Researchers from the Universidade de São Paulo in Brazil evaluated the effectiveness of chest physiotherapy during the immediate postoperative period among patients who had elective upper abdominal surgery. (more…)

Dr. Jennie Tsao from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in California has reviewed the evidence and concludes it depends on the type of pain being treated. (more…)

Medscape has published a review written by clinicians from around the US.

Let’s focus on 6 supportive care options for chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, aka chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis. (more…)

 Medscape has published a review.

Here’s a summary of CAM options. (more…)

 Neck pain is a frequently reported complaint, and mechanical traction is often used to aid outpatient rehabilitation.

In this Cochrane review by researchers at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, the effects of mechanical traction for neck disorders is assessed. (more…)

 This study compared the effect of rest intervals on isokinetic knee exercise in physically active younger and older women.

Isokinetic exercises use an apparatus that provides “variable resistance” (photo). Regardless of the effort exerted, movement occurs at a constant speed. This technique is used to improve muscular strength and endurance, especially after injury. (more…)

 Just another study of manual therapy for low back pain?

What seems to be new in this study by researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden is the duration of follow-up. (more…)

 The Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine and Digestive Center opened Sept. 2nd in Baltimore, Maryland. (more…)

Dr. Perry Fine — an anesthesiologist from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City — has published an excellent review of this topic. It is essential reading for healthcare professionals as well as family and patient caregivers.

Among other issues, it provides good perspective on the role of CAM approaches to pain management in palliative care, which I have summarized here.

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Of the many symptoms experienced by those at the end of life, pain is one of the most common, feared, and often undertreated,

Dr. Perry Fine from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City reviews the treatment options, including CAM. Here’s a summary. (more…)