Performance Study: Effects of Pro Muscle Release Therapy

by Dr. Mike Flores D.C., C.C.S.P® Dr. Christopher Chang D.C., and Connor Naasz

Objective:

The Pro Muscle Release (PMR) is a therapeutic modality that precisely administers the benefits of percussion therapy. This patented technology delivers rapid, mechanical percussions that penetrate multiple muscle layers, thereby promoting healing and accelerated recovery.
The aim of the study was to compare the effects of PMR on the athletic performance of subjects when compared to traditional foam rolling treatment.

Methods:

Six cross country runners, aged 16-19 (4 females and 2 males) were divided into two treatment groups. The first group received 15 minutes of PMR to their lower extremities while the second group was provided an equal amount of time using traditional foam rolling procedures. Any runners previously treated by the PMR were excluded, only runners allowed to participate had never been treated by the PMR. After a rest period of 15 minutes, subjects were asked to perform a standing vertical jump (measured using a VerTec) and a 25 yard sprint; speed on turf, hand timed. We used a track coach with no affiliation with the PMR and the cross country athletes to time in order to avoid any bias.

The two treatments were conducted over an 8-week period utilizing the following schedule:

• Weeks 1-2, Treatment 2 times/week
• Weeks 3-4, Treatment 1 time/week
• Weeks 5-8, Treatment 1 time every other week

 

Results:

• A significant difference was found in the dependent measures of the 25 yard sprint and strong directional findings were found in the vertical jump:
• The PMR group Vertical Jump improved by an average of; Female 2.5 inches: Male 5 inches higher (male had 4 treatments)
• The PMR group 25-yard sprint improved by an average of; Female 0.33seconds faster: Male 0.17 seconds faster (male had 4 treatments)
• The foam roller group Vertical Jump improved by an average of; Female no change: Male 1.5 inches higher (male had 6 treatments)
• The foam roller group 25 yard sprint group improved by an average of; Female 0.155 seconds faster: Male 0.13 seconds faster (male had 6 treatments)

Conclusion:

The reason for this project was to investigate the relationship between PMR’s technology and traditional foam rolling techniques and how each influenced performance immediately after treatment.

Limitations of the study include but are not limited to: scheduling conflicts and possible human error.

For the next study we have a machine time the runs instead of a human to avoid that type of error.

Based on the significant findings of this study, it is suggested that a further study be conducted using more subjects for a longer period of time as well as including a control group.

The current study opens the doors for further research within the fields of sports medicine and chiropractic medicine.
IRB pending.

Frozen Shoulder Case Study

Frozen Shoulder is medically referred to as, Adhesive Capsulitis. It is a condition in which the shoulder capsule, the glenohumeral joint becomes inflamed. Movement of the shoulder is severely restricted. Pain is severe, worse at night, and pushed to extremes in cold weather. Certain movements can cause a sudden onset of tremendous muscle cramping and tension and stiff, greatly restricting motion and causing pain.

The cause of the condition is unknown and can last 9 months to 3 years. It’s most likely explanation is trauma, overuse, menopausal and/or autoimmune.

In this case we have a 47 year old active female. Former competitive swimmer from youth until present. No prior shoulder surgeries, injuries or pathologies. No history of autoimmune, cancer or hypertension. Patent presented with the condition Frozen Shoulder. Had 2 months of prior care with no progress and she “felt” it was getting worse.

Below is the program designed for this case was in 2 months:

10/15 – first appointment with Dr. Mike (had 2 previous appointments prior with associate – with no improvement) advised cortisone injection
10/19 – got cortisone shot
10/22 – next appt with Dr. Mike
12/19 – last appt with Dr. Mike ( in total had 19 appts with you)
In office treatment included 20 minutes of percussion therapy with Chuck Pechin’s PMR 1000 applied to the entire shoulder complex (rotator cuff, serratus anterior, rhomboids, upper/mid/lower traps, latissimus dorsi, levator scap, scalenes, biceps brachii, and pec major/minor). Followed by 10 minutes of myofascial release to same structures. After soft tissue, we used Pulse Electro-Magnetic Therapy to the shoulder complex for 12 visits. Patient saw extreme pain reduction and improved range of motion immediately.
Patient was out on a daily exercise and supplement regimen.

Daily exercise program (approx 40 minutes)

1. Door stretch for 30 seconds (did at start and end of daily program)
2. Moved arms like riding a bike – forward 50 times and back 50 times
3. Bent over and held a water bottle for 30 seconds; moved to 3 pound weight and them 5 pound weight as improved
4. Used pole to stretch arms up (10 times, holding for 5 seconds) and did the same thing behind back
5. Side lateral arm roll forward and back for 25 times each
6. Arm roll holding shoulder – rolling forward and back for 25 times each
7. Sit on hand and stretch the next – 90 and 45 degrees for 30 seconds each
8. Sleeper stretch – 90 and 45 degrees for 30 seconds each
9. Bottle life for strength – laying on side lifted water bottle half way up and then did an inside lift – 15 reps, 3x each
10. IYT’s – did 12 reps of each
11. Face end of a wall and lean shoulder with arm down (awkward position), turn to stretch for 30 seconds, 3x
12. Held and stretched arm behind back for 30 seconds, 3x

Daily supplement program (Before Dr. Mike)

• Centrum silver multivitamin (for women over 50 L)
• Fish oil (1200 mg 2 x daily)
• Calcium/Vit D (1000 mgs 2x a day)

What Dr. Mike added:

• Joint Health Complex (2x daily)
• Hyaluronic Acid (2x daily)
• B-12 1000 mcg (1x daily)

Other:

• 20 minutes in the Jacuzzi every other day, doing some stretches

For specific product brands contact Dr. Mike Flores, DC CCSP® Sports Physician and Chiropractor: