From the Guidelines
Myofascial release is not directly recommended for improving posture based on the provided evidence. The study 1 discusses the evaluation of adolescents or adults with some features of Marfan syndrome, focusing on low-resistance exercise and physical therapy for myofascial release to improve joint stability, rather than specifically addressing posture.
Key Points to Consider
- The study 1 emphasizes the importance of low-resistance exercise and physical therapy, including myofascial release, for improving joint stability in patients with conditions like Marfan syndrome or EDS hypermobile type.
- While myofascial release may have indirect benefits for posture by improving joint stability and reducing pain, the direct impact on posture is not explicitly addressed in the provided study 1.
- Other factors such as vitamin C supplementation are mentioned for improving hypermobility, suggesting a multifaceted approach to managing conditions that might indirectly affect posture.
Clinical Application
In clinical practice, when considering the improvement of posture, it's essential to focus on evidence-based methods that directly address postural imbalances. While myofascial release can be beneficial for reducing pain and improving joint mobility, its role in directly improving posture is not clearly supported by the provided evidence 1. Therefore, a comprehensive approach including postural awareness exercises, movement training, and possibly other physical therapy modalities should be considered.
From the Research
Myofascial Release and Posture
- Myofascial release (MFR) is a form of manual therapy that involves the application of a low load, long duration stretch to the myofascial complex, intended to restore optimal length, decrease pain, and improve function 2.
- The effectiveness of MFR as a treatment option for various conditions, including posture, is still being researched, with mixed results in terms of quality and outcomes 2.
- A study on patients with fibromyalgia syndrome found that myofascial release techniques did not improve postural stability, but did improve pain symptoms, physical function, and clinical severity 3.
- Another study suggested that MFR can be used as an adjunctive physical therapy to improve symptoms of neck pain, but its effectiveness for other musculoskeletal conditions is variable and not supported by high-quality evidence 4.
- There is limited research on the specific effect of myofascial release on posture, but a study on alleviating low back pain using myofascial release, stretching, and spinal musculature strengthening suggested that these techniques can help mitigate pain caused by poor work-related postural positions 5.
- A case report on the synchronous application of yoga and myofascial release therapy for musculoskeletal pain found improvements in pain rating, pain interference, sleep disturbance, anxiety, fatigue, physical function, and social function, but did not specifically address posture 6.