Musculoskeletal Pain and Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatment and Management

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 3603

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Pain is source of disability worldwide. Understanding its origin and defining the best treatment are currently priorities for improving quality of life and decreasing disability. Musculoskeletal disorders encompass a wide range of conditions, affecting the fascia, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other supporting structures of the body. These disorders pose significant challenges to patients and healthcare professionals alike, requiring a multidisciplinary approach for effective treatment and care. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers and practitioners to explore the latest advancements in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal pain and disorders.

We encourage you and your co-workers to submit your articles reporting on this topic.

Dr. Antonio Stecco
Dr. Carmelo Pirri
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • pain
  • connective tissue
  • musculoskeletal disorders
  • fascia
  • muscles
  • tendons
  • ligaments

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 2361 KiB  
Article
The (ProteUS) Anisotropy Effect in Deep Fascia Ultrasonography: The Impact of Probe Angulation on Echogenicity and Thickness Assessments
by Carmelo Pirri, Nina Pirri, Diego Guidolin, Enrico De Rose, Veronica Macchi, Andrea Porzionato, Raffaele De Caro and Carla Stecco
Life 2025, 15(5), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15050822 - 21 May 2025
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Abstract
This study investigates the influence of probe angulation on echogenicity and thickness measurements of the deep fascia, addressing methodological challenges in musculoskeletal ultrasound examination. The anisotropic nature of connective tissues can lead to distortions, affecting US imaging accuracy and diagnostic reliability. Echogenicity and [...] Read more.
This study investigates the influence of probe angulation on echogenicity and thickness measurements of the deep fascia, addressing methodological challenges in musculoskeletal ultrasound examination. The anisotropic nature of connective tissues can lead to distortions, affecting US imaging accuracy and diagnostic reliability. Echogenicity and thickness variations were analyzed across different probe inclinations in both transverse and longitudinal orientations. Measurements at 0° were compared with −5° and +5° angles to assess their impact on imaging consistency due to 3D-printed support. Echogenicity differed significantly with probe angulation, in particular in transverse scan at 0°, which showed substantial variation at −5° (mean diff. = 55.14, p < 0.0001) and +5° (mean diff. = 43.75, p = 0.0024). Thickness measurements also varied, reinforcing that non-perpendicular probe angulation introduces distortions. The same results were reported for longitudinal scans. These findings highlight the need for the use of standardized scanning protocols to improve reliability. The protean nature of deep fascia anisotropy, highly sensitive to minimal changes in probe orientation, necessitates precise and consistent imaging to accurately reveal its structural organization. Optimizing probe orientation is essential for advancing fascial US diagnostics. Full article
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25 pages, 3020 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Effect of Physiotherapy on Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition After ACL Injury or Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
by Maria Paço, Maxence Peysson, Elona Dumont, Mário Correia, Anna Quialheiro and Paula Chaves
Life 2024, 14(12), 1586; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14121586 - 2 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2928
Abstract
Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) following ACL injury or reconstruction is a common issue that affects muscle activation and functional recovery. Thus, the objective of this study was to systematize the literature on the effects of physiotherapy interventions in the rehabilitation of AMI after [...] Read more.
Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) following ACL injury or reconstruction is a common issue that affects muscle activation and functional recovery. Thus, the objective of this study was to systematize the literature on the effects of physiotherapy interventions in the rehabilitation of AMI after ACL injury or reconstruction. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The risk of bias was evaluated using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Searches were performed in the PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases. Randomized controlled trials involving patients with ACL injuries or ACL reconstruction were included. Twenty studies were included. Fifteen evaluated the effects of exercise, showing significant improvement. Seven studies examined electrotherapy, with neuromuscular electrical stimulation and high-frequency therapy combined with exercise showing improvements in muscle strength, pain, and joint range of motion. Nine studies explored interventions like motor imagery, cryotherapy, taping, and vibration. When performed before exercise, motor imagery and cryotherapy improved cortical activity and muscle recovery. Kinesio taping reduced edema and pain better than exercise alone. Vibration showed inconsistent results across three studies. Methodological quality varied between 5 and 8 on the PEDro scale, with moderate-to-low risk of bias. Structured exercise should be the first-line intervention, but combining it with other therapies enhances rehabilitation. The study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023425510). Full article
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