore, we sought to highlight treatments for these conditions. While prosthetic components play a large role in the pathogenesis and treatment of skin conditions of the residual limb, this was not our focus for this paper.Recent FindingsMost current research is centered on therapies to improve wound healing and contractures, decrease scarring, ...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - January 5, 2024 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Updates and Current Evidence
AbstractPurpose of ReviewComplex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating condition that manifests with sensory, neurologic, autonomic, and/or trophic impairment. In addition to manifesting with severe neuropathic pain, CRPS is associated with poor quality of life and higher annual healthcare costs. This systematic review appraises the current body of evidence on all treatment modalities for CRPS.Recent FindingsIn patients with CRPS-related pain, there is level I evidence supporting modest to moderate improvement in pain intensity from physical therapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, and transcu...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - January 3, 2024 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Return to Sport, Exercise, and Recreation (SER) Following Amputation
AbstractPurposeof ReviewFollowing the amputation of a limb, individuals tend to engage in less physical activity and, as a result, are at increased risk of developing adverse psychosocial and physiological conditions. Participation in sport, exercise, and recreation (SER) following amputation has been reported to improve multiple aspects of health and overall quality of life. This review will cover multiple factors concerning return to activity following amputation.Recent FindingsWhile there is a paucity of evidence regarding the benefits of participation in adaptive SER by individuals with amputations when compared to ben...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - January 3, 2024 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Disparities in Care After Stroke for Black and Hispanic Patients: Intersection with Socioeconomic Status and Insurance Status —a Narrative Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis comprehensive review aims to illuminate disparities in post-stroke care for Black and Hispanic individuals by exploring the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and insurance. By understanding the impact of stroke and the factors contributing to disparities, this review strives to identify strategies for improving stroke care equity and alleviating the burden of stroke-related morbidity and mortality in these vulnerable populations.Recent FindingsThere are disparities in care leading to persons from minoritized groups and with lower socioeconomic status having more strok...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - November 23, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Acute and Recurrent Ankle Sprains: Current Clinical Approaches
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAnkle sprains have a high prevalence with significant risk of recurrence and are one of the main reasons for missed participation in athletics. This review seeks to discuss the most up to date and relevant literature regarding strategies for diagnosing, preventing, and treating acute and recurrent sprains.Recent FindingsIn patients with acute ankle sprains, specifically grades I and II, it is important to have a quick and accurate diagnosis, early use of RICE (rest,ice,compression, andelevation), maintenance of range of motion, and use of an ankle support. In general, early motion and mobility are ...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - October 14, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

The Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP): a Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo determine and examine the evidence of GRASP in an upper limb rehabilitation setting for survivors of stroke.SummaryFive databases were searched: CINAHL Complete, Medline (OVID), Embase, Cochrane Methodological Register, and Open Grey resulting in 8 studies for this review. Studies that included survivors of stroke using GRASP, participants over 18  years, and full-text articles were used. The Down’s and Black checklist and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme were used to assess risk of bias.Recent FindingsA narrative synthesis of results, including setting and exercise time, was conducted to ...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - October 13, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Chest Wall Injuries in Athletes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMusculoskeletal injuries of the chest wall are underrecognized by sports medicine clinicians. The purpose of this review is to highlight key elements of the presentation and management of chest wall injuries seen in an athletic population.Recent FindingsChest wall injuries may arise from the bony or cartilaginous structures, joints, or myofascial structures of the trunk. Injury can occur in the setting of trauma during sport or may occur due to overuse. Many chest wall injuries can be successfully rehabilitated, allowing return to the athlete ’s prior level of play. However, some injuries carry a...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - September 6, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence: a Potential Cause of Vestibular and Auditory Impairment Following Head Trauma
This article is aimed at reviewing the pathophysiology, assessment methods, etiologies, treatment options, and correlation with head trauma for this unique entity.Recent FindingsCommon SSCD symptoms include chronic disequilibrium, abnormal eye movements, and auditory disturbances. The pathologic opening into the bony labyrinth by SSCD can lead to irregular fluid flow and pressure gradients, disrupting inner ear function. Most patients with incidentally discovered SSCD on imaging are asymptomatic; a secondary injury event is believed to trigger onset of symptoms via acute intravestibular and/or intracranial pressure changes...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - September 4, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research