Unconventional Methods for Easing a Knot in the Trapezius Muscle Muscle Group
Managing Arthritis: Foods to Avoid and Treatment Options
A new study, "Myofascial Trigger Points: An Anatomical Substratum," published in BioMed Research International, sheds light on a potential treatment for muscle knots, while other studies offer advice on dietary changes to help manage arthritis symptoms.
According to the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, individuals with arthritis should avoid certain foods to help control inflammation and pain. Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice, pasta, and other highly processed grains should be limited due to their ability to spike blood sugar levels and trigger inflammation, especially in osteoarthritis patients. Saturated and trans fats found in fatty red meats, processed meats, fried foods, and some packaged snacks should also be avoided, as they contribute to increased inflammation and can worsen joint cartilage damage.
Seafood like prawns, mussels, and sardines, which have a high purine content, should be limited as well, as they can aggravate gout, a type of arthritis. Alcohol, especially beer, and sugary drinks sweetened with high fructose corn syrup have been linked to worsened inflammation and gout symptoms. High sodium foods can exacerbate joint discomfort in osteoarthritis, while dairy and eggs may provoke inflammation in some with rheumatoid arthritis.
Avoiding these foods reduces inflammation and prevents further joint damage or flare-ups. Instead, diets rich in antioxidants, whole grains, omega-3 fatty acids (from fish), fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are beneficial for managing arthritis.
When it comes to muscle knots, a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy suggests that dry needling may be a viable treatment option. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, involved 100 participants with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points and compared the effects of dry needling, massage therapy, and a control group on pain and range of motion. The results showed that dry needling was more effective than massage therapy in reducing pain and improving range of motion.
Summit Orthopedics offers treatments that can be tried at home for Trigger Points, while the National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists provides information on what Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy is. For those interested in learning more about the science behind muscle knots, a study titled "Myofascial Trigger Point Deactivation in the Trapezius Muscle: A Randomized Controlled Trial" was published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy.
In addition, a study titled "Predictors of Upper Trapezius Pain With Myofascial Trigger Points in Food Service Workers the STROBE Study" was published in the Journal of Human Kinetics. This study focuses on the prevalence of upper trapezius myofascial trigger points in food service workers and their predictors.
Lastly, a study titled "Changes in Muscle Stiffness of the Trapezius Muscle After Application of Ischemic Compression into Myofascial Trigger Points in Professional Basketball Players" was published in the Journal of PhysioMed. This study investigates the effects of ischemic compression on muscle stiffness in professional basketball players with myofascial trigger points in the trapezius muscle.
In summary, arthritis patients should limit intake of refined carbs, saturated and trans fats, purine-rich seafood, alcohol, sugary drinks, and high-sodium processed foods to help control inflammation and pain. For those suffering from muscle knots, dry needling may be a viable treatment option, while Summit Orthopedics and the National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists offer resources for further information.
- To alleviate arthritis symptoms, individuals should consider incorporating foods rich in antioxidants, whole grains, omega-3 fatty acids (from fish), fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds into their diet, while avoiding refined carbs, saturated and trans fats, purine-rich seafood, alcohol, sugary drinks, and high-sodium processed foods that contribute to inflammation and pain.
- As an alternative treatment for muscle knots, dry needling may be more effective than massage therapy in reducing pain and improving range of motion, as suggested by a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy.
