Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2002. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 282-312). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 / Myofascial pain syndrome is defined as the sensory, motor and autonomic symptoms caused by myofascial trigger points (MFTPs), or hyperirritable spots within skeletal muscles that are associated with palpable nodules in a taut band (Travell, Simons and Simons, 1999 1:5). Treatments for this syndrome include, but are not limited to is haemic compression, heat pack therapy, active range of motion, spray and stretch, tens therapy, interferential current therapy and myofascial release technique (Hou et al. 2002). Despite this array of treatments available to a clinician, authors agree that more studies are required to determine the efficacy of these treatments (Han and Harrison, 1997:98). Thus an effective treatment is needed for myofascial pain syndrome as according to Schneider (1995); myofascial pain syndrome has become one of the most predominant soft tissue syndromes seen in the clinical practice today. The purpose of this study is to determine the relative effectiveness of myofascial manipulation versus the ischaemic compression in the treatment of myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle in terms of objective and subjective clinical findings.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003 / The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a home programme of ischaemic compression in the treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, at Technikon Natal, 1999. / The purpose of this investigation was to compare the relative effect of spinal manipulation as opposed to acupuncture treatment in order to determine a more effective approach in the treatment of chronic sinusitis. It was hypothesized that chiropractic treatment and acupuncture treatment would both be effective in the treatment of chronic sinusitis. However, it was proposed that the chiropractic treatment would be more effective than acupuncture treatment / M

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / Cervicogenic Headache is a common musculoskeletal disorder afflicting people worldwide. It causes decreased productivity and mild to severe disability and thus has a large socio-economic impact on society. Much research is needed to improve the successful management of patients afflicted with this disorder. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of spinal manipulation alone and spinal manipulation in conjunction with cervical stabilization exercises in the treatment of cervicogenic headache. Thirty eligible participants conforming to the North American Cervicogenic Headache Society classification of cervicogenic headache were solicited and randomly assigned to two groups of fifteen. Group 1 received spinal manipulative therapy to the full spine. Group 2 received spinal manipulative therapy to the full spine as well as cervical stabilization exercises. Patients were treated eight times over a four-week period with a six-week follow-up consultation thereafter. Objective and subjective measurements were taken at. the first, fourth, eighth and six-week follow-up consultations. Objective measurements consisted of cervical spine range of motion measurements. Subjective measures consisted of the Vernon-Mior neck pain and disability index and the numerical pain rating scale. Both groups displayed numerical improvements in all cervical spine ranges of motion. Both groups had statistically significant improvements in cervical spine right lateral flexion, while group 1 only had a statistically significant improvement in cervical spine left lateral flexion. Both groups displayed statistically significant improvements in the subjective measures. However, neither group had a statistically significant improvement over the other. It can be concluded that neither spinal manipulative therapy nor spinal manipulative therapy in conjunction with cervical stabilization exercises is more effective than the other. Thus rehabilitation of the cervicogenic headache patient yielded no measurable added benefit to spinal manipulative therapy only. However, results indicate that if more rigid or complex application of cervical spine stability training is incorporated, superior results may be achieved.

M.Tech. / Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and severely disabling disease (I). Chiropractic mobilisation functions well to improve mobility, relieve pain and promote healing (2). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for the treatment of OA. Their role in OA, however, is not clearly understood (3). Adverse side effects and the cost of NSAIDs also remain a problem (4). Seatone is a health supplement that has therapeutic properties that provides symptomatic relief of OA by means of its anti-inflammatory action (5,6). Seatone produces a slow, but progressive relief from pain and stiffness and improves quality of life (7' 8). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Seatone on the treatment of OA. This was achieved by comparing Chiropractic mobilisation (in preference to Chiropractic manipulation) in conjunction with oral administration of Seatone to Chiropractic mobilisation or oral administration of Seatone alone, by means of subjective and objective measurements. The study required forty-five subjects, above the age of thirty-eight years, suffering from OA of the knee joint, according to the classification criteria (Appendix A). The subjects were screened according to the exclusion and inclusion criteria and all the relevant forms, questionnaires and clinical examinations were completed. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. Treatment was conducted over a period of eight weeks. Objective or goniometer readings and subjective measurements were done prior to and following treatment to determine the effect of the therapies. The subjective measurements were taken from the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. The Cincinnati Knee Rating System, a comprehensive knee questionnaire, was completed at the initial and final consultation. A combined treatment of Chiropractic mobilisation and oral administration of Seatone or oral administration of Seatone alone showed a greater mean improvement than Chiropractic mobilisation alone, in mobility. There was no significant difference in the assessment of pain between the three groups. However, results show that Seatone has a positive effect in the treatment of OA of the knee, for improving mobility.

A dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at Technikon Natal, 2000. / This study compared the relative effectiveness of low intensity laser therapy as opposed to dry needling in the treatment of active myofascial trigger points. The purpose of this study was to determine the more effective method of treating active myofascial trigger points, in terms of subjective and objective clinical findings. This study was a comparative, uncontrolled, unblinded pilot study. It was also intended to expand upon the little understood pathophysiology and treatment of muscular pain, in both chiropractic and medical curricula (Gatterman 1990: 285). / M

A dissertation in partial compliance with the requirements for a Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at Technikon Natal, 2000. / Myofascial trigger points are a common problem for patients as weJl as physicians. According to some authors Myofascial Pain Syndromes encompass the largest group of unrecognised and under-treated medical disorders. At present, needling techniques seem to be most effective in treating myofascial trigger points, however, many chiropractors claim that manipulation alone is sufficient for trigger point amelioration. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation to the level of main segmental nerve supply versus dry needling in the treatment of selected muscles with myofascial trigger points. / M

A dissertation completed in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at Technikon Natal, 2002. / The purpose of this retrospective investigation was to analyze and critique, the Chiropractic Students' Sports Questionnaire in order to refine the questionnaire and establish its face validity with reference to field hockey. / M

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at Technikon Natal, 2000. / Sacroiliac joint syndrome represents a common cause of lower back pain (Cassidy and Burton 1992:3). However, much controversy exists regarding the most reliable method used to diagnose and determine sacroiliac joint dysfunction (Wiles and Faye 1992). / M