Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 2251-8401 14 2 2025 05 22 Myofascial Release Technique on Spinal Deformities: A Narrative Review Myofascial Release Technique on Spinal Deformities: A Narrative Review 174 185 1101787 10.32598/SJRM.14.2.3305 FA Farnaz Farshchi Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 0000-0000-0000-0000 Journal Article 2024 11 27 Background and Aims Myofascial release (MFR) is one of the manual therapies that involves applying pressure to the muscles and fascia to soften and stretch the myofascial complex. This therapy aims to restore optimal muscle length, reduce pain, and enhance overall function. The current review aimed to investigate the effects of MFR on spinal deformities, including scoliosis, hyperkyphosis, and hyperlordosis. Methods The search was conducted using the PICO method from inception until November 2024 in the PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases, applying OR and AND operators. The search focused on two main sections of PICO: Population and Intervention. The inclusion criteria for the studies were as follows: 1) Participants must have some spinal deformities, including scoliosis, hyperkyphosis, or hyperlordosis (or a combination of these), and 2) The therapeutic intervention must be massage therapy utilizing the MFR technique for these individuals. Studies that implemented the MFR technique for conditions other than the three deformities mentioned above or those that used corrective exercises without MFR in individuals with scoliosis, hyperkyphosis, or hyperlordosis were excluded from this review. Results A total of 11 studies were included based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among these, 5 studies focused on scoliosis, 3 examined hyperkyphosis, and another 3 investigated hyperlordosis. The research methodologies varied: Five studies were case reports, four were single-blind randomized clinical trials, and two were single-group quasi-experimental studies. The findings indicated that the MFR technique reduced pain, decreased spinal deformity in the affected areas, and improved range of motion. Moreover, the combination of MFR with corrective exercises demonstrated more effective results on these parameters than either MFR or corrective exercises used individually. Conclusion The MFR technique can effectively reduce spinal deformities and improve pain and range of motion in the spine. Combining MFR with corrective exercises can improve these outcomes more than either MFR or corrective exercises alone. Background and Aims Myofascial release (MFR) is one of the manual therapies that involves applying pressure to the muscles and fascia to soften and stretch the myofascial complex. This therapy aims to restore optimal muscle length, reduce pain, and enhance overall function. The current review aimed to investigate the effects of MFR on spinal deformities, including scoliosis, hyperkyphosis, and hyperlordosis. Methods The search was conducted using the PICO method from inception until November 2024 in the PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases, applying OR and AND operators. The search focused on two main sections of PICO: Population and Intervention. The inclusion criteria for the studies were as follows: 1) Participants must have some spinal deformities, including scoliosis, hyperkyphosis, or hyperlordosis (or a combination of these), and 2) The therapeutic intervention must be massage therapy utilizing the MFR technique for these individuals. Studies that implemented the MFR technique for conditions other than the three deformities mentioned above or those that used corrective exercises without MFR in individuals with scoliosis, hyperkyphosis, or hyperlordosis were excluded from this review. Results A total of 11 studies were included based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among these, 5 studies focused on scoliosis, 3 examined hyperkyphosis, and another 3 investigated hyperlordosis. The research methodologies varied: Five studies were case reports, four were single-blind randomized clinical trials, and two were single-group quasi-experimental studies. The findings indicated that the MFR technique reduced pain, decreased spinal deformity in the affected areas, and improved range of motion. Moreover, the combination of MFR with corrective exercises demonstrated more effective results on these parameters than either MFR or corrective exercises used individually. Conclusion The MFR technique can effectively reduce spinal deformities and improve pain and range of motion in the spine. Combining MFR with corrective exercises can improve these outcomes more than either MFR or corrective exercises alone.

https://medrehab.sbmu.ac.ir/article_1101787_062f5b7884029286f3c88fd0ddf73447.pdf