The impact of trigger point therapy and transbuccal massage on symptoms associated with bruxism – preliminary observations

Maria Borucka, Wiktoria Kuglarz, Katarzyna Byrtek, Wojciech Kroczek, Edyta Kroczek, Bartosz Wnuk

Jolanta Małysz, Artur Hołodniuk, Kamil Góral, Bartosz Aniśko, Danuta Lietz-Kijak, Idzi Siatkowski, Małgorzata Wójcik – The impact of trigger point therapy and transbuccal massage on symptoms associated with bruxism – preliminary observations –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(3); 74-83

DOI: https://ddoi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D1AV7A4

Abstract
Aim. This preliminary study aimed to compare the effects of trigger point therapy, transbuccal massage, and their combination on psychological distress (HADS), insomnia severity (ISI), and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) in men with awake bruxism and symptoms related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
Material and methods. The study involved 98 men (mean age 33.5 ± 12.2 years; BMI 24.6 ± 3.9 kg/m²) with awake bruxism identified through a structured interview and TMD-related symptoms assessed using the RDC/TMD protocol. Participants were allocated to four groups: combined trigger point therapy and transbuccal massage, trigger point therapy alone, transbuccal massage alone, and a control group. WHOQOL-BREF, ISI, and HADS were completed at baseline, after four weeks, and one week post-intervention.
Results. HADS scores differed significantly between groups before therapy (p = 0.0024), after therapy (p = 0.021), and at follow-up (p = 0.032). At baseline, higher—that is, less favorable—HADS scores were recorded in the combined-therapy group (median 15.0) and the trigger point therapy group (17.0) than in the control group (8.5). After four weeks, the medians decreased in the combined-therapy group (to 8.5) and the trigger point therapy group (to 10.0), remained unchanged in the transbuccal massage group (14.0), and were lowest in the control group (5.5). The only significant post hoc difference after therapy and at follow-up was between the transbuccal massage group and the control group, with more favorable (lower) scores in the control group. No significant between-group differences were observed for ISI or WHOQOL-BREF at any time point.
Conclusions. None of the applied interventions proved superior to no intervention. The only significant difference after therapy (p = 0.021) and at follow-up (p = 0.032) was between the transbuccal massage group and the control group, with more favorable (lower) HADS scores in the control group. Descriptively, the largest reductions in median scores occurred in the combined-therapy and trigger point therapy groups, but these groups already differed significantly from the control group at baseline (p = 0.0024), which precludes causal interpretation of these changes. No significant between-group differences in insomnia severity (ISI) or quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) were found at any time point; however, these results do not exclude an effect of the applied interventions on these outcomes.
Key words
bruxism, temporomandibular disorders, trigger point therapy, transbuccal massage, physiotherapy
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Physiotherapy in fracture of the lateral part of the base of the proximal phalanx of the hallux of the left lower limb

Justyna Hochman, Paulina Zasada

Justyna Hochman, Paulina Zasada – Physiotherapy in fracture of the lateral part of the base of the proximal phalanx of the hallux of the left lower limb –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(1); 102-114

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EFAZKIY

Abstract
Aim of the study. The aim of the study is to present the course of physiotherapy in a single patient with a fracture of the lateral part of the base of the proximal phalanx of the hallux, as well as to describe the applied special methods, including PNF and dynamic taping (kinesiology taping), in addition to other procedures from the fields of kinesiotherapy and physical therapy. This paper is a case report and does not allow for generalization of the effectiveness of the presented physiotherapeutic interventions to the patient population.
Material and methods. The article is based on the available subject literature concerning physiotherapeutic procedures. The second part of the article constitutes a description of a single clinical case.
Conclusions. The applied physiotherapeutic management in the described patient contributed to a reduction in pain complaints, an increase in the muscle strength of the hallux, improvement of proprioception, and enhancement of scar elasticity. However, it should be emphasized that the presented results concern a single clinical case and cannot constitute a basis for generalizing the effectiveness of the applied physiotherapeutic interventions. The observed improvement may have resulted both from the applied therapy and from natural healing processes occurring since the onset of the injury.
Key words
fracture, hallux, physiotherapy, PNF, kinesiology taping, dynamic taping
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Functional assessment and aerobic capacity evaluation of physiotherapy students using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and the shuttle test – Beep Test

Piotr Kuliś, Piotr Stasiak, Sławomir Motylewski

Piotr Kuliś, Piotr Stasiak, Sławomir Motylewski – Functional assessment and aerobic capacity evaluation of physiotherapy students using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and the shuttle test – Beep Test –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(1); 34-44

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EFA539R

Abstract
Introduction. According to a 2022 study, more than half of Polish adults (52.2%) aged 20 and over were overweight (BMI of 25 or more), with 13.6% struggling with obesity, defined as a BMI of 30 or more. Habits formed during college often accompany us throughout our lives, which is why it is so important to ensure a healthy diet and regular physical activity already during this period.
Aim. The aim of the study was to assess aerobic capacity using the multi-stage shuttle test – Beep Test and functional assessment using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test in 2nd year physiotherapy students, Medical University of Lodz.
Materials and methods. The study involved 126 randomly selected physiotherapy students of the Medical University of Lodz, including 85 females and 41 males, aged 19 to 25 years (±20.25). Two separate tests were conducted: Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and the multi-stage pendulum Beep Test.
Results. More than 85% of the Beep Test subjects scored below average in the test, very good and good results in the aerobic capacity assessment test were obtained by only 1 person. Significant differences were found among the FMS test group in the test of deep squat, trunk stabilization, active straight leg raise according to BMI classification.
Conclusions. The FMS test and Beep test are effective tools for assessing physical fitness in the population.
Key words
Functional Movement Screen, Beep Test, functional assessment, physiotherapy
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Evaluation of the effectiveness of physiotherapy and its impact on the quality of life of female patients with stress urinary incontinence

Agata Kwiatkowska, Anna Czarniecka, Anna Mickiewicz

Agata Kwiatkowska, Anna Czarniecka, Anna Mickiewicz – Evaluation of the effectiveness of physiotherapy and its impact on the quality of life of female patients with stress urinary incontinence –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2026; 26(1); 6-15

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG2EFA73KJ

Abstract
Aim of the Study. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy treatment, with particular emphasis on the pelvic floor muscle exercises, in a group of female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
Material and Methods. A pre–post interventional design without a control group was used. The study included 18 women aged 26 to 50 years. Women with urodynamically and gynecologically confirmed stress urinary incontinence, qualifying for conservative treatment, were included in the study. Physiotherapy was conducted by an experienced urogynecological physiotherapist. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated based on changes in UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores from baseline to post-intervention.
Results. Statistical analysis showed significant differences before and after the physiotherapy program for the total scores obtained from the UDI-6 questionnaire, as well as for individual questions in the UDI-6 questionnaire in the studied group (p<0.001). Significant differences were also found before and after the physiotherapy program for the total scores obtained from the IIQ-7 questionnaire and for individual questions in the IIQ-7 questionnaire in the studied group (p<0.001). In the studied group, a clinically significant improvement was observed. The mean UDI-6 score decreased by approximately 75% (from 54.40 to 13.43), and the IIQ-7 score decreased by approximately 76% (from 76.11 to 18.50) after completion of the physiotherapy program, suggesting substantial effectiveness of the intervention.
Conclusions. The implemented physiotherapy program, with particular emphasis on pelvic floor muscle exercises, in the studied group of women with stress urinary incontinence, contributed to a significant reduction in the severity of symptoms and an improvement in the patients’ quality of life.
Key words
physiotherapy, pelvic floor exercises, quality of life, stress urinary incontinence
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Modern possibilities of physiotherapy in the treatment of diabetes complications

Marlena Milka, Aleksander Sieroń, Jakub Adamczyk

Marlena Milka, Aleksander Sieroń, Jakub Adamczyk – Modern possibilities of physiotherapy in the treatment of diabetes complications –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(5); 99-107

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZGA431P6H9

Abstract
Introduction. Contemporary physiotherapeutic interventions in the management of diabetic complications encompass a broad spectrum of modalities, ranging from well-established procedures to innovative techniques such as laserobaric therapy. The physiotherapeutic methods discussed include mobilization, lymphatic drainage, oxygen therapy, laser therapy, magnetic field therapy, TECAR therapy, and Laserobaria 2.0_S. In addition, complementary therapeutic strategies are addressed, including orthotic insole selection, patient education, and the role of surgical and podiatric interventions in wound management.
Methods. This study is based on a narrative review with a selective and subjective appraisal of the literature sourced from PubMed and Google Scholar. The review includes peer-reviewed articles published between 2017 and 2024, as well as textbook literature published between 2005 and 2014.
Results. The review demonstrates the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic interventions in the management of diabetic complications. In particular, promising therapeutic outcomes associated with the Laserobaria 2.0_S device were identified in the treatment of chronic, non-healing wounds, including ulcers related to diabetic foot syndrome.
Conclusions. This review confirms the pivotal role of physiotherapy in the management of diabetic complications while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of adjunctive therapeutic procedures. It highlights the clinical relevance of manual therapy techniques, appropriate wound debridement, and physical therapy modalities. Furthermore, the findings indicate the therapeutic potential of laserobaric treatment in regenerative medicine, warranting further large-scale and controlled clinical investigations.
Key words
diabetes mellitus, diabetic complications, physiotherapy, diabetic foot syndrome, chronic wounds, laserobaric therapy
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The influence of Artur Karapetyan’s (Physiotherapist) activity on Instagram on the perception of the physiotherapist profession

Anita Brylak

Anita Brylak – The influence of Artur Karapetyan’s (Physiotherapist) activity on Instagram on the perception of the physiotherapist profession –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(5); 81-91

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZGA4317NQ4

Abstract
Introduction. The profession of physiotherapy does not enjoy the same high prestige in society as other medical professions, despite its crucial role in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients. However, in recent years, public awareness of the importance of physiotherapy for health and quality of life has been growing. Social media has had a significant impact on shaping public opinion in this area, becoming a major source of information about health and prevention.
Purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of media coverage on the perception of the physiotherapy profession, using the Instagram activity of Artur Karapetyan, a physiotherapist who posts content related to physiotherapy and health care, as an example.
Materials and Methods. A survey was conducted among internet users. Their age, gender, and frequency of physical activity were taken into account. One hundred internet users participated in the study, including 42 women and 52 men. The chi-square test was used to analyze the relationships between variables.
Results. Analysis of the study results revealed that Artur Karapetyan’s online activity had a significant impact on Internet users’ perceptions of the physiotherapy profession. The result was not directly related to their age, gender, or frequency of daily physical activity.
Conclusions. Physiotherapist Artur Karapetyan’s online activity has a significant impact on the perception of the physiotherapist profession among followers of the Fizjotherapist Instagram profile.
Key words
physiotherapy, physiotherapist, social media, health, Fizjotherapist
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Physiotherapeutic management and kinesiotaping in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A case study

Aneta Skworc, Paulina Bagnowska, Paulina Gawlik-Domagała

Aneta Skworc, Paulina Bagnowska, Paulina Gawlik-Domagała
– Physiotherapeutic management and kinesiotaping in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A case study –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(4); 103-110

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZGA431K2ZR

Abstract
The aim of this article is to present the diagnostic process, physiotherapeutic management, and the application of kinesiotaping as a supportive method in the rehabilitation of a 15-year-old patient with peripheral nervous system damage caused by Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Kinesiotaping was introduced in September 2022 and, due to its beneficial effects, was applied regularly once a week.
The use of kinesiotaping in peripheral neuropathies primarily improves patient functioning and, importantly, enhances their ability to participate in everyday life.
Key words
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, functional assessment, physiotherapy, kinesiotaping
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Muscle energy technique versus strain counterstrain in treatment of upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

Haytham Ibrahim Morsi, Bassem Galal Eldin El Nahass, Mona Mohamed Ibrahim

Haytham Ibrahim Morsi, Bassem Galal Eldin El Nahass, Mona Mohamed Ibrahim – Muscle energy technique versus strain counterstrain in treatment of upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(2); 294-303

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG00E1X350

Abstract
Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the superiority of effectiveness of muscle energy technique (MET) combined with physical therapy (PT), strain counterstrain (SCS) combined with PT, and PT alone in terms of pain intensity, pain pressure threshold (PPT), cervical range of motion (CROM), and neck disability for patients with upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Materials and methods. Fifty-four patients with upper trapezius MPS were randomly allocated into three equal groups. Group A received MET combined with the PT program, which included therapeutic ultrasound and isometric neck strengthening exercises. Group B received SCS combined with the same PT program, and Group C received the same PT program alone, for three sessions per week for four consecutive weeks. In addition, postural corrections and ergonomic advice were given to all three groups. The outcome measures were assessed pre- and post-treatment and included pain intensity, PPT, CROM, and neck disability, which were evaluated using the visual analogue scale, pressure threshold meter, CROM device, and neck disability index (Arabic version), respectively. Results. A 3×2 mixed model multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) test demonstrated significant improvement (p < 0.01) and significant between-group differences for post-treatment mean values (p < 0.05) in all the outcome measures in the three groups. Additionally, significant differences were found for post-treatment mean values in the pairwise comparison in favor of Group A and Group B as compared to Group C (p < 0.05) in all the outcome measures. Conclusion. Both techniques combined with PT are more effective than PT alone for patients with upper trapezius MPS.
Key words:
muscle energy technique, myofascial pain syndrome, physical therapy, strain counterstrain
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Development psychology of physical education in 10 years: Systematic review and bibliometric analysis

Anung Priambodo, Novadri Ayubi, Ainun Zulfikar Rizki, Alvin Afandi

 

Anung Priambodo, Novadri Ayubi, Ainun Zulfikar Rizki, Alvin Afandi – Development psychology of physical education in 10 years: Systematic review and bibliometric analysis –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(2); 178-185

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG00E184WX

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to analyze the development of physical education psychology over the past decade using a bibliometric approach. Physical education plays a role in supporting the overall development of students, including improving physical fitness and acquiring social, emotional, mental, and cognitive competencies. Although many studies have shown the positive impact of physical education interventions on various aspects of student development, the existing literature still lacks integration of all scientific aspects simultaneously—especially regarding the role of psychology in supporting the rehabilitation process for both athletes and non-athletes.
This study used systematic literature review methods and bibliometric analysis with data from the Scopus database, considering articles published between 2015 and 2024. Publication and citation trends revealed a total of 825 publications with 18,319 citations during the study period, with a fluctuating yearly distribution. A decrease in citation numbers may indicate a decline in research publications, whereas an increase in citations may reflect a growing research trend, with the United States leading in contributions, followed by Spain and China.
This study also highlights the importance of instructional design and teaching strategies in influencing student learning outcomes. Among the reviewed articles, there is a clear direction toward the application of psychological findings in physiotherapy, particularly in the context of movement and learning materials in physical education. The expected outcome is that these findings will provide new insights into the effectiveness of physical education interventions in supporting students’ psychological development and encourage further research to strengthen the evidence base for the psychological benefits of physical education.
Key words
psychology, physical education, physiotherapy, bibliometric
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Efficacy of soft tissue manipulation technique vs therapeutic exercise for an inadequate venous supply in women after pregnancy

Jenifer Augustina S, Kamalakannan M, Radhika S, Dhanusia S, Bharathi Ravichandran

Jenifer Augustina S, Kamalakannan M, Radhika S, Dhanusia S, Bharathi Ravichandran – Efficacy of soft tissue manipulation technique vs therapeutic exercise for an inadequate venous supply in women after pregnancy –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(1); 67-70

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG007DZPX0

Abstract
Background. It is caused by primary problems in the vascular wall and valve structure, as well as their insufficiency. Additionally, factors such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, obesity, insufficient movement, working in a sedentary position, and oral contraceptives contribute to impaired vascular tension and structure.
Objective. This study compares the effect of soft tissue manipulation technique and therapeutic exercise on inadequate venous supply in postpartum women.
Methodology. Thirty individuals were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were randomly allocated into two groups receiving one of the two physiotherapy interventions. NPRS and SF-36 were used to assess the effect of the interventions by comparing venous blood flow improvement before and after the allotted treatment for 10 weeks.
Results. A significant difference in NPRS and SF-36 scores was observed in both groups, indicating the effectiveness of both myofascial release manual therapy and therapeutic exercise. However, myofascial release manual therapy proved to be more effective in improving venous blood flow.
Conclusion. This study concludes that both soft tissue manipulation and therapeutic exercise improve venous blood flow. However, soft tissue manipulation was significantly more effective than therapeutic exercise.
Keywords
physiotherapy, venous insufficiency, postpartum, manual therapy, therapeutic exercises
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