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Hallux Valgus May Be Linked to Degenerative Spinal Diseases: What the Latest Cohort Study Suggests
A recent population-based cohort study titled “Association of Hallux Valgus with Degenerative Spinal Diseases” explored whether individuals with hallux valgus (bunion) have a higher risk of developing spinal degeneration. ⚠️ Full-text access was not available, so the following interpretation is not confirmed and should be considered a general biomechanical explanation + 추측입니다 . Possible Interpretation of Study Findings (추측) People with hallux valgus may experience altered g
namjae kim
Nov 24, 20251 min read


Evidence-Based Strategies for Neck Extension Pain: MWM + Thoracic Mobility
Recent literature supports using cervical Mobilization with Movement (MWM) for immediate improvements in pain and neck extension range, as demonstrated by Mani et al., 2012 . Additionally, a 2015 systematic review by Gross et al. highlights that improving thoracic mobility can independently reduce neck pain, suggesting that thoracic restrictions often contribute to cervical overload. Together, these findings support a combined approach of MWM plus thoracic mobility traini
namjae kim
Nov 23, 20251 min read


Finger pain during flexion is commonly linked to increased load at the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint and tightening of the finger flexor muscles
Finger pain during flexion is commonly linked to increased load at the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint and tightening of the finger flexor muscles. Supporting the MP joint during movement can reduce mechanical stress, and forearm flexor soft-tissue techniques have been shown to improve finger mobility and decrease pain sensitivity. Evidence (summarized): Studies show that stabilizing the MP joint decreases strain on the tendon–pulley system during finger flexion (Weinstein et
namjae kim
Nov 22, 20251 min read


Frozen Shoulder: Myths vs. Evidence-Based Treatment
Many people believe frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) will fully resolve on its own. While spontaneous recovery is possible, natural healing can take 1.5–3 years , and some patients never regain full shoulder range of motion . 🔹 Evidence-Based Approach Current guidelines ( JOSPT 2020, BMJ 2021 ) emphasize: Early guided exercise — Active-assisted range of motion within comfort limits. Gentle joint mobilization — Therapist-guided movement to maintain function. Patient ed
namjae kim
Nov 21, 20251 min read


Why Cross-Leg Sitting Stiffens the Hip & Two Corrective Stretches
Prolonged cross-leg sitting increases compressive load on the posterior hip structures and reduces internal rotation capacity.Recent literature indicates that reduced hip rotation is associated with increased risk of low back discomfort and deep gluteal pain syndromes. • Lee et al., 2023, Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies• Neumann, 2022, Kinesiology of the Hip• Wilson et al., 2021, Clinical Biomechanics Although cross-leg sitting is not inherently harmful, maintaining
namjae kim
Nov 20, 20251 min read


Dry Needling for Neck and Shoulder Pain: What Does the Evidence Actually Say?
Dry needling has become a widely used intervention in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, particularly for patients with neck, shoulder, and upper-back pain related to myofascial trigger points. Although it is often grouped with acupuncture, the two techniques differ significantly in both purpose and clinical reasoning. This article summarizes only the most reliable and clearly supported findings , avoiding overstated claims or unverified mechanisms. 1. Pain Reduction: The Most Co
namjae kim
Nov 19, 20252 min read


Foot Calluses — Why They Form & How Toe Mobility Fixes Them
Overview: Calluses under the feet develop when excessive pressure or limited mobility forces certain areas to overload.Common causes include: Limited toe extension/flexion Weak intrinsic foot muscles Poor weight distribution Tight plantar fascia Improving toe mobility and strengthening the small foot muscles restores natural loading and reduces callus formation over time. Step-by-Step Routine 1) Toe Extension Stretch (Standing) Lifts the toes and stretches the plantar fascia,
namjae kim
Nov 18, 20251 min read


Is Spinal Manipulation Effective for Neck Pain? What the Evidence Really Says
1. Introduction Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints worldwide.Spinal manipulation (SMT) is often chosen because it provides an immediate “release” sensation — but does this actually translate into meaningful recovery? 2. What Current Evidence Shows ✔ Short-term relief: Possible Some studies report short-term improvements in pain and range of motion. ✘ Long-term benefit: Uncertain Systematic reviews consistently indicate a lack of strong evidence su
namjae kim
Nov 17, 20251 min read


Exploring the Benefits of Dry Needling Therapy
If you’ve been struggling with persistent pain, sports injuries, or recovering from surgery, you might be wondering if there’s a natural, effective way to speed up your healing. Have you heard about dry needling therapy? It’s a treatment that’s gaining popularity, especially here in Dubai, for its ability to relieve pain and improve muscle function without medication or surgery. Let me walk you through what dry needling therapy is, how it works, and why it might be the soluti
namjae kim
Nov 17, 20254 min read


Plantar Fasciitis: Evidence-Based Stretching and Loading from JOSPT 2023
Plantar Fasciitis The 2023 JOSPT Clinical Practice Guideline provides updated recommendations for managing plantar heel pain: Strong evidence (Grade A) supports daily plantar fascia and calf stretches . Progressive loading exercises of intrinsic foot muscles are recommended to improve foot function. Manual therapy and taping can provide short-term pain relief. Consistent application of these strategies may reduce pain and improve function, although individual response may
namjae kim
Nov 16, 20251 min read


Is Your Pelvis a Time Bomb? Melt Stiff Hips in 2 Minutes.
Sitting for prolonged periods can reduce hip range of motion and lead to stiffness or discomfort.The 90–90 Hip Stretch improves internal and external hip rotation, while Quadruped Hip CARs enhance neuromuscular control of the hip joint without stressing the spine.Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine supports healthy hip mobility, better posture, and reduced discomfort during sitting . References / Mechanistic Evidence: Ayala, F. et al., 2021. Effects of hip
namjae kim
Nov 15, 20251 min read


Why Hip Mobility Doesn’t Improve with Stretching Alone: Evidence-Based Insigh
Many people try to improve hip mobility by stretching every day, yet continue to feel tightness and stiffness. Recent research helps explain why. 🔹 Stretching Alone Has Limited Effect A 2023 study published in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research found that passive stretching alone produced minimal changes in hip mobility.However, the group that combined stretching with activation or strengthening exercises showed significantly greater improvements—almost doub
namjae kim
Nov 14, 20251 min read


Rounded Shoulders: Causes, Risks, and Two Effective Stretches for Better Posture
Introduction: Rounded shoulders, or protracted shoulder posture , occur when the scapulae and upper spine move into a forward and downward position, often due to tight anterior chest muscles and weak posterior stabilizers.This imbalance increases stress on the cervical and thoracic spine, contributing to neck and upper back pain. Common causes: Prolonged desk work or device use Tightness in pectoralis major/minor and upper abdominals Weakness in rhomboids, middle trapezius, a
namjae kim
Nov 13, 20251 min read


Why your wrist hurts when carrying a bag?
Wrist hurts Repetitive habits can cause joint overload. One patient carried her handbag with her wrist slightly flexed, leading to pain during wrist extension and occasional use of a brace. Our treatment approach combined electrotherapy, ultrasound, dry needling, manual mobilization with movement (MWM), and rhythmic functional stretching. This sequence restored normal mobility and relieved wrist hurts pain — an example of how targeted physiotherapy addresses the real cause
namjae kim
Nov 12, 20251 min read


Neck & Upper-Back Tightness — Why It Happens and How to Fix It
Upper-Back Tightness Long periods of computer work lead to forward-head posture and thoracic flexion. This overloads the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, cervical extensors , and tightens the upper thoracic fascia . Result → neck pain, shoulder tension, Upper-Back Tightness, and mid-back stiffness. Doorframe Arc Stretch — How It Works This stretch targets: Thoracic spine extension Upper back fascia (paraspinals, rhomboid region) Cervical musculature (levator scapulae, cervi
namjae kim
Nov 11, 20251 min read


The Connection Between Health and Injury Recovery
Recovering from an injury can feel overwhelming. You might wonder, How long will it take? What can I do to speed things up? The good news is, your recovery journey is deeply connected to your overall well-being. When you focus on your health , you’re not just healing the injury—you’re strengthening your entire body and mind. Let’s explore how you can take control of your recovery with practical injury recovery tips that really work. Why Your Body’s Health Matters in Injury R
namjae kim
Nov 11, 20254 min read


Strength Training May Reduce Your Future Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis
Recent coverage from Harvard Health Publishing (2024) highlights that regular strength training is linked to a lower risk of developing knee osteoarthritis and chronic knee pain in later adulthood. The report suggests that individuals who consistently performed lower-body strengthening showed better long-term knee outcomes than those who were mostly sedentary. Why it works: Stronger quadriceps and gluteal muscles improve shock absorption Reduced mechanical stress on the kne
namjae kim
Nov 10, 20251 min read


Can Stretching Reduce Night-Time Calf Cramps? New Evidence Explained
A 2023–2024 study published in JAMA Network investigated whether stretching can help reduce nocturnal leg cramps in adults over 55.Eighty participants were assigned either to a 6-week calf + hamstring stretching program or to a no-intervention control group. After six weeks, the stretching group reported an average reduction of approximately −1.2 cramps per night compared to controls. However, the study did not clearly separate the effects of calf stretching alone from t
namjae kim
Nov 9, 20251 min read


Want to run faster and prevent injuries? 🏃♂️ 2nd rountine
Acute Effects of Soleus Stretching on Ankle Flexibility, Dynamic Balance, and Speed Performance( prevent injuries) A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health investigated how calf and soleus stretching affects lower-limb function and performance in soccer players. The researchers examined the acute effects of soleus stretching combined with general calf stretching on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) , dynamic bal
namjae kim
Nov 8, 20251 min read


Collagen for Knee Cartilage: What the Research Really Says
Many people take collagen supplements hoping to improve their knee cartilage health. But what does science actually say? 🔹 How Collagen Works Collagen is a protein, and when consumed, it is mostly broken down into amino acids during digestion. These amino acids are then absorbed into the bloodstream — they do not directly travel to your cartilage. Therefore, collagen alone does not rebuild cartilage . 🔹 What Research Shows Positive effects on joint discomfort: Zdzieblik et
namjae kim
Nov 7, 20251 min read
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